Help a newbie with lighting for a 20G...

[jaydubh11]

I could really use some help with lighting. I am new to the hobby and just purchased a 20 gallon acrylic tank from SeaClear. I plan on using LR/LS and adding corals later on. I need help picking out lighting. My tank came with a flourescent hood that only allows a maximum wattage of 20W. The opening for the hood is only 15" x 5". What should I consider for lighting options?

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

Edit - the tank is 16" deep by the way.

[BenH98]

It all depends on what you want to have in the tank. If you want some hard corals, you will need more intense lighting. If you want softies, then the lighting won't need to be so intense.

I think that the flourescent hood that came with your tank will not be sufficient unless you keep a fish only tank.
Hope that helps

[jaydubh11]

What would you recommend if I did want to add some hardy corals (mushrooms, etc.) in the future? Would a high output MH cause problems with the acrylic top?

Thanks for your help.

Edit - Here are some pictures to give you a better idea of what I am working with:

[CapnKick]

I had a very similar setup in my 20g nano that I had for the last five years. I went with two 55W PCs from www.ahsupply.com. I used one 10,000K and one actinic. With this setup I was successful in growing soft corals and LPS, along with macroalgae. A Euphyllia divisia grew HUGE under this light. Someone gave me a SPS frag which grew for about two years, but finally stopped growing and eventually receded and died off. I guess I'm saying that you can put pretty much anything under that much light except things like SPS, clams and xenia. Let me know if you have any other questions, I went through a lot of mods with my 20.

[CapnKick]

Oh yeah, and that dresser is doomed to be warped.

[spineshank385]

at the very least the finish will be all messed up

[jaydubh11]

Thanks for the input. Would a satellite hood work well on my tank?

[jaydubh11]

Would this:

http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_Orbit.html

be a good choice for my tank?

Current USA Orbit Compact Fluorescent Light Fixture
(1) 65w Dual Daylight and (1) 65w Dual Actinic (2) Lunar Lights
$125 ($168)

I was also looking at:

Current USA Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixture w/ Lunar Light
2X65W 1X Lunar Light
$113 ($132)

Current USA Nova T5
4x24Watt
$185

Would those be enough for soft corals? Any recommendations?

[theatrus]

Those should be fine for soft corals and some LPS. Are those T5s with induvidual reflectors?

[jaydubh11]

Originally posted by theatrus
Are those T5s with induvidual reflectors?

It says "A German parabolic reflector increases light output up to 99%, while an integrated fan cools both ballast and lamps for efficient operation." I don't know if that means individual reflectors or not. Do you think this is my best choice? Will it work on top of a partially covered acrylic tank? Thanks for your help.

[dannieboiz]

for the price you're about to pay for those lights, why not consider looking at the 70w hqi metal halides, I would even consider 150w metal halides, 14k or 20k. my 60g with 18" height had dual 175w w/o any problems.

[theatrus]

My vote would be no then. T5 is well worth any difference IF they have induvidual reflectors The 24" Sunlight Supply Tek T5HO fixture is a whopping $264 though (and they really get you on the damn mounting legs )

[jaydubh11]

Would the Curent USA Orbit be sufficient for hardy corals? I was aiming for under $150.

[theatrus]

Yeah, its fine for pretty much most softies and even an open brain or similar.

[CapnKick]

Just keep in mind that if you use a hood you're gonna need a fan to keep the temp down.