Basics

[TheApprentice707]

I was wondering if I could get a little bit of help learning the basics to lighting. I have a tiny tank that has been doing well with just a few fish and 2 big chunks of live rock. I want to get an anenome or something like that for my clowns. I have BASIC CRAP lighting right now and I was wondering opinions on first GOOD lighting systems. IT is only a 10 gallon. Everyone said don't do 10 and its been going fine now for about 4 months and I love it. Any help would be appreciated greatly!

[charlie]

What are the dimensions of your tank?

Don't take this wrong, but I wouldn't put an anenome in your tank until it is a little more mature. I have a pair of Black ocellaris that are hosting in a couple of green hairy mushrooms, for what it is worth. Get back to me with your tank dimensions, and we'll go from there, OK??

[TheApprentice707]

My tank is 20 inches LONG. 12 inches HIGH and 11.5 inches deep. its pretty small i know, but I am a college student and I don't know when or where I will move in the near future. I am getting getting my skills up and learning as much as I can about salt tanks. I WILL get a big tank sometime when I have a more stable place.

I need to get my nitrates down too before I get any corals. I am at 20-25ppm and its hard to get it much lower.

thanks!

[charlie]

Smallest thing I could find is this:

18 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 2x20 watt T5 HO 10K/460nm (<20in Units )

I don't think you would even want to try MH, you would probably boil the water. You need to get the nitrates down, what are you using for a skimmer?

[TheApprentice707]

Oh that one looks nice. the price is low considering I just spend 170 on a skimmer. THanks for telling me to get the good one charlie I know it will help out in the future.

I would like to get this lighting do you think that it would fit on my hood right now or should i just get a clear glass or acrylic one? Would i need to modify to fit my skimmer and biowheel if so?

[charlie]

I don't know what you have for a hood or canopy. Perhaps you could figure a way to hang it?

Are you saying you have a glass top on your tank?

[Poseidon]

I'd get that fixture x2. Then you would be able to keep most LPS, and all softies, even some SPS, no Anemone's or clams though... If you could fit 3 over the tank, then you could keep anything.

[charlie]

I'd get that fixture x2. Then you would be able to keep most LPS, and all softies, even some SPS, no Anemone's or clams though... If you could fit 3 over the tank, then you could keep anything.

Interesting thought!!!