lighting a 30 gallon

miket1031 · #1 05/04/2004, 02:01 PM

This is a cut and paste disciption i got of a website, i wanted to know if it was a good enough lighting system to support easier corals, mushrooms, polyps,etc.

With marine-grade, black-powder-coated metal housing and a built-in reflector for increased light output, PowerCompact SmartLite Strip Lights will brighten your aquarium with durable, energy-efficient lighting. Fixtures incorporate electronic ballasts that provide optimal light output at peak performance. And moisture-resistant end caps protect lamps from harsh aquarium elements. Each unit includes a CustomSeaLife Smart Lamp(s) (half 10,000Â°K Ultra-Daylight and half Ultra-Actinic).

thanks.

rjwilson37 · #2 05/04/2004, 02:04 PM

Basically, What is the wattage of lights and how many?

What is the size dimensions of your tank?

miket1031 · #3 05/04/2004, 02:06 PM

it a 96 watt bulb.

miket1031 · #4 05/04/2004, 02:07 PM

and its a 30 gallon 36x16x18" tank.

rjwilson37 · #5 05/04/2004, 02:16 PM

So, it is a 96w 50/50 PC setup?

Those dimensions give you a 44 gallon tank, you better check again. I think your tank is only like 12" high and 16" deep, or 16" high and 12" deep. I think it is the later here which is 12" deep and 16" high. Which is a plus by only being 16" high, light reaches the bottom easier than the 29 gallon which is 18" high.

miket1031 · #6 05/04/2004, 02:22 PM

yes, its one bulb. there is amother setup i was looking at that is 2x96. 10,oook and 6,700k dual day light, dual actinic 460 and 420nm, and a lunar light.

miket1031 · #7 05/04/2004, 02:23 PM

and you where right abought the measurements, sorry.

rjwilson37 · #8 05/04/2004, 02:27 PM

You will be much happier with the 2x96w, I would do that. You will get better growth and color from your polyps and zoanthids that with the 1x96w. The 2x96w would let you do even a couple LPS corals like Frogspawn, Open Brains, Torch Corals....

Good Luck and go with the 2x96w.... Trust Me....

miket1031 · #9 05/04/2004, 02:33 PM

thanks for your time and help. i got my credit card in hand.

miket1031 · #10 05/04/2004, 02:34 PM

and then... should i put the light directly over the water or with glass in between? thanks again.

Lokki · #11 05/04/2004, 02:57 PM

Interesting question. I'd like to know peoples oppinions of this too. IMO the glass would help to prevent evaporation but would probably end up blocking some of the light.

rjwilson37 · #12 05/04/2004, 03:26 PM

I had the coralife PC originally and it sat right on top the glass, but I think those Custom Sealife PC's come with legs that sit on the sides of the tank and can sit up a few inches.

alien98 · #13 05/04/2004, 06:30 PM

I have a 30gal. tank also with T5 lights 19" one actnic and the other daylight. No corals 20-25 lbs. of live rock.What do you think of these T5 lights?tank dimensions 25"s high 10"s wide hex tank.Not enough for coral?