thinking about setting up a reef ready 30 gallon!!

[aqua_reef_01]

As it says I am thinking about setting up a 30L reef ready tank. I was wondering what kind of lighting I should use. I am planning on mostly having LPS but some SPS. the tank is only 12" deep so I was wondering if 2x 150W metal halides would be too much for the coral or 2x 70w metal halides, or even a 4x54W T5 setup. Which sounds better? also 20long sump, or 10gallon sump? Thank you for viewing.

[sedor]

I would probably go with the T5 setup on that tank. It would be between the 150's and the T5 though, scratch the 70's all together IMO.

[fox2589]

agreed i would go t5 or maybe one 150 watt on a good reflector..also go with the 20 long for the sump..-Drew

[fox2589]

missed the 12" deep..i would go t5's for sure..-Drew

[aqua_reef_01]

thanks for the help!!! So the 150's would probably melt down some coral?, and would everything thrive under the T5's?

[Rowe78]

I agree go with the t5s. I have a 250w hqi over our 34g salona. No problems.

[singold]

T5's, cheaper bulbs to replace also.

[Daimyo68]

With the length of that tank (typical 30L), a single halide wouldn't give you enough coverage. Go with a T5 fixture. You'll be happier and so will your wallet :)

Also, are you sure the depth is 12"? Is it a custom built tank?

[Misterchinn]

I have a sump/fuge with about the same dimensions of a 20L, not sure how you're setting yours up, but using mine as a fuge, it actually only holds about 12 gallons. So I think that'd work as a sump.

I think with a relatively small display tank the bigger the sump the better, just to increase the amount of water and capacity for things like live rock, a skimmer a longer heater and/or a refugium.

A 10 gallon would only hold about 6-7 gallons, which doesn't increase your volume much or allow you to house very much equipment.

[bianjd]

T-5's and the 20L for the sump

[aqua_reef_01]

With the length of that tank (typical 30L), a single halide wouldn't give you enough coverage. Go with a T5 fixture. You'll be happier and so will your wallet :)

Also, are you sure the depth is 12"? Is it a custom built tank?

Yeah its 12" x 12" x 48" Its a display from a fish store I have about 4 of them lol. but it looks like the perfect reef tank thats why i want to use it but not completely sure yet. right now i use it to mix my water lol.

[Daimyo68]

That would explain the depth.

T5's will work fine as mentioned, and you should be able to keep all kinds of LPS, SPS.

I missed the sump question, but as bianjd said, a 20L would be the way to go.

[jong11]

I would get a 30 gal breeder instead, 36x18x12. This will give you a greater width. I would also get a 20gal long. I'm actually in the process of setting up this same reef tank. I'm going with T5 blubs as well.

[jlevs]

just found someone selling bare ballast and waterproof endcaps for $25 runs 2 bulbs....southjersery craigslist under search under coral

[aqua_reef_01]

Wow thank you all for the responses. I didn't actually think i would have this many reply's lol. I guess now I'm gonna have to check craigslist for the T5's, but as for setting up a different tank I think I'm gonna pass for now. this tank is drilled, and ready to go. I think it would really stand out, and be different. The extra 6" in width would be nice though.

[NirvanaFan]

I agree with going with the t5s as well. Get a good 4 bulb fixture, or do a retrofit and you'll be able to keep anything you want.

[aqua_reef_01]

Ok i now have a new question should I use 2 bulbs or 4? 108w would give me 3.6 watts per gallon, and 216 watts would give me 7.2 watts per gallon. would the 4 bulb system give me too much light? Also would any brand of T5's work well, and give off enough light?

[NirvanaFan]

I would go with the 4.

[aqua_reef_01]

what kind of nano skimmer should I get?