[numisticman]

First off thank you to Brians 125!!!!
alot of good info.

I have a question about the filter that I am using. I have a small 40 gallon (not Drilled) tank and I am using a Pengiun 350 Bio wheel power filter. if this is not the right filter for a reef tank what should I be using instead? secondly I have a corallif lunar auqalight fixture. It has (1) 96 watt 10k daylight compact fluorescent and a 96 watt true blue 03 actinic light. Is this light capable of raising coral? If so how long should I run each? and what kind of corals would be safe in this environment?
Thanks to all who help!!!
Ray

[RyanG]

This has been moved to the current forum.

[Reef-Daddy]

You may want to consider adding a protein skimmer in addition to your BIO (which is important to the Nitrification process). A protein skimmer is must have for most combination reef/fish systems. Protein skimmer or foam fractionator is a device used mostly in saltwater aquaria to remove organic compounds from the water before they break down into nitrogenous waste. Protein skimming is the only form of filtration that physically removes organic compounds before they begin to decompose, lightening the load on the biological filter and improving the water's redox potential. My choice was a Sea Clone ($70) which is a hang-on Turbo-Venturi Injector System which mixes filtered water and air in the pump impeller chamber, creating a froth of micro-bubbles for maximum skimming efficiency and improved gas exchange.

96 x 2 = 192 (total watts)
192 / 40 = 4.8 watts per gallon
3.8-7.0 is the full range, 4.8 is acceptable to support most coral. If your tank is not exposed to any direct sunlight (recommended) I would say 8-10 hours. Each eco-system (aquarium) may respond or have different needs and you will know when you have too much light. I have mine turn on at 12:00 noon and turn off at 10:00 so I can enjoy the show in the evening while I am home.
Most soft and hard corals should be o.k. just make sure you keep the Calcium and hardness at the proper levels (RO water has no nutrients or trace elements) as well as good water quality.

[Rmorris24]

You may want to supplement your pengiun with a powerhead of some sort so you get propoer filtration. Also With the lighting you have proper placement of corals is of your utmost concern. The higher the lighting needs of the individual, the higher in the tank you would want to place it. Mushrooms, towards the bottom, other softies to the top, and i wouldn't try any hard corals, you just really need more light you may be able to keep them for 6 months to a year, but eventually, they will die off. I second the above opinion of a protein skimmer, but only after your tank has been up roughly 3-6 months.