Lighting

[Sweetpea]

Any interest in SPS corals, like acropora or something similar, at all?

[cweber]

I like a few acros but arent they harder to keep?

[Sweetpea]

They will need more intense lighting that shrroms and zoos would need. I kept some acroporas and montiporas under T5s w/ IceCap 660 ballast (and saw growth) in a 20g tank. I personally would recommend going with the best lighting set-up that you can possibly afford. There's nothing quite as frustrating as buying equipment and then deciding that you "need" to upgrade a few months later. Save your money and get the best up front!

[jojo22]

If you want i will try and do step by step.

If you don't I will be forced to come stay with you for an extended visit and take pics myself!!!!!!!

[cweber]

haha that might not be a bad idea. i can soak up some exp. well i guess im gonna do a new drawing of my stand tonight and figure out my new plumbing setup. so what would be the best thing and i will see what i can afford. i assume 150 watt halide?

[jojo22]

How long is the 29??? A single halide will cover 2 feet of surface area. also how deep because that will be a big factor in how much wattage you need.

[Sweetpea]

Over-driven T5s did really well for me, and they have the added benefit of lighting the full length of the bulb/tank. Mhs are more of a point source light, but they are fabulous. Plus, everyone loves the "shimmer" effect. I have fallen in love with the way the tank looks with MHs!

[cweber]

what about 24" 96 watt nova extreme t-5 on foster smith for $160?

[jojo22]

Lights are a lot like a used car. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!! My best peice of advice to you would be to look at pics here and ask what certin corals are so that you can ask and research what will or won't go together and then after you have a stocking list or at least know the general type of corals you want start looking at lighting.

Also if you can DIY then you should DIY. for 160 bux you could build a t-5 setup and have it configured in a canopy the way you want not they way that is easiest to mass manufacture.

[cweber]

Way ahead of you bro. this is what i wanted for the ten plus a few.

red shroom
blue shroom
green floues shroom
orange spot colony polyp
button polyp
super color poyp
pinapple brain coral
moonstone brain
maze brain