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Hey everyone,

I just started up in this new hobby and got my first tank started up last weekend. I started up a 20gal tank, I already put some live rock in there w/ some live sand. I got a little powerhead setup, skimmer and all that.

Now, i've been reading on this for a while, so I know that right now my light setup sucks. I have a Light-Glo tank so all I can really get in there is a 15wat, 10k+ or actinic lamp, which will only really allow me to keep reef and fish.

So, I decided that the 20gal isn't going to cut it. I need more light and I need a bigger tank. Reason for this is mostly because the 24" canopies don't seem to really support MH setups. I've also seen some used MH canopies for 36" tanks for a good price here. I managed to find two different setups, one has 2 MH lamps, and the other has 1 MH lamp. Both are 150wats, and both have extra fluorescent lights.

One of them have additional LEDs on them. There is about $150 dollar difference between them. I'm hoping to grow various type of coral ( probably include SPS ) and have some clams as well in the tank. Should I go with the 2 MH setup that includes other fluorescent lights w/ additional LEDs? Or will the cheaper setup work fine for me?

I'm guessing that in the future if I ever want to uprade, I should probably dish the $150 out now and save myself further upgrades later on right? It seems like with this hobby, if you can afford it, it's probably a better idea.

Other than that, I have another question, I used to have a FW tank for a long time, and I used to put my hand in there to clean the tank, as well as feed my shrimp and crayfish. In a marine tank, would this be an issue? I keep hearing over and over about water quality and how important it is. I'm guessing I should probably get some gloves right?

Thanks for the help.
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marijuana seeds

For cleaning I put my whole hand in, and in some cases all the way to the shoulder with no gloves. If you are going to shoulder length in the water then you may want to get the deoderant off. As for lighting I use T5's and I know may others using them and growing everything you can imagine, and they are available in 24 inch sizes.

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The way I see it. J&L has a T5 24" canopy for $145 + taxes, lights not included. On top of that, 4x24w lights @ $26 each. The base price, before taxes is $250 bucks. I might as well get the 36" tank that I'm buying for 50 bucks and stick the cheaper MH light in there with the fluorescent lights. The difference in price is going to be around $50 bucks for the cheaper light setup.

J&L 24" T5s
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/sl...C+4+x+24W.html

What do you guys think?
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marijuana vaporizers

Is this canopy enclosed? Can you vent it anywhere, because the MH wil generate heat, you may have to deal with that.
T5 might be the way to go for you on a smaller tank (can't believe I'm pushing T5!!) due to heat and subsequent evaporation.

And welcome to Canreef, hope you enjoy it here!

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I'm not sure, I haven't taken a look at the canopies yet. I'll be looking at them on thursday. I'll keep a lookout for ventilation and fans that might be embedded in them.
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EX250J

Welcome to Canreef:biggrin:

You should just save yourself the trouble and buy a 100+ gallon right now, you're going to want it sooner than later *giggle*

I laugh, but it's true ;)

And welcome to Canreef

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Heheh, I'd love to, but my apartment is way too small.

I'm setting up my tank at my office, everyone here loves fish.
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Ducati Multistrada 1000 DS

Do they shut off the air conditioning or heating over the weekends? Many offices do and if so that is something you should plan for.

T5s also do put out heat, just so you are aware.

If you're handy there are lots of other options for you out there. You can DIY your own fixture, or go with a retrofit option.