Help with lighting on 20L (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

Is a power compact (2x 24" models that they sell)
going to be enough light to keep softies happy. Also thinking of some brains,xenias,and shrooms

Plese help
thanks

Also all pics of 20 gal nanos are mucho appeciated

 

[Guest]

I'm running 300watts of VHO over my 20L.
I would go with some stronger lighting if it was me.

 

[pelochas]

how many watts is the pc (PC is power compacts) lighting?

im guessing 2x65w PC lighting, one is 10,000k bulb and the other bulb is atnic

 

[Guest]

He as a 2x24watt fixture.

 

[toefu]

in his post, he lists 2x 24" denoting 24 inches.

if they are PC bulbs, 24" pc bulbs are usually 55/65 watt bulbs. that should be enough for softies in a 20 long. I used to have that on a 20 tall and it was more than enought to keep softies happy.

 

[Aggie05]

IMO I would go with two 24" VHOs. I used to have that setup on my 20L and I was able to keep just about everything with the exception of the most light demanding SPS. It also gives you much better coloration than PCs. I think you should generally stay away from PCs unless there is no other option.

 

[Aggie05]

Here is a link to a pic of my old 20 long.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/270568450/270568450eRbqkB#

 

[Guest]

Heck if your going VHO why not 4 bulbs. I have had great coral growth with that.

 

[MMaddox]

T5>VHO>PCs

Avoid PCs if possible.

 

[Guest]

my 20L is lit by a coralife 2*65 watt pc and my sofities including shrooms, xenia, zoas and a few lps are doing great! 24" doesn't cover the length of the tank, but the ~3" on each side are great for shrooms and other lower light softies.

 

[Guest]

I have mushrooms, LPS, and other softies directly under my vhos and havent had a problem. You could do a T-5 setup which would be nice. I wish I had T-5s and not vhos.

 

[Guest]

stupid question but what are t5's

 

[ShaneV]

A smaller diameter standard fluorescent bulb. They have individual reflectors that make them highly efficient.

 

[Guest]

I was thinking of geting the aqualight plus it has 2 65 watt bulbs

 

[Guest]

I was thinking of geting the aqualight plus it has 2 65 watt bulbs

 

[Aggie05]

I built my VHO setup from hellolights using their DIY parts for 105 bucks including bulbs. I doubt you can find a cheaper PC alternative, plus VHOs are vastly superior. I know it is hard, if this is your first experience with lighting, to stay away from PCs; but trust me, I bought PCs when I first started and quickly wanted something better. You will to, I promise. So please consider at least starting out with VHOs or T5s, I promise you will be much more satisfied with your purchase.


Heck, I now have a 58 gallon tank that is completely VHO if that tells you how much I prefer them.