WTB - Lighting for 20 gal aquarium

Lighting is not cheap and most coral are going to require high lighting not to mention your nem will need good lighting as well.Maybe if your lucky you could find an AI at a reasonable price, another option might be DIY led's.Good luck!

 

I have this
http://www.aquacave.com/24-Aqualigh...-P750.aspx
bought it new, used it for a year, Id sell for $200, also have new in the box bulb 150w MH could discuss price.

 

Rapid LED is a sponsor of GIRS and a great place to source these parts. PM me is you want some pointers, there are tons of threads relating to this topic here and on reef central. Here is one from a few weeks ago. All depends on how DIY you are!
http://www.greateriowareefsociety.org/Community/DiscussionForums/tabid/78/aft/26258/Default.aspx

Posted By Corallimorph on 02/20/2012 03:10 PM
Sweet small tank DIY led setup, you only need to soldier the moonlights!
Main light kit -http://www.rapidled.com/07-led-plug-n-play-retrofit-kit/ $67
Moonlights -http://www.rapidled.com/4-led-moonlight-kit/ $18
Heat sink -http://www.rapidled.com/drilled-and-tapped-4-25-x-9-heat-sink-for-12-leds/ $22

Totals up right around a hundred bucks which for the money power output is really good.

Lot of options with this including the ability to add a few more lights on the same driver!

 

Also MH and nano tanks in my personal experience are not a great mix. Depending on your setup with the light close to the tank the water temp can swing very quickly! Careful planning is required for a successful nano, LED's and an ATO are two things I believe helped me to have a thriving nano. Now I have two large tanks, and one pico, which is kind of like the art of bonsai... /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

 

I have a SunPod that I think might work for you. 150W MH with moonlight LEDs. How long is your tank?

--AJ

 

Is you tank a standard 20 gal 24x12x17? Or 20 gal long At 30 in wide?
If you can soldier...
http://www.rapidled.com/12-ultra-premium-led-diy-kit-with-dimmable-drivers/ $100
Plus cool heatsink with hangers...
http://www.rapidled.com/6-x-9-black-anodized-aluminum-heat-sink/ $28

 

With a Nem if you go standard lighting, you will want at least 5 watts/gallon Pete /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

 

@Sponge:
A watts per gallon is not a good way to measure if you have enough lighting for a nem. Things need to be taken into account like where the coral is placed, what fixture you're going with, how deep your tank is, etc. In my experience, you can keep a RBTA under stock nanocube 12 power compacts if it stays in the upper half of the tank. Please don't take this as an attack or me being rude, but it is not good information to be passing on to a new comer to the hobby. Anemones need sufficient lighting, but not nearly as much as everyone makes it out to be, as far as bubble tip anemones go. Other nems like sebae's, gig's, and other carpets all need much stronger lighting than BTA's.
@OP:
If you're still looking, T5HO is a good route to take if you plan on having a mixed reef. Check out fishneedit.com and look at their 24" 4x24w T5HO lights. That light will be sufficient for your tank with good T5ho bulbs like ATI's. You will be able to keep Bubble tip anemones as well as other easy SPS if you keep them up high. The fixture, brand new should be right at your budget. Those stock bulbs will probably need to be changed in 6-8 months and will be fine for now while you get your tank ready and cycled before you even need the reef capable lighting for your tank. Then, you can order some ATI bulbs and play around with your lighting spectrum as well.

 

Take a look at reefkoi.com.

 

Your right.  I was just giving a general guideline just as your comment about nems need sufficient lighting was a generalization. I have 3 BTA's in one of my tank's right now.  If you want to get specific, then what you say should be taken into consideration...no different than corals.  Coral placement, fixture and PAR...   Newbie's hopefully will do some research either before asking for direction or after getting peoples' opinions./DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif 

 

Would this be enough light for a 29g biocube?  We were looking at upgrading our lights to LEDs due to heat issues, and this seems more reasonably priced than the other options out there.  I was leaning towards a couple ecoxotic strips, but this would be cheaper even if it needed a double dose of the main light kit to be up to snuff.

 

They make a kit especially for the 29 biocube. A few members have it and love it.

 

Look at stevesleds.com he has a bunch of great stuff and he'll make sure you get the right kit for you tank and corals. I am going to get a set from him once the wedding is over in May! Can't wait to get rid of these PCs.

 

i posted my marineland reef capable unit for sale. it fits a 24" tank let me know if it will work in your plans.