Lighting

marcingo · #1 10-11-2006, 03:30 AM

Hey everyone. Im new to canreef and two months new to reef keeping. Im just wondering if you guys can help me out. I have a 10 gallon tank that I want to turn into a reef tank. So far I have a couple of zoo frags and a green star polyp frag. Basically I'm just wondering if 40 watts of power compact 50/50 lighting is enough to grow most sps corals. I'd like to focus on many varieties of zoo's mostly. I was also thinking of adding another 55-65 watts of 50/50 lighting to the tank and was wondering if anyone can tell me where I can get the best price on a 20 inch 24-65 watt power compact light(either online or in Edmonton). Thanks for the help in advance.

Also I would just like to mention if anyone has any types of zoanthid or any other type of lower light coral (at least for my current lighting)frags they would like to sell or get rid of I'd be glad to buy them.

Thanks.
By the way when is the next club meeting. I would like to attend if possible.

Ruth · #2 10-11-2006, 03:42 AM

First off WELCOME to Canreef. Zoos, mushrooms and most soft corals will do OK under your lighting. Some of the more colourful zoos seems to enjoy more lighting however. SPS corals will definately not survive under this lighting for the most part.
Not sure about Edmonton but you can go online to J&L or OA and they carry most of the lighting you are inquiring about. HTH

marcingo · #3 10-11-2006, 03:58 AM

Thanks for the help. I assume its www.jl.com and www.OA.com
Also if I do end up getting 65 watts on top of my 40 will that be too much light?

niloc16 · #4 10-11-2006, 04:04 AM

that amount of light is inadequate for sps, but for zoanthids and mushrooms and gsp you should be ok

Ruth · #5 10-11-2006, 04:06 AM

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...s/mainpage.php

http://www.oceanaquatics.com/

Sorry I should have been more specific. IMO SPS corals will need Metal Halide lighting.
Adding more light to your tank will probably allow you to keep most softies and probably some LPS corals. You will have to keep in mind that it will also add heat so you will have to manage that with either fans or a chiller of some sort.

marcingo · #6 10-11-2006, 04:22 AM

Thanks. Im wondering what exactly is the difference between the metal hallide light and the power compact? is it the intensity? Also from what I've read everywhere most people say that metal hallides burn to hot for a 10 gallon tank. Is this true or is it better to invest in MH in you opinion?

muck · #7 10-11-2006, 02:28 PM

Hi Marcin,

This article might help you answer a few questions.

http://www.reefcorner.com/Manual/lighting.htm

P.S. Welcome to the board!!

marcingo · #8 10-11-2006, 05:35 PM

Thanks for the article it helped a lot.