almostthere002

All I have is the hood light that came with my tank. I am looking into lighting but in the mean time I was wondering if there are any corals, mushrooms, feather dusters etc anything like that that you can think of that would live healthy in my tank as it is now.

Thanks

Shawnie

hi almostthere002...if you list the tank specs, brand name size etc, and the wattage of your lighting that will help members allot...

harpua2002

No photosynthetic corals would do well in standard lighting like that IMO.

There are some non-photosynthetic corals, like sun corals (tubastrea) that would work, but as they don't get nutrients from photosynthetic zooxanthellae, they require target feeding.

Feather dusters are not photosynthetic, but tend to fare better in mature tanks. They are filter feeders.

cerianthus

Is tank dimension 30L x 18W x 24H? If it is, I believe standard flo light that came with may be 1 x 20W 24" long bulb.
If strip is double flo, should have 2 x 20W 24" long bulbs. Either case, not a good choice for for such tall reef tank, even rocks are built up to top.

ALthough was able to keep variety of LPS and softies, polyps for many yrs under doble bulb strip with 1 x 20W 10K day + 1 x 20w Act 03 for 20Long tank (30 x 12 x 12), but I would rather suggest to wait until better lighting is acquired for your tank.

Why spend money twice, IMO.

Check local Craigs List or roam thru other reefforums. I do see lots of second hand items being offered thru such forums.

Hope you find deal of a century on lighting soon.

almostthere002

Thanks for all the responses. I am getting a little congused with the lighting and thats why it is so hard for me to pick something out. What I would like is tube lighting that can sit directly on top of my tank top which is glass but would produce enough light to keep everything healthy. Hanging lights are not an option because I live in a condo right now until I get out of college next December. It's ok...I am more concerned about doing things right then to do something that would hurt the life in my tank just so it looks nice for awhile til everything gets sick. I am looking at lighting on ebay and found something. I will post what it is and maybe you guys could let me know if it is a rip off or a good deal. The price is great but I am not sure the lighting is strong enough.

almostthere002

Here's some lights a store suggested. Have you used any of these or do you think these would work? The first one doesn't come with a stand can any of these sit directly on top of the glass on my tank lid?


http://www.marineandreef.com/Aqualig..._2X96W_36_Cora
http://www.marineandreef.com/Orbit_2...p/res53104.htm
http://www.marineandreef.com/Satelli...p/rcu01015.htm

harpua2002

First link didn't work for me, but I can comment on the other ones, LOL.

Yes, you can just sit these lights on top of your glass top, although they tend to get pretty hot. Coralife makes their own brand of mounting legs that attach to the fixture, and that will raise the fixture a few inches off the glass. They are sold separately. Here's a link:
http://www.marineandreef.com/SearchR...x=0&Search.y=0

I've used those lights and they are very similar in terms of quality. They're a nice cost-effective option. However, in this case I'd choose the Coralife fixture because the sale price is so cheap compared to the Current fixture. Both are the same wattage so there is no reason to pay $70 more for the Current. If you get a PC fixture, you will have enough light to keep many soft corals, like mushrooms, zoanthids, leathers, etc.; and some LPS (if they are placed in the top half of the tank) like frogspawn and candy cane.

Hope this helps.

almostthere002

Thanks, yes that does help. I have been reading up on lighting and I wanted to know if I could place a higher kelvin bulb in the fixture without damaging the fixture. It comes with 10,000 but I read that 12,000 + is better. Do you know about that?

cerianthus

Is that all you got 1 x 20W 10K bulb? Wont see much difference b/n two. Still not enough light for photosynthetic corals, IMO.

harpua2002

I'm not sure what you are asking. Are you referring to the light you already have, or the ones you are looking at? The fixture you have now won't be suitable for any photosynthetic coral no matter what bulbs you have in it. If you're asking about bulbs for the power compact fixture, you'll get 1x 96W actinic bulb and 1x 96W 10000K bulb, and I'd keep it that way.

almostthere002

Thanks, yeah I was referring to the new lights. my current light now will go on my kids freshwater tank. The only problem I face now is that my tank is 30" not 36" and those bulbs are 65 watt. Same as the link we are talking about only smaller in size. That wont work for corals then will it? Or if it will could you let me know what that might be considered (low or medium). Thanks again. I am sorry for all the questions.

harpua2002

LOL no worries, we all have to start somewhere! I'm just glad you asked before buying something and potentially getting ripped off- I see that all the time on forums!

I didn't realize that you had a 30" tank. I'm not familiar with the exact dimensions of it, although I am assuming you have the 56 gallon column tank and that it is very deep. This presents a big challenge for lighting. To put it in perspective, I used the 2x 65W light on a 20 gallon reef. It was adequate for keeping softies, LPS, and even some of the easier SPS... but given the dimensions of your tank, I just don't think it will work. Even the HO T5 fixtures would be insufficient IMO. Have you considered a metal halide light? Here's a link to one that clamps onto the tank:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=13922

Replacing the bulb will be pricey, but a MH light would give you the best light penetration and the most options for corals.

almostthere002

Ok...Here's the Dims finally. 30"L x 18" W x 24" H.