lighting fixture!!!

[jaydm93teg]

Hey, what size lighting fixture do i need for a standard 29 gallon tank. This tank was the "starter" kit tank that u can buy from any walmart store that comes with filter and heater and all that. I have an upgraded heater and filter now its time to upgrade the lights. Again i just need to know what size fixture to buy for a standard 29 gallon tank???

 

[linda lee]

When you say *size*, are you talking wattage?

Depends.... what are you going to be putting in the tank (livestock, corals, etc.)?

 

[drnecropolis]

30 inch...

 

[jaydm93teg]

yeah i mean like the length of the fixture..........also before i posted about this and someone linked me to a retro fit light that came with the bulbs and everything i would need to do some corals and anemones and stuff like that


i know nothing about lighting any help is great!!!

 

[cameron]

Fish - Power Compact (PC)

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13637&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=30%22&Np=1">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13637&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=30%22&Np=1</a>

[IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12109&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=30%22&Np=1">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12109&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=30%22&Np=1</a>

Coral Softies - Get by with PC but T5 would be better

[IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=16770&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=30%22&Np=1">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=16770&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=30%22&Np=1</a>

[IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18486&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&pc=1&N=0&Ntt=t5%2030%22&Np=1">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18486&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&pc=1&N=0&Ntt=t5%2030%22&Np=1</a>

Coral LPS or SPS - T5 or Metal Halide (MH) - SPS pretty much will require MH lighting since 30" fixtures are relatively rare.

[IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13922&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=lighting%20fixture&Np=1">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13922&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2004&Ntt=lighting%20fixture&Np=1</a>

[IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13975&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&pc=1&N=0&Ntt=30%22&Np=1">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13975&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&pc=1&N=0&Ntt=30%22&Np=1</a>

These are just suggestions and not necessarily the best fixture for your budget.

 

[jaydm93teg]

cameron which of those would be good for some an anemone and some starter corlas and stuff like that??

 

[cameron]

The best fixture is probably one of those 150w Metal Halide fixtures. Under that fixture you can pretty much keep whatever you like.

 

[drnecropolis]

Anem. Are not good to start with they are going to require a lot more intense light than a lot of "starter" corals and water quality... Tons of T-5 or Metal Halide to sustain one in the long run

 

[cameron]

Oh... if you build your own canopy for the top, you could always go with 4 T5 fixtures in a retrofit.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_2_Retrofit_Kits/24_inch__4x24W_Tek_2_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_ReefGeek">http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_2_Retrofit_Kits/24_inch__4x24W_Tek_2_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_ReefGeek</a>

T5s will only work for light demanding corals if they have individual reflectors (one reflector per bulb). Most 30" fixtures do not work that way.