Lighting question

[scubachris]

Ok I just bought a new light/hood for my tank, then I decided I wanted to get into corals, so now I need to buy another. The one I have now has 2 bulbs one a 50/50 and the other a straight florescent. 60 wats combine i think. I know I need a new light for corals and such. My question is what is a good wattage level to keep corals and such happy in a 30 gallon tank? Hhave around $200-250 for a new light . Anything in that price range that will work?

 

[nycbob]

thats will depend on what corals u want to keep. if u r handy, u can get a retrofit to attach under ur canopy, sicne they r cheaper without the fixture. if u want mostly softies, powercompact lights will do. go with t5 with individual reflectors, and u can pretty keep anything except maybe a few sps. mh, anything. imo, u should get the best light to start with, bc it will save u money over the long haul, even if it costs u more than $250.

 

[forsfed50]

4 to 8 watts per gallon depending on which corals. I
keep most corals with about 6 watts per gallon from a t5.