?????????

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 12:29 pm

I have a 29 gal tall with fish. live rock . devils hand.star polyp and candy cane corals how much lighting do i need i have a 18 watt 10,000k and a true blue actinic T5`s do i need more or is this ok. thanx for any info

Amphiprion · Post by **Amphiprion** » Tue May 27, 2008 3:15 pm

In your situation, more certainly wouldn't hurt. I would certainly recommend more, if possible. Maybe invest in T5 HO fluorescents, as opposed to normal T5 lamps.

crsswift70 · Post by **crsswift70** » Tue May 27, 2008 6:49 pm

You can certainly read up on that, but i have 165 watts over my 29 gallon (3 55w PC's). so.... almost 6 watts per gallon. This, from what i've read, is plenty good for most soft corals and some LPS. If you only have 36w total.. i'd be moving everything up high

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 6:54 pm

so i would have to get a new fixture or can i use better bulbs ? the one i have is a coralife double strip t5

crsswift70 · Post by **crsswift70** » Tue May 27, 2008 7:02 pm

Fixtures and their internal ballasts can only do so much. So yes, you would probably need a new fixture or make one up yourself. There are plenty of DIY sites for hoods and lighting. I should be breaking down my 29 within the next 2-3 weeks. If you and your corals can wait that long, i can sell you what i have. It's something i made, but all the parts are there for you to make up your own hood. 1 double ballast, 1 single, 2 fans, 3 reflectors and bulbs. Power compact lamps aren't the latest hottest thing, but if you're just going to do softies and some fish, it's more than enough. Don't wait on me though, go get yourself some lights to make the corals happy.

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:49 pm

ok u think this is enough 30" 130W Power Compact Aquarium PC Reef Light NIB its only 130 watts or VHO 30" 380W Metal Halide Reef light Aquarium Lighting or is this a bit much but i cant put a hood on my tank no room for one so trying to find a fixture

crsswift70 · Post by **crsswift70** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:59 pm

Between the two, i'd say 130w. BUT, so much depends on what you're planning on keeping in the tank. You really need to do some research and think about what corals you want, and what lights you can afford. Remembering that this is a small tank and that you may want larger in the future. In other words, don't sink too much money in to a setup you may ditch or want to upgrade soon. There are general watts per gallon formulas people use, but even these formulas vary so much depending on what type bulb you use. All i can tell you is that i had 165w PC lamps over my tank and the corals i had did fine. I didn't have heat issues and nothing died from lack of, or too much light. There is soooo much info out there and everyones requirements are different depending on so many factors. You just have to research

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:16 pm

yup that is all im going to put maybe some mushrooms not sure on them yet but the devils hand star polyps and the candycane im going to get a 75 or 100 in a few months the 29 is going to my wifes and little girls

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:25 pm

what about this for a 75gal--- VHO 48" 760W Metal Halide Reef light Aquarium Lighting 329.00

crsswift70 · Post by **crsswift70** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:38 pm

This is what i just bought for my new 75 gallon. http://www.aquarium-supply.biz/ProductD ... 72&click=2
on Ebay. I don't ever plan on keeping SPS or high light corals that need tons of supplements and equipment. It will just be a mixed tank with a clam possible in the future. With this, i'll get about 7w per gallon... should be enough for everything im looking to get. Be careful with the Jebo and the other Chinese Ebay lights. You can read threads about those on several forums. Many people swear by them, but only after spending another couple hundred on upgrading ballasts and bulbs. Even then however, you save a good bit over the name brand lights. Once again.. research.. he he. (i read too much

)

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:46 pm

yup yup i guess im going to get the 130 watt pc and hope it works that will be 94 more watts than i have. my star polyp seems fine just not sure the candycane and devils hand will be safe i hope 130 watts will be enogh its a coralife pc i hope its ok lol

crsswift70 · Post by **crsswift70** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:51 pm

I would say yes to that since i was a former owner of some of your corals

. If they look poor, you can always move them up or down the rocks. They can adapt to an extent. I had the CC low and high in my tank, the devils hand was almost on the bottom.. so, i think that would be enough for them. Shrooms would do ok i think as well. They are considered low/mod light.

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:53 pm

im ready to go to B&B and clean house in the salt department them guys kill me i guess its just as much my fault for not knowing better

but i thought they could sell me what i needed i told the guy i wanted to keep corals and fish i guess i can use this 36 watt T5 on a sump

crsswift70 · Post by **crsswift70** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:57 pm

Personally i like progressive in our area for honesty and accurate info. There are i'm sure knowledgeable staff in all LFS's but i just get a better feeling from them overall. Forums are also a great place.. people don't mind calling BS on someone or stating their personal opinions on things. You see many different ideas and takes on things.

lowrider · Post by **lowrider** » Tue May 27, 2008 11:07 pm

yes sir i told my wife never will i buy from there anymore i will go to Fat Fish and progessive im thew with B&B on my tank