equipment

[whiti9]

what would be the best equipment for a 20 gallon reef tank. just wondering.

 

[andymi]

This depends on what you are looking to keep and how much you can afford. Quite often best is not what some people can afford. If you want the best I would probably recommend getting some MH lighting, get enough sand to build a DSB, 40lbs of live rock and a protein skimmer. Again, it also all depends on what you are going to keep.
HTH
Andy

 

[up north hermit]

The best equipment for ANY reef tank is knowledge and experience.
These two requirements for success are far and away more important than the cost or complexity of the equipment.
That said, Andy gave good advice. Except for the lighting part! LOL I am a VHO advocate as an alternative to MH, especially on a 20 gallon tank with a DSB.
My humble .02
Hermit

 

[whiti9]

do you think that you could give me some more info on VHO

 

[up north hermit]

VHO=very high output, requires a special ballast,runs hotter than PC or NO but not as hot as MH,(especially with the electronic ballasts that are replacing the old coil and tar ballasts), usually installed in a hood or canopy with a small fan, provides twice the out put of NO's, provides the best color and florescence of animals,.......
I have 380 watts on my 40 gal reef. I'm very happy with my decision to go with VHO.
HTH
Hermit

 

[whiti9]

what is your thoughts on power compacts. i have been looking at those

 

[up north hermit]

Power Compacts would be a good choice for a 20 gallon.
But it all really comes down to what animals you intend to keep thriving, not just keep.
HTH
Hermit

 

[q]

There is also much debate on the possiable visiual draw backs to PC lighting as compared to VHO.
Try a lighing search if you have a lot of time to read.

 

[burnnspy]

I recommend an overflow, protein skimmer, pump and 55gal tank with MH, VHO or both that you can pump it into.
20 gal is too small for novice reef keepers IMHO. Consider buying a used equipment if money is an issue.
BurnNSpy

 

[whiti9]

well back to the 20 gallon. it would probably be better just to buy a 2 lamp kit instead of a 4 lamp kit wouldn't it

 

[up north hermit]

whiti9,
If you can get your hands on the June 2001 copy of FAMA magazine, there is an article on page 100 by Bob Fenner that showcases a 20 gallon tank. A coral reef 20 gallon tank! Check it out! It is thriving with a Millennium 2000 power filter and normal output florescent lighting.
My point here is there are MANY ways to achieve an awesome aquarium. Again, I emphasize the need for knowledge and experience as well.
FWIW
Hermit
PS: In response to your last posted question, which "kit" are you referring to? PC? VHO? NO?

 

[whiti9]

i was looking at the vho kit
either 2 bulb or 4
but since i only have a 20 gallon tank. i should probably just get 2 right

 

[up north hermit]

Yes, two 95 watt VHO would give you 9.5 watts per gallon (the ole rule of thumb ). Looks would be nice with one 50/50 and one actinic 03 bulb.
HTH
Hermit

 

[whiti9]

i went to a few fish stores today and i couldn't find a issue of FAMA so that kinda stinks. but i still have a few more fish stores to look at

 

[bassmaster]

I saw you guys talking about power compacts. I too have a 20 gallon tank, and yet i have no idea what power compacts are or what they do. What are they?