75 gal reef lighting   3/6/12
Hi guys...
<And gals Mel>
I am in the process of upgrading my a 30 gal FOWLR (only inhabitants currently are about 15 lbs of live rock, one Sixline wrasse, one maroon clown and cleanup crew)- to a 75 gallon starter reef tank.  I have researched for months and your site has been helpful (and provided a much needed chuckles at times).   I'm all set on biological and mechanical filtration, water circulation, etc.  I was given an essentially new  48" 4 X 54w T5 HO fixture (2 12000K HO fluorescent and 2 54W actinic w/4 bluemoon
LEDS)  and am wondering if this will be enough light for mushrooms and soft corals, if they are appropriately placed in the tank and if so, would it be beneficial to replace one of the actinic w/a HO white bulb.
<Should be>
or do I need to upgrade before I try my hand at this.
<I wouldn't>
Thanks so much for your help!
Melissa
<Welcome! Bob Fenner>
Re: 75 gal reef lighting   3/6/12
sweet.
<Ahh, like your name, melior-is, from the Latin>
  Thanks!  so should I swap one of the blue bulbs out?
Melissa
<Indeed I would. Please read here re: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/lighting/actinicfaqs.htm
BobF>

Lighting Question Hi Bob: Hope all is well. I recently had one of my ballasts go out in my Oceanic strip lights (2 30" fluorescent, using 2 'NO' 24" bulbs each). I was thinking of buying the oceanic replacement that uses the HO single bulb compact lighting. I currently have a fish only tank with about 5-6 2-4 lbs pieces of live rock. The question is do I spend double the money for these new lights (around $140 for both) or do I go the cheap way and just replace the with regular dual 'NO' fluorescent lights (probably $60-80)? Is it worth the upgrade? (e.g. brighter, better for the live rock etc...) <A good question... comes down to a consideration of really cost now vs. costs in the longer run and function/looks... The better lighting is better... and seemingly more costly... but will save you money in not so much time... in real electrical costs (versus useful light production) and replacement lamps/fixtures... Looks-wise and function wise the upgrade is definitely worth the small initial investment difference... I would upgrade> As always thanks for your advice. Chris Goldenstein <Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>