light for softs and lps

[randallcentral]

I need a new light, I decided I want just softs and lps. I have a 20gallon High tank 24". Can somebody show me a good light?

[randallcentral]

65 watts for 20g ok? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11418&N=2004+113345

[Henry Bowman]

This is a much better light

www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/24_inch__Tek_Light:_4-24W_T5_High-Output_Fixture_by_Sunlight_Supply

[mayor10]

randallcentral,
It would be best to do some research in the Lighting/Filtration forum for a bit.

Power Compacts (PC), for the most part, aren't the best solution for reef lighting. Their light output isn't great and their bulbs tend to shift in color very quickly - which means you will need to change bulbs often.

T5, VHO, and Metal Halide are the most popular choices.

If you are looking to keep costs down you might be able to get away with a 2 bulb T5 retrofit kit (http://www.tfjpetcenter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=276) - assuming you have or can make a canopy to install it in. There's plenty of plans/posts out there on cheaply building a canopy. It would probably be enough light for most softies and some LPS. And, when funds allow, it gives you the option to add another 2 bulb kit if you feel the need or want to keep higher light requiring animals.

Don't underestimate the light ouput of T5's, even though 2 T5 bulbs (48W) would be "less" than the 65W PC fixture. T5's also give you a wider variety of color spectrum choices.

I use 4 39W T5's over my 38 gallon (36" wide x 20" deep) and I need to keep some LPS in the bottom half of the tank - and some, like candy cane coral, in the shade.

But, like I said, do some research. These are just my opinions/suggestions. Others will differ.