What kind of light do I need for a reef tank? I found a used tank with a light. The seller said it is a reef ready light. I have not gone to look at it yet but I need to know what to look for to make sure it is what I need before I buy it. Thanks
First ask him exactly what kind of light it is. There are T5 flourescent lights, VHO(very high output) flourescent lights, Metal halide lights and the newest type is LED lights. It also depends on what kind of corals you are having in your reef. Soft corals do not require the higher amount of lighting as do SPS(stony corals).
IMO I would want the tank to be reef ready, which means it has a built in overflow. Be careful when someone says it is a reefready light, because it all depends on what kind of light.
Also it depends on what size the tank is.
Don’t be in a hurry to purchase something, it may not work out to be exactly what you need and end up costing more money later on.
It also depends on how big the tank is. A tank such as a 75 gallon tank is several inches shallower compared to a 90 but has the same footprint. With a tank that is not as deep the same type of light over the 2 tanks will have different intensities twards the bottom. If your unsure take notes and pictures and post them and sure we can help