Refugium and lighting question from inexperienced

[w_hartyjr]

Hello,
I recently bought a 75 rr aquarium with a sump(has orange bio balls,skimmer and return pump).It's measurement are: inlet 10"deep X 10" wide X 16" tall, return side is 10" deep X 14" wide X 10" tall.i still have 20 inches of space left under the cabinet
My problem is two fold:
1. I want to add a refuge( to grow cheating and pods) to this existing system.how can I do this with a minimal amount of money.any suggestions???
2. I want to be able to put whatever kind of coral in it that I want in this aquarium and not sure what type of lighting is best. I looking at LEDs and metal halides.
I am not sure if 250 watt mh would be enough lighting or should I use 400 watt . Which ones are better hqi builds or double ended bulbs. There are too many options.
Oh yeh , I now am using 4 cf 65 watt bulbs and 4 t-8 bulbs, sorry for so many questions . Thanks for all the great info on this clubs web site

 

[jead85]

Two single ended 250w would be good. Best is usually radium 20k

 

[w_hartyjr]

would the 2-250 watt bulbs support a clam when the tank is ready

 

[cr500_af]

Two 250s is plenty for clams. The biggest hurdle you'll have is heat... the smaller the tank the more the lights will raise the temp. I've got 2 250s on a 90g (tied to a 30g frag tank) and I have to use a chiller in the summer months. I might be OK if I kept my house really cool, but the chiller hurts the wallet less than a thermostat set on 72 would.

I'd recommend losing the bio balls BTW.

 

[islandreef]

The lighting you have should get you there. Just keep an eye on the heat. As for the Clam I would wait awhile on that until you have finished your fuge and its up and running smoothly.

 

[cr500_af]

Agreed with Islandreef... I took "when the tank is ready" to mean mature and stable. Then I reread the OP and realized I may have taken it wrong... the more sensitive the animal, the more time you want to give the tank to mature before adding.