[gramesy777]

I'm starting a nano reef tank in a 20 gallon tank. I have an ecplipse 2 hood system. I am wondering if the 15 watt bulbs that came with the hood are okay for keeping corals? If i need to replace them, what suggestions do u have for changing the bulbs in the hood?

I only have about a months experience in saltwater, but many years in freshwater cichlids. I have larger cichlid tanks, but am now starting in to saltwater.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Sorry peter but not even close.You will need a minimum of 100 watts for that tank and thats just if you want low light corals.Which tank do you have the 20h or 20 l?If I have that info I may be able to point you in the right direction.

[plecosword]

hes right, research a bit on lightning fixtures. In a 20g i think 100 watts would be enough light for most corals. This article may be helpful
Aquarium Lighting: Quick Guide to Aquarium Lighting

[gramesy777]

okay...I have the 20 high. I have live sand and water just cycling in it now. Its been over a week since I got it going. It was previously a cichlid tank, but sat empty for a while and I just refilled it. I have live rock coming in this week to start cycling it. So what are the lighting suggestions? Can I just simply replace the bulbs with higher watt bulbs? I dont want to get rid of the hood, i really like it. Any other suggestions in terms of getting started? I have a 10 gallon tank that I am going to use as a quarantine tank.

[plecosword]

No im pritty sure you are going to have to replace the fixture.
Aquarium Lighting and Aquarium Lights for Reef and Marine Aquarium Lighting – Drs. Foster & Smith Your tank will need one that is 24" long. if you are going to keep corals that need really high lighting, get a metal Halide

[gramesy777]

do they make high wattage bulbs that would fit in the eclipse fixture? It will just be a pain to replace it, and money I'd rather not spend haha

[Packer Lakerfan4]

I dont have a lot of experience but i think that much lighting will jack the temperature up in that size tank like crazy...am i right guys?

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I think you have two options.The first and more than likely the best way to go would be to get a tek lite t-5 ho fiture.http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...ight_Fixtures/
The 4 bulb 24 watt fiture with individual reflectors would provide enough light for clams.Or you could use the t-5 2 bulb 24 watt strip lights you would need 2 of these at less than 65$'s each.The reflectors arnt that great and you might not be able to keep clams and your sps coral would need to be in the top half of the tank.You will have to use the glass top that comes with the tank with the strip lights but remove the back plastic flap.

[gramesy777]

okay.....what can I house in my tank if I have 60 watts?

[gramesy777]

hey guys, thanks a lot for your advice....i went to that fish place in lancaster today and talked to some guys, and I decided to just go with a fish only tank with live rock. I'm a college student and don't have the money to get all the high end stuff for coral. thanks for your help!!

[gramesy777]

I have a new question. I bought an actinic blue light today and and a 10000k white bulb. I plan on keeping mostly fish and live rock, but I would like to place a clam in the tank...if I were to place a lamp next to the side of the tank and aimed a high wattage bulb at the clam, would that work?

[plecosword]

you know, i think you should go a little slower specially because a clam need really high lighting.
Im going to start a FOWLR in a 55g and start a reeef later on. You said lancaster, is that in CA? were are you at?

[gramesy777]

i live in Pennsylvania....ur probably right, i realize clams are hard to keep. i was told I can keep mushrooms and colt corals with my fish with the lighting I have.

[Jeremy0322]

Lancaster is pretty close to where i live in the grand scheme of things. I hour north of Pittsburgh right here...

[gramesy777]

can I keep an anemone with the fluorescent lighting I have?

[plecosword]

No you may not! LOL is it 15 or 30 watts? you need at least 100 watts for a 20g

[rlcline76]

Is it one of those Current Satellite fixtures????...if so, you probably have more than 30w. More like 65w per bulb. If so, you still have to stick with shrooms, zoanthids, I have an open brain that does well.

[gramesy777]

If I place the anemone at the very top of the tank close to the light....will that work?

[plecosword]

Originally Posted by gramesy777

If I place the anemone at the very top of the tank close to the light....will that work?

depends, i think they chose a hole. and they dont like strong flow.

[gramesy777]

okay thanks...i'll see what they say at lfs