newb on lighting...

What is the minimum lighting I can get away with for a 29g tank that is 18" deep? Is is possible to maintain low light corals with and Eclipse 3 hood? it is rated at 18W for two bulbs, a total of 36W. From my reading that is far too little. Still learning all this stuff

I always read 3-5w per gallon, but then people say depth and par has to do with it as well. most of the tanks I see that required a lot for lighting were much deeper, so not sure if that would make much difference.

I am looking to start a small tank and slowly upgrade as I go a long.

My main goal is not to kill anything.

thanks,
Ser

 

Depends on what you want to keep with that little lighting rather then what you don't want to kill . What are your goals for this tanks animal life . A few easy corals like mushrooms will do in there..

 

Hi Ser- I have the exact same setup. LFS guy claims I can keep easy corals by replacing one of the bulbs with an Actinic. I'm not sure if that's accurate but the Eclipse3 will accept a light upgrade into the hood apparently, and the tank can fit a better hood later (so I hear)

 

Thanks for the responses guys!

My goals for this tank are to have a few nice fish, and would love to have a small reef, to learn the basics of it. If I find I really love it, and become passionate about it, I will start dumping money into it. I need to learn MORE to find what I can and can not have with my current setup and with some upgrades what I may be able to hold.

Is their a list of "easy"/low light corals?

These are the lights I can get for the eclipse3 it can hold 2 bulbs. I am not sure whats best... I would gather it goes back to the question of what do I want.
Life-Glo 2
6,700°K (21162)
Power-Glo
6,500°K (128218)
Marine-Glo
Actinic Blue (128166)
Ultra Sun
6,500°K (261371)
Ocean Sun
10,000°K (261475)
Reef Sun
50/50 (261319)
(6,500°K/420nm)
Coral Sun
Actinic 420nm (261423)
Flora Sun
8,500°K (261267)

 

Check this out- not sure how good it is:
15 Easy Corals For Your New Reef Tank

 

Ask Omard, he has a really nice 12 gallon nano with really low wattage on the lights and he keeps corals without any problem. I am sure you will hear from him soon.....

 

If I may input my 2 cents, I suggust that you KNOW what you want now than later. If you start small now and later find that you want big, its going to cost you double, even triple. Knowing what you want now and doing the research for it, will benefit you and the creatures you plan to have. Why build your house out of straw fast, when you can build it out of concrete slowly. Having a reef tank is almost like having children, theres a lot of maint., love, money and patience involved. I hope this has helped you, Luna.

 

Thanks guys.

Well this tank will be my first tank, so with that in mind I do expect to make changes at some point. With that in mind I know I will cut some corners here and there, go in the wrong direction with a few things which will cost me money.

With that being said, I guess my tank/equipment will determine what I can have and hold. I think the biggest thing I need to address is my lighting.

 

Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Lateral Lines: Classification and Terminology For Reef Aquarium Lighting

 

I have 48 watts over my 5.5.. Did have 48 watts over 12 gal. I had alot of success with numerous corals......