Lighting for 29

Hello, I am new to reef keeping and well technically have not started yet. Anyways I have a 29 gallon tank( I believe it is not the standard), I just set it up with a reef octopus Bh 1000 , one 550 power head, and for lighting I have a new Deep Blue Solarmax HO double t5 lighting system 2 24w one 10k daylight and one actinic 03. Anyways after a lot of reading I am not so sure I have enough light for corals. Basically is this enough light for softies? And also since I can get these for about 100 bucks , if someone suggest I get a 4 bulb fixture would it be okay to just buy another one of these puppies? There is room, would 2 different systems be enough light? I really want to make my rock and corals pop with color. Thanks everyone and I look forward to your responses.

 

Or would this be a better option. Its a reasonable price I feel. How do you feel about LED lighting and this particular one. Thanks! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...7&pcatid=23687

 

First off you have HOt5's ...they are no joke. With 2 gulfs you can keep any soft corals, spas, lots of LPS... The reef capable marineland is junk for reef.... I have leds and they are a different beast (I haves 73watts of leds....it is bright intense and corals hav e a hard time adjusting Sps/lps/zoas...I wish I did a 4 x 24 Or 6x24 t5....tried and. Btw i have a 29 gallontrue.

 

I have had good success with my marineland. IMHO, the corals will grow faster with T-5's and/or MH's but softies thus far in my 29 gallon standard tank have done well! I have yet to put any hard corals in the tank. Here is the proof, these are under the marineland light after about 4 months under the light.

 

For 1yr I've been running Aquaticlife 4x24w t5ho on my 26g bow front. Love it!! So does my Crocea clam

 

I am so glad to see this. I am buying lights this week and have been racking my brain on what way to go. I have a 20gal tank and I am torn between these to setups.
1. T5ho 2 bulb and a Finnex 9x1w blue led strip
2. CoralVue 4 Bulb T5 + 5 high power 1 watt LEDs

the pricing isn't to far apart. Thoughts from all?

 

As stated before, the 2-bulb T5HO is plenty for soft corals- that's exactly what I have on my 29g. However, if you think you might want something that requires a bit more light (SPS, clam, etc) then get the 4-bulb unit; it'll save the aggravation of re-acclimating your entire tank later.