A little help with lights.

[as1720]

Well im new to all this, and am just trying to find some info on lighting a small 29 gal tank. Im just ready for right now but i am having a hard time searching for info, i dont know whats what or what to call what when im searching. lol

Any one have some good web site links?

Or any good threads about lights?

 

[mcvicker]

It is always best to start with what you want to keep in your reef tank and then work back from that point on deciding equipment. Describe the tank you are trying to build and we can help you decide on lights. Is it a reef, fish only, what types of corals, and so forth.
-chris

 

[as1720]

Well its a 29 gal tank.

We plan on keeping some clown fish and later on some anemnese sp? for the clowns. So i know it would have to be strong lighting but i want to do it right some i am trying to gather some information. I know we wont be doing the lights for a while but i figured might as well start reading now it wont hurt.

It is always best to start with what you want to keep in your reef tank and then work back from that point on deciding equipment. Describe the tank you are trying to build and we can help you decide on lights. Is it a reef, fish only, what types of corals, and so forth.
-chris

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Well its a 29 gal tank.

We plan on keeping some clown fish and later on some anemnese sp? for the clowns. So i know it would have to be strong lighting but i want to do it right some i am trying to gather some information. I know we wont be doing the lights for a while but i figured might as well start reading now it wont hurt.

Anemones are a lot of fun, but keep in mind they are a very advanced level animal to keep healthy and alive. A tank with some fish has much less requirements than a tank with invertebrate livestock such as anemones.

For a small marine fish aquarium, some low cost compact florescent lighting would do fine. For anemones and other photosynthetic animals, would need higher power such as T-5s, VHO, or Metal Halide.

 

[mcvicker]

Anemone's are really cool, but can be hard to keep. I would recommend getting a t5 retro system with two bulbs (try reefgeek or marinedepot or something) to hold you over for the first six months with fish and maybe some softies. Then look at adding a retro or 150 watt halide and converting the T5's to actinics if you decide to keep an anemone. This should give you a high power light for the anemone when your system is stable and you are comfortable. But those are just my two cents worth...
-chris

 

[as1720]

We are going to go slow. lol Thats for sure!

We will be getting a big check at the end of next month so i figured we will buy them then while we have the money. So i want to research what we need befor we go into a store to buy them. or if we go online i want to know what im talking about when i tell my boyfriend what to order since he likes to argue with me. lol I just have to one up him.

So im trying to find info on whats what and what the lingo is because i am starting from scratch here.

I'll look at some of the sites suggested above too.

 

[BobinCovington]

I had a 29 gallon tank with a single 175 watt metal halide and 2 T5s. My anemones did great and lived for several years, (one lasted from 1997 - 2007).

 

[Velamondry]

http://www.aquacave.com/icecap-175w-metal-halidebr-retro-kit-with-electronic-ballast-947.html

Thats what I would go with it would be the easiest choice of lighting imo.. ( id also go with a 16K+ bulb if you like the bluer light) cause if you want it not as bright you just take it higher up from the water, and if you or someone you know, can make a hood/canopy then it would be even easier, they sell pendents also, but personally ive always found them to be overpriced.