Lighting
- Thread starter taketz
- Start date
figstr822
New Member
I personally wouldn't spend the money on MH for a 20g and go with either VHO or PC. VHO is more expenisve in the beginning, but cheaper when it comes to bulb replacement. The type of lighting also depends on what you plan on keeping in the tank. VHO will allow you to keep corals that need more intense lighting than PC.
figstr822
New Member
Many people say MH is needed for anemones, but I've heard of others having success with PC and VHO as well. I really couldn't tell you anything from experience as I have a FOWLR with no corals or anemones. As for the zoos, I can't speak on those either, Perhaps someone with experience with zoos and anemones can chime in here. If you had waited a month or so to ask about the anemone I could have had an answer for you as a friend of mine just got one the other day and he has 220 watts of PC over a 55. So we'll see if it survives.
razoreqx
Active Member
Originally posted by Bang Guy
What does the final product of your reef tank look like in your mind? What types of animals?
Bang
Nice approach Bang!!
I see so many newcommers confused with our 20 different setups to a single thread.. lol and we dont even usually know what they are planning to grow in their tanks.. *grin*
taketz
New Member
Wow, thats kinda a tough one bang.
I guess i see lots of rock in the center of the tank with most likely a large carpet anenomie (love how they look) with my two clownfish guarding it near the bottom. I also see assorted live rock near the bottom covered with mulicolored zoo's. I also see other assorted colorful anenomies and a few, choice inverts that my flame hawkfish will leave alone.
I don't really know how else to describe it.
~
I guess i see lots of rock in the center of the tank with most likely a large carpet anenomie (love how they look) with my two clownfish guarding it near the bottom. I also see assorted live rock near the bottom covered with mulicolored zoo's. I also see other assorted colorful anenomies and a few, choice inverts that my flame hawkfish will leave alone.
I don't really know how else to describe it.
~
bang guy
Moderator
That's a good start. Can I talk you into a Bubble-tip instead of the Carpet? Most carpets get larger than an entire 20 gallon tank and rather quickly. I just don't see it as a good fit. There's also a fairly good chance that the Carpet would just eat your Clownfish too, and any other fish you put in there.
Another (better) option would be something like Green Hairy Mushrooms. They have the advantage of being a lot hardier and much much easier to care for. A BTA will probably eventually outgrow your tank also but it will take longer.
If you going the Anemone route then I would recommend a 175 watt MH.
If you're going the softie route then either a pair of 65 watt PCs or a pair of 75 watt VHO's.
just my $0.02 worth
Another (better) option would be something like Green Hairy Mushrooms. They have the advantage of being a lot hardier and much much easier to care for. A BTA will probably eventually outgrow your tank also but it will take longer.
If you going the Anemone route then I would recommend a 175 watt MH.
If you're going the softie route then either a pair of 65 watt PCs or a pair of 75 watt VHO's.
just my $0.02 worth
csrobe02
Member
Just my $.02:
If you are planning on doing an anemone tank, dont plan on getting anything other than clowns. I have mixed feeling about my RBTA that I put in my 20 gallon. My clowns LOVE it and they seem so much happier since I put it in there, but I was really looking forward to getting some kind of blenny or goby to add later. With the anemone I cant do that because it would simply eat any other fish that I put in there.
Simply put, you run a very high risk of losing any fish other than a clown in a 20 gallon with an anemone.
If you are planning on doing an anemone tank, dont plan on getting anything other than clowns. I have mixed feeling about my RBTA that I put in my 20 gallon. My clowns LOVE it and they seem so much happier since I put it in there, but I was really looking forward to getting some kind of blenny or goby to add later. With the anemone I cant do that because it would simply eat any other fish that I put in there.
Simply put, you run a very high risk of losing any fish other than a clown in a 20 gallon with an anemone.