Small reef setup

[bawood]

So I have a 25 gallon I'd like to convert to reef. For now it would only have 65 watts of PC, I plan on adding another 63-130 watts shortly. My skimmer is on order and I have about 25lbs or LR. I've only got a clean up crew, but I am about to add a matched pair of clowns and a fire fish.
What can I sucessfully run. I like Blue Stripe mushrooms, devils hand leathers and frogspawn and hammer corals.
I know I can't run the Hammer's. I know that I'll need more light for the frogspawn.
Would Green Ricordea Survive?
Do I have to worry about coral fighting? What's a good book on Coral care?
Thanks,
Bryce

 

[hkdonreefs]

With 130 watts on a 25 you can keep anything even clams. I had the same on my 20 with a frogspawn, hammer, totch, brain, and scolymia and they were all growing.

 

[hkdonreefs]

aquarium corals by eric borneman is the best book Ive read. It has lots of pics for identification and will tell you all you need to know. Its pricey but I would recomend it highly. Its best to decide on what group you want soft , lps ,or sps and dont mix but you could mix certain corals.

 

[jeepman3sk]

just had to ask so about 5 watts per gallon is good enough for clams? Even if he adds and extra 130 watts its still 7watts per gallon. Just wondering b/c someone told me that 10watts per gallon wasnt good enough. Sorry not trying to steal your thread. Just interested in the lighting area.

 

[bawood]

bump
I was wondering if anyone else had something to add...

 

[oceana]

Originally Posted by hkdonreefs
With 130 watts on a 25 you can keep anything even clams. I had the same on my 20 with a frogspawn, hammer, totch, brain, and scolymia and they were all growing.

this is an untrue opened ended statement
that lighting/ a new tank/ and long term = dead clam

 

[bawood]

I wouldn't risk a clam yet, I'd probably only try one with MH, but this a 8 month old tank so far.

 

[wangotango]

yeah i dont think thats enough for a clam either. however i have mine under 330 watts of VHO and its fine. i also know of someone whos kept a crocea under PC for many years. while yes halides are the best, theyre just not economical for a 25gallon tank. you should be able to keep a lot of the LPS with your present lighting.