Thinking about trying out a simple saltwater tank

[Second Hand Pat]

Skip I think rather than a local reef club you need a local aquatics anonymous addictions club ;-)

His gf is visiting over x-mas. Maybe she can help.

[Skip]

would one of these work on a 20g?! or should i get 2 of these fixtures..?
they are only 40 with shipping

Coming with 48W Power Output in total. It combines with 1 x 24W T5 HO 12,000k Fluorescent Lamp and 1 x 24W T5 HO Actinic Blue Lamp in an ultra-sleek unit. The latest 24" Aquarium Light is an excellent choice for saltwater, reef, or freshwater tropical aquariums. Furthermore, its durable German Anodized Aluminum Reflectors engineered to intensify light output. Come and get appropriate level of light and natural environment for your aquarium with this sleek and high-quality light right now!

Features:

Brand New in Box Ready to Be Operated Upon Arrival
Internal Highly Efficient Fluorescent Ballasts
Standard T5 Sockets
German Aluminum Reflector for Maximum and Optimal Lighting Effect
Non-corrosive Powder Coated Aluminum Housing
Acrylic Shield to Protect the Light from Splashing
One On/Off Switch to Control the Lamps
Well-ventilated Design with Thermovents on Both Ends of the Fixture
Mounting Brackets Conveniently Flip up
Suitable for both Natural Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium
CE Certificated
Specifications:
Voltage: 110V
Power: 48W
Dimension: 24"L x 4 3/4"W x 2 1/4"H
Dimension with Legs: 25"L x 6 3/4"W x 5 1/2"H
Height with Legs Jacked Up: 9"
Power Cord: Approx. 91 1/2"
Package Content:

1 x 24"Aquarium Light Fixture
1 x 24W T5 12,000K Fluorescent Lamp
1 x 24W T5 Actinic Blue Lamp
2 x Flippable Brackets
Please Note: Remove all package around the light and bulbs before power on.

To Keep in Mind: The lighting choices and time vary in reference to different species, so please research the species you want to keep so that you can choose the most appropriate fixtures. And a good range of time would be anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. Fish only setups could range from 6 to 12 hours, reef tank setups and freshwater planted aquariums could range from 10 to 12 hour photo periods. Leaving the lights on for longer time periods could contribute to nuisance algae growth, higher tank temperature and quicker tank water evaporation.

[judy]

I'd be inclined to get two. These specs sound a lot like the Current fixture I used on my 33 hex when it was a nano reef, and the lights worked very well.

[Skip]

I'd be inclined to get two. These specs sound a lot like the Current fixture I used on my 33 hex when it was a nano reef, and the lights worked very well.

thanks judy.. thats what i was thinking

[judy]

great-- this way, you can add corals when you get bored with Just Fish!!
Oh, you are gonna go so bankrupt....

[Skip]

great-- this way, you can add corals when you get bored with Just Fish!!
Oh, you are gonna go so bankrupt....

what kind of corals or non fish will this kind of light support or not support?

[judy]

Oh, loads... large polyp stony corals, zoas, mushrooms, star polyps, open brain, leather corals, green clove polyps, bubble corals, acanthastreas, bubble corals (kept higher up), galaxia, Borneman's or sand anemones, maxi-mini anemones... tons. a good local reef club will get you going with frags-- small pieces-- that are inexpesnive and grow quite quickly, given good water conditions. Just make sure the fish you stock are reef-safe. Some fish eat coral.

[DerekFF]

In an effort to save you money (even though the simple act of owning a marine tank is a drainer) id recommend that you get fish that are coral/reef safe when you start. That way when you decide to get corals or make a reef tank you wont have spent $100's on fish that you can't have in your tank anymore. Sure sure the lfs will take them back but at a dirt fraction of what you bought them for obviously. Just trying to save you money so you can buy corals!!!!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[judy]

and you will want to buy corals... here's a vid of my reef...

http://s1235.photobucket.com/albums/...t=MVI_0226.mp4

[Skip]

and you will want to buy corals... here's a vid of my reef...

http://s1235.photobucket.com/albums/...t=MVI_0226.mp4

that is SWEET!!! what size is that?

[judy]

125 gallons with a 40 gallon sump/refugium. I passed the ten thousand dollar mark long ago (the LED Vertex lights alone were $3300). Am still buying corals-- and have to sell some periodically to make room for new ones!!

[Skip]

125 gallons with a 40 gallon sump/refugium. I passed the ten thousand dollar mark long ago (the LED Vertex lights alone were $3300). Am still buying corals-- and have to sell some periodically to make room for new ones!!

GOOOD LORD! WOW!

[judy]

oh, yeah. even live rock here runs six bucks a pound at the cheapest, retail-- really good fiji can go for ten bucks a pound. so 300 lbs of rock or more-- about two grand (or more). plumbed custom tank, stand and sump, another two grand (i am NOT handy that way-- self-done it would be much cheaper) . then pumps, sump light, more rock for the sump... another five hundred or so... and you're up to almost eight grand and haven't even started on the live sand, the fish, and the coral... hoo-wa.

[nwehrman]

It is a beautiful tank though....

[ExReefer]

oh, yeah. even live rock here runs six bucks a pound at the cheapest, retail-- really good fiji can go for ten bucks a pound. so 300 lbs of rock or more-- about two grand (or more). plumbed custom tank, stand and sump, another two grand (i am NOT handy that way-- self-done it would be much cheaper) . then pumps, sump light, more rock for the sump... another five hundred or so... and you're up to almost eight grand and haven't even started on the live sand, the fish, and the coral... hoo-wa.

Let's not scare anyone off here. I agree, it can be an expensive hobby, but you can be smart about it and purchase used items and trade coral frags, etc. You don't need to purchase everything new. Get to know local reefers and get stuff at 50% discounts or more. Just like discus keeping, there are many people jumping in and out of reef keeping and will have nice equipment, coral, etc. to sell off.