Newbie light question

[fiestyblonde]

Ok Im sure 500 people have asked this same question. I have a 55 g that has been set up and running for almost 2 months. I have 10 lbs of live rock(making arrangements for more rock and sand) two clowns, 2 damsels 1 small blue tang 10 crabs and 25 snails, and a 2 inch sandbottom. Im running a sea clone protien skimmer.The lights I have are 2 20 watt coral/ fish lights from walmart. I know this is not the correct lighting I need more. Im just completely confused when it comes the lighting stuff. I would like to possiably have a few soft corals. I know when it comes to the fish they dont require alot of light but I need suggestions on whats the best way to go. Ive seen complete lights with all the lights for day night and dawn. The ballest stuff and all the wattage and stuff just has my mind swimming (oh and yea Im blonde but dont let that confuse you..lol) any advice would be a tremndous help.
April

[mg426]

There is an awesome lighting thread by waterkeeper. I believe there is a link to it on this page somewhere.

[smcdonn]

On a tank with just fish and possibly some soft corals, a 4 x 54watt T5 fixture (the fixtures with the small diameter flourescent bulbs) should be fine. If your thinking about doing a tank with some SPS corals or even some clams, you may want to look at a little more light like a 2 x 175 watt Metal Halide setup. And if your wanting to save some money, you could get a kit to retrofit a canopy with some Power Compact Flourescent bulbs. When you hear somebody say they have PC's on there tank, this is what they are talking about. If I were you though, I would look at the 4 x 54watt T5 fixture. This is a fairly simple setup and should be able to handle most soft corals. If you have any other questions don't be afraid to ask. I have been in this for over 6 months now and am still just learning about a lot of this stuff. Cheers

Sean

[yamaha racer]

no if u get the TEK 4x54w t-5 fixture u can keep sps and clams. thats what im getting hopfully for my birthday, its goin to be a sps tank and a clam of so

[smcdonn]

200watts over a 55 with sps and clams? I think that would be pushing it. Either way though she said she only wants to keep some softies so it should work just fine.

[yamaha racer]

ya but if she does want to keep those things she can

[fiestyblonde]

Thanks so much for the advise. Im still a little "stupid" about the lighting lingo. I ck the drygoods selling forum everyday in hopes of finding a reasonable setup that wont have my husband going WHAT THE H***did you spend 600 bucks on..lol also I wasnt sure what I would be looking for.... I do want a setup with all the lights so I can hook up timers boy will I have questions then. Now in a few months Im hoping to have a 75g up and running...yea Ill be kicking his jack dempsey into a 40 g fresh water I have ..on his request because he wants to have a coral tank, wait till I tell him what he'll need on that, but then again I only paid 20 bucks for the 75 g tank. Believe it or not some crazy guy thought he was going to use it for a horse water trough and they say blondes are dumb..lol