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Unread 09/21/2011, 11:55 AM   #1
Caitrin2009
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Question 29 gal. lighting help??

I'm trying to establish a 29 gallon SW tank. I've have it as a freshwater tank for about 2 years, but I've decided to finally move on to my goal of a saltwater tank. My question is, if I want live rock, a pair of ocellaris clowns, and maybe some soft corals in the future, what kind of lighting should I go for? I found these two guys on ebay.. would the big guy be overkill?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370525544429...84.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180727026692...84.m1423.l2649


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Unread 09/21/2011, 12:01 PM   #2
Caitrin2009
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Oh shoot. I just realized those are 36"... I need 30"... derp.


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Unread 09/21/2011, 12:04 PM   #3
Caitrin2009
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So mainly I'm wondering if I need 4 t5's or if only 2 would work just fine.


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Unread 09/21/2011, 01:20 PM   #4
pete33
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Here you go. Can keep almost all with this.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLi...FIT54U-vi.html


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Unread 09/21/2011, 02:10 PM   #5
AC2020x
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While I would recommend that light and it seems like a great option for growing any corals. I would also suggest looking into LED's. There are tons of new fixtures coming out or if your up for it you could make a DIY fixture. I made an LED light with parts from RapidLED.com over my 29g and I am very happy with it. For a small tank you can make a set up for not much more than T5's and then not have to replace bulbs and save a ton on electricity.

Just a thought


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Unread 09/21/2011, 03:56 PM   #6
organism
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Those ebay lights are subpar unfortunately, they only have one big reflector and not an individual one for each bulb so the output's going to be well under what a decent t5 fixture would run you. If you look at the one in the link pete33 posted, it has individual reflectors but it pretty pricey. A 4 bulb 24" t5 fixture would work for your tank, but so can pc's, a halide or LED's

Are you sure you won't be interested in keeping more colorful, light demanding corals than just softies down the line? If so it might pay to get the light that you'll eventually need... What are your dimensions? If it were me I'd do a DIY LED kit, recently did it over my 34 gallon with a 24 LED kit from rapidled and the color is outstanding, it can keep pretty much any corals, power bill is as low as it gets and no expensive bulbs to replace down the line.


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Unread 09/22/2011, 11:11 AM   #7
Caitrin2009
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My dimensions are 30"x12"x18".... I was considering DIY LED, but I was intimidated. Is it easily do-able?


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Unread 09/24/2011, 09:25 AM   #8
AC2020x
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I wouldn't say easy, but I have no to minimal experience with wiring/ drilling/ soldering ect and I had good success with mine. This was my first real DIY project. It will require a good bit of time reading forums in the DIY section on RC but overtime you will start to learn what you need to know and the package from RapidLED that you can buy comes with almost everything you need. (except a heatsink and fan) which you can also order from them.


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