help getting started

kentuckian

kentuckian

Member
hey guys,
I just purchased a 15 gal. eclipse show tank i'd love to get started on a salt water tank but living in kentucky (just moved here from florida) i have to do most everything from this site and i need some help getting started. i'd like live rock but don't know quite how much things like that any help would be great
:help:
 
lefty

lefty

Active Member
Welcome to the board!
Near the top of the page on the right, there's a "Search" button. If you have questions, I'd try searching for an answer first (I've found it to be quite helpful for me in the past).
The rule of thumb for the amount of live rock is between one and two pounds per gallon. So, you're looking at between 15 and 30 pounds. =)
-lefty
 
kentuckian

kentuckian

Member
thanks,
i looked around abit and found some useful information but i did have a couple more questions for now. one is what kind of lighting do i need if i have LR and LS possibly corals and or anemonies another question is about a pump, the eclipse hood has a filter but i don't think that will be enough.
 
lefty

lefty

Active Member
Filtration wise, I don't think the Eclipse hood will be a problem. But the lighting that comes standard on it will not be enough for corals and the like. You would have to find replacement lights compatible with the Eclipse hood. As for the wattage you will need, you want it to be between three and five watts per gallon (for reef tanks). Keep in mind that some corals require more lighting and care than others. Most people on this site will agree that soft corals are among the easiest to take care of. Considering your tank is only a 15g, that will also affect the kinds of corals you're going to put in it.
For more information on lighting, go to:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/lig...a/aa031300.htm
Also, protein skimmers are highly recommended for reef tanks. Basically, there are a few different items besides the Eclipse hood that you will need for a successful tank. I would suggest you check out the saltwater aquarium section of about.com. It's pretty helpful. =)
-lefty
 
drummerbum

drummerbum

Member
I 'm in a bit of the same boat here i'm starting a 10 gallon nano using top fin equipment (Lifetime guarentee) and a stock 30 -50 watt floresent light would be enough?!?:confused: :notsure:
 
kentuckian

kentuckian

Member
About adding a new lighting system it seems almost impossible to get a clean look out of this or something that would just fit into my eclipse system do you have any suggestions before i get to deep into this cause these things aren't cheap and i'm thinking of just yellow pollips or something like that it says they only require medium light is my lighting still not enough?
 
lefty

lefty

Active Member
Drummer: I believe that amount of lighting would work for some corals. Make sure to research which ones before you decide to buy! =)
Kentuckian: If you just want yellow polyps, they might be okay with the lighting provided by the Eclipse hood. How much lighting does it have? Visit the two sites below for more information about the lighting. I will try and find the exact wattage needed (unless someone else on here knows and is willing to share).
http://www.***********.com/product/p...cfm?pCatId=675
http://petsolutions.com/product.asp_...ellow+Polyp_E_
-lefty
 
kentuckian

kentuckian

Member
My eclipse system is the eclipse 1 with an 18'' "daylight lamp" which i'm unhappy to say is a pitiful (T8- 15 watts)
 
lefty

lefty

Active Member
Well...you may just be better off (pricewise) just purchasing a hood, filter, and lighting system separately. But if the Eclipse is still your best deal for the money, then I would definitely recommend switching the 15 watt out for something stronger once you get it. However, polyps are known for being among the more hardy corals. You could always buy the Eclipse and put the polyp in the tank and watch it like a hawk. If it appears to be doing fine, then great. If not, I would immediately purchase a stronger light (I'd say as strong as you can go with the budget you have in mind).
-lefty
 
bigarn

bigarn

Active Member

Originally posted by kentuckian
PC lighting? not sure what that is?
also is there a higher watt bulb that will fit in the 18'' spot
PC=Power Compact. With these you'd be able to keep any soft coral you want.
I have 96 watt PC's on my 10 gallon and every thing is doing fine. :D
 
kentuckian

kentuckian

Member
SUNPAQ COMPACT FLUORESCENT RETROFIT KIT - SINGLE LAMP - 1X96W QUAD 18"
does this sound like it would be appropriate for the job?
 
bigarn

bigarn

Active Member

Originally posted by kentuckian
SUNPAQ COMPACT FLUORESCENT RETROFIT KIT - SINGLE LAMP - 1X96W QUAD 18"
does this sound like it would be appropriate for the job?
Yep. :D
 
kentuckian

kentuckian

Member
would that lighting be able to support a colt coral? in the description it says they are easy to keep would anyone recomend this as an alternative to yellow polyps for a first coral or would anyone have any other recomendations as far as corals go?
 
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