Lighting For A Fish Only Tank

keef123 · #1 12/27/2007, 11:30 AM

I am working on setting up a predator tank.
I think i am going to start with a 40 gallon and only put babies in there for now.
I dont want to buy a MH light.
What kind of lighting should i go with.
Can i use a Compact Flourecent?
Also i would like to maybe put an anenome in their as well.

RayAllen · #2 12/27/2007, 12:02 PM

T5s would be graet on a 40g

Toddrtrex · #3 12/27/2007, 01:53 PM

[welcome]

If you really want to put an anemone in there, it won't be a fish only tank. IMO, anemones and a predator tank don't work out all that well, will end having water quality issues with all the waste that those type of fish will produce.

If it will truly be a fish only tank, the lighting won't be an issue, what ever would be in your budget and allow you to see the fish would work.

There are exceptions, but, in general PC lighting won't be enough. I've done it before with PC lighting, but prefer higher output lights.

H^2 Salt · #4 12/27/2007, 02:12 PM

i mean if its FO you can get whatever to light your tank up...but its always nice to at least get PC's,VHO's,or T-5's to get more color and coraline growth on your rocks

keef123 · #5 12/27/2007, 02:21 PM

The only reason i mention about ana anenome s because i wanted something for my gold stripe maroon to host.
Right now he is smothering the crap out of my Green Singulara.

I was looking at a Nova Extreme T5 lighting system.
Would that suffice?

Zoa Robber22 · #6 12/27/2007, 02:29 PM

maybe

thor32766 · #7 12/27/2007, 02:30 PM

yes, but which one ?

Toddrtrex · #8 12/27/2007, 02:35 PM

I think there is now a version of that light that has individual reflectors, which would be a better choice.

For the anemone I would recommend a BTA, they are one of the easier hosting anemones to keep -- but that doesn't mean that they are easy in general.

GSM clowns are notoriously hard on anemones, would recommend getting one that is 3X the size of the clown.

keef123 · #9 12/27/2007, 03:55 PM

I am looking at the Nova Extreme 48" T5 lighting system.

I know technically it would not be a Fish only Tank with an Anenome, but i will not be including coral i just want something for my clown to host.

Right now he is hosting my singulara and he has stunted the growth on this coral tremendously.

Besides the water quality, thats what a filter, protein skimmer, and water change are for, do any of the predatory fish pose a threat towards the anenome.

Toddrtrex · #10 12/27/2007, 04:07 PM

Depends on what type of predatory fish you are thinking about. Some will attempt to "sample" the anemone.

What type of filters, skimmer, etc are you planning on using?

keef123 · #11 12/27/2007, 04:16 PM

Not sure on the filters and skimmer yet, i was going to tacle the more expensive things for now, like the light.

The tank will have sufficient filtering and skimming, and it will also have pleanty of substrate and live rock for extra filtration.

What fish commonly will munch at the anenome??

I dont want to add an anenome to my reef tank for the fear that he will move and burn my corals.

Toddrtrex · #12 12/27/2007, 04:18 PM

As for anemones moving around and stinging corals... it really depends on the anemone. I have haddonis ( carpet ) and LTAs in my reef tanks, since they are sand dwelling anemones, I don't have an issue with them stinging my SPS.

Butterflies come to mind right away for going after them.

keef123 · #13 12/27/2007, 05:02 PM

i dont want to take the chance rather be safe then sorry, my tank is full with corals.

so the T5 i mentioned would be good enough with an anenome and fish?

i figure i should buy the 48" so i dont have to buy another light when i upgrade to a bigger tank.
since the fish will outgrow that tank quick

cunningham · #14 12/27/2007, 10:56 PM

I use 96w 50/50 pc in my fowlr trigger tank, looks great with the fish and rocks just a suggestion

reefman8471 · #15 12/27/2007, 11:38 PM

Fish that might sample or simply eat anemones are:

1. Some Butterfly fish ( Racoons, Teardrop are good examples)

2. Many Triggerfish are capable ( Clown, Reticulated)

3. Filefish

4. Possibly some Angelfish

James

Zoa Robber22 · #16 12/28/2007, 10:15 AM

You look into what type of skimmer and filter to use for it.

Zoa Robber22 · #17 12/28/2007, 10:16 AM

Are you going to set up a bigger reef tank or a predator tank first.

jamielee2406 · #18 12/28/2007, 03:53 PM

You would be ok with CF lighting. I have a tank with 5 different species of grouper and they are happy as ever. I still get coraline algae on the rocks and everything. What fish are you considering? Are you going to upgrade?

keef123 · #19 12/28/2007, 04:11 PM

Not sure on what fish i will be adding.
I know i want to put in a Trigger, eel, puffer, lion.

Yea i need to upgrade my reef tank into something bigger, im runnung out of room in my current tank, but i kind of wanted to start a Fish Only predator tank.

I am just trying to weigh out my options for cost on both projects.

Not sure which one will come first though.