new to this..stupid lighting question (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

I read about all the lighting requirements for corals and saltwater tanks, but I am just getting started with things other than my galveston catches, so not ready to spend alot. I've got a 30 gallon hexagon with two 18 inch 15 watt flourescents, one is marine-glo actinic, the other is agua-glo 18,000k. I know that is alot less watts than probably anyone on here has, but I only have one small liverock in there. My question is, would a 150 watt spotlight (like for those motion sensor security lights) be of any benefit, because it would be alot more watts, but is it the wrong kind of light. This is probably a stupid question for yall, but I don't have a great understanding of all of this lighting yet.

Thanks again,

Chris

 

[Niko5]

I think you would get alot of Algae Growth.

 

[incysor]

It's very unlikely that there's one available that's putting out the right wavelength of light for corals.

B

 

[Guest]

If you want to get serious about keeping corals, you might want to consider ditching the hex tank. Getting enough lighting over that tank will be pretty hard to do.

 

[Guest]

I'm not planning on getting too much into fancier fish and corals with this tank. I am just limited on space now so I am making do with what I have room for. I've got a 75 gallon that I'm going to set up when I move into a bigger place. The answer regarding wavelength pretty much answered the question for me about the lighting.

Are there any cheap alternatives I could use for now on the 30 gallon hexagon for just a little more wattage.

 

[Guest]

I'm not planning on getting too much into fancier fish and corals with this tank. I am just limited on space now so I am making do with what I have room for. I've got a 75 gallon that I'm going to set up when I move into a bigger place. The answer regarding wavelength pretty much answered the question for me about the lighting.

Are there any cheap alternatives I could use for now on the 30 gallon hexagon for just a little more wattage.

 

[incysor]

I don't know if you can fit a 20" bulb over it or not. If so then you could try a 96w coralife power quad fixture. You can find them used fairly often, or buy a new one for about $80.

B

 

[toefu]

just depends on what you really want to do. When it comes to fish, there really isn't a light requirement.

If you want to keep corals bought from a petshop, look to spend > $80 for that 30 hex tank.

Don't bother with a solution that is <$50, cause you're probably just wasting your money as it simply won't be enough light for any corals to ever be happy in that tank.

Not to mention you need alot more live rock (which is atleast $2/lb minimum, avg $4/lb @ 20-60 lbs worth)

 

[Guest]

If you are going to keep it fish and live rock only then lighting isn't an issue. if you want to add coral, I wouls hang a 175w MH pendant ovet it and your done. Use a 20k bulb and you won't need actinic suplement to get good colors.

 

[Guest]

'Will this work' ---
is never a stupid lighting question


'Why didn't that work' --- after everything dies
now that's a stupid question

Always best to ask before you try something new.
If it's the right thing there will be plenty people here currently doing it.

And it it's the wrong thing -- there will likely be several that have already tried it

 

[DonnieKim]

Don't be discouraged these people are trying to help!
Fish and some Live Rock = your lights are fine.
Corals & Anemones etc. = more lights/watts
hope this helps!
Donnie