Lighting for a 65g

[cyberoptik]

Hi,

This is my first post here at LivingReefs. Here's my dilemma: I've got a lot of awesome zoas (frags + colonies) and in my little 12g nano frag tank.. they look Awesome. The colors pop and everything (it has two power compact lights).

How can I get the same quality of lighting in my 65 gallon -- with it being a little over twice as deep? The current lighting I have on there is a powercompany (needs to bulbs) and a little 30 inch t5 strip. When I have my zoas in the 65 the color doesn't pop at all, they all open up but look 'blah' -- the coloring just isn't there.

Hope to get some good advice :).

Ron

 

[Cathic]

You just need some stronger lights to penetrate the water depth, perhaps some t5 HO or metal halides will do well whichever is in your budget. Also, for the pop, the bulb you put into either will make a large difference on the color you will get. Try to shop around and get reviews. There are some people on here who are experts with T5 selection.

 

[marcah]

I would look into lighting like this

Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures

or this one either I think would be fine for your tank :D

48in Metal Halide HQI System Advance Plus

 

[SeaBee]

TEK makes an awesome light, very bright, no fans, cool and quiet. Comes in all kinds of sizes. I get more light out of my TEK than my old Current fixture, almost twice as much. Check them out. made in the USA and better quality than most lights I've seen.

Sunlight Supply Tek T5 High Output Aquarium Light Fixtures

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome

+1 Cathic

 

[Smitty]

Welcome to the site...I'd go with a T-5 fixture.

 

[Northstar24]

+1 Everybody - T5's or MH will do the trick

 

[ErinCahir]

Hello and welcome!
Everybody has you covered!

 

[Bifferwine]

Hi and welcome to the site! The color and brand of the bulb you buy will determine how much your colors pop.