29 gallon reef questions

[kittykitty]

So I've decided I'm gonna set up a 29 gallon reef, and hopefully breed some clowns in it.
Ok... what's my ideal setup? I think have lighting figured out, gonna try the ORBIT power compact (1 dual 10k- 65 watt and 1 dual actinic - 65 watt, and moonlight) which makes it about 4.5 watts per gallon. Not sure what types of corals I want to put in there yet, but I'm definitely going to have an anemone or two. Think this is enough light?
I'm mainly having problems figuring out my filtration. Should I... or could I... do a wet/dry for a tank this size? I was hoping I could just make one, but have NO idea how to. I looked online for wet/dry filters and all I found were for larger tanks, 75 gal and up. Could I get away with an emperor and a skimmer instead?
:help:

 

[birdy]

kitty- If I were you, and you mainly want to focus on anemones and clowns, then that is all that I would put in the tank. I have thought of doing it myself. I am not sure if that is enough light for an anemone. You might consider one 175w MH with a 20k bulb, I think that would be perfect over a 29gal IMO.
Pick up the book clownfishes by Joyce Wilkerson

 

[kittykitty]

What's the difference between 6500K, 10,000K, 15,000K and the 20,000K? Is it intensity? Color? What? I'm confused.
I am now seriously considering the metal halide setup (thanks birdy)
I found a 15K 175 watt MH bulb (coralvue) for 54.95, and the same bulb by XM for 5 dollars more. Which is the better buy?
And I am so confused on the whole ballast thing. How in the world do I stick this bulb on top of my aquarium?? I sound like an idiot. I did find this site,
*edited* sorry but links to other sites are not allowed.
which has diy - make a metal halide lighting setup for under 100 dollars - instructions. You think this is the way to go?
ONE more question! Is the metal halide bulb itself have enough blue light, or should I get an actinic bulb as well?

 

[sparky0028]

Kitty
65K,10,000K ect are the color spectrum of the bulb. The 15k bulb that you priced has a tint of blue so I don't think you would need to run actinic. I have the 10k Coralue bulbs and there are a nice crisp white.
As far as where to put the bulb you would need to make a canopy for the tank and mount the mogul socket and reflector inside. You would alos need to put a fan on one side with a vent on the other to pull out the hot air. Another option is to save up some $$$ for a pendant light ( a 150w double ended Mh) which would give the same benifits as a 250w mogul. This might be a better option if you don't have the means of getting or making a canopy.Do a search for metal halide and you will get a ton of info.
Sparky
PS If you need some more resources email me and I will try and help as much as I can. richm@mart-tex.com

 

[birdy]

I agree with looking at a pendant system if you don't want to build a canopy. I have heard some good things about 20k XM, with a 20k bulb you would not need additional actinic lighting. I have not heard very good things about 14k bulbs, Most either use 10k with actinics (that is what I have) or 20k by themselves. I also a agree that the 150w HQI pendant would be a good option.

 

[kittykitty]

what's the pendant? is that like a canopy with everything already built inside?
I don't really have a problem with building a canopy. I have to build a huge snake cage anyway

 

[birdy]

A pendant is usually some type of metal fixture that is hung from the ceiling suspended over the tank.
If you don't have a problem building a canopy I would do it. you can get a retrofit from Hellolights and put some fans in it.

 

[kittykitty]

ok, thank you much