I am a NOOB! need advice

[jega]

I have been out of this hobby for a few years now. So, i am definitely a noob. I have been addicted to this forum, but never subscribed until just now. I cant take it anymore, i need a tank!!!
I have a 30 gal tank that i want to turn into a fish only tank and i was wondering what kind of lighting i would need. Do i need actinics? I only really want a small lionfish. maybe a fuzzy.
I have a sealife wet/dry, protein skimmer, and an overflow box. would i need a refugium? I truly appreciate any help

 

[no_wedge]

really cheapest you can find you only need 1-2watts per gallon for a fish only no actnics, ,but it may bring out some color

 

[rlablan]

Go with a coralife strip light. There are dual bulb linear strips actinic and daylight. They provide nice light, and they use little wattage. They don't heat your water, and they are pretty cheap. Def. Under 100 bucks, maybe even like 55 bucks for a tank your size.

 

[meowzer]

Yeah go with pc's...but I would get actinic too...it just adds a nicer appearance (IMO) and I believe it adds to coraline growth too

 

[jega]

Originally Posted by no_Wedge
http:///forum/post/3172511
really cheapest you can find you only need 1-2watts per gallon for a fish only no actnics, ,but it may bring out some color
sweet, i was hoping yall weren't going to say expensive ones.

Originally Posted by rlablan
http:///forum/post/3172518
Go with a coralife strip light. There are dual bulb linear strips actinic and daylight. They provide nice light, and they use little wattage. They don't heat your water, and they are pretty cheap. Def. Under 100 bucks, maybe even like 55 bucks for a tank your size.
Thanks for the reply.
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3172521
Yeah go with pc's...but I would get actinic too...it just adds a nicer appearance (IMO) and I believe it adds to coraline growth too
thanks guys and girls!
One more light question. the tank has a hood on it with one bulb "spot" (excuse my noob term) could i use that and just put a new bulb in there?

 

[louti]

Yes, just get a 50/50 bulb. It is half actinic and half daylight spectrum. Fish don't need light, so as long as you can see them when you want to, you're fine.

 

[fretfreak13]

Fish don't need ANY light at all. You can use whatever lights you want on your tank, they're just suggusting atinic because it brings out a lot of color. It's not a nessicity. I have the Coralife 50/50 28 watt on my 29 gallon tank. It looks pretty nice, but I'm already hoping for an upgrade for different corals. I got that light for fifty bucks, by the way.

 

[jega]

Originally Posted by Fretfreak13
http:///forum/post/3172556
Fish don't need ANY light at all. You can use whatever lights you want on your tank, they're just suggusting atinic because it brings out a lot of color. It's not a nessicity. I have the Coralife 50/50 28 watt on my 29 gallon tank. It looks pretty nice, but I'm already hoping for an upgrade for different corals. I got that light for fifty bucks, by the way.
well that makes me feel better knowing they dont need any light. i will go with the 50/50. thanks.
does anyone think i need a refugium??

 

[eric b 125]

nah, with a fish only tank, you wont need a fuge. especially if you dont overstock, have a skimmer and keep up with your water changes

 

[jega]

Originally Posted by Eric B 125
http:///forum/post/3172618
nah, with a fish only tank, you wont need a fuge. especially if you dont overstock, have a skimmer and keep up with your water changes
what about a HOB filter?

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by Fretfreak13
http:///forum/post/3172556
Fish don't need ANY light at all. You can use whatever lights you want on your tank, they're just suggusting atinic because it brings out a lot of color. It's not a nessicity. I have the Coralife 50/50 28 watt on my 29 gallon tank. It looks pretty nice, but I'm already hoping for an upgrade for different corals. I got that light for fifty bucks, by the way.
Jega...WELCOME! Glad you took the plunge
Fretfreak13...you can get some really pretty non photosynthetic coral (right term?) They are the type that need allot of spot feeding but no special lights needed. He mentioned small water changes 2x per week because of all the feeding....Here is a picture of a couple of fantastic tanks Spanko found.
These almost makes me sorry I have MH lighting...

 

[jega]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3172649
Jega...WELCOME! Glad you took the plunge
Fretfreak13...you can get some really pretty non photosynthetic coral (right term?) They are the type that need allot of spot feeding but no special lights needed. He mentioned small water changes 2x per week because of all the feeding....Here is a picture of a couple of fantastic tanks Spanko found.
These almost makes me sorry I have MH lighting...
wow...those are fantastic! what kind of corals are those?