Starting new softie tank....

[josh]

and was wondering if 150 watts of VHO would be enough. The tank will be a 29 gallon.
I am getting the PFO retro which comes with two seperate cords to control each light. I was thinking a actinic and an aquasun. How does that sound.

 

[mlm]

I used to use aquasuns and then one time tried the uri white actinic and like it a lot better. Aquasuns tend to put off a reddish tint where as the actinic whites are a crisp white color. I would go with one actinic and one actinic white.

 

[ryebread]

I think that softies should love that light. I am running 225watts of VHO over my 29 and things are doing great but, I feel that the lower light corals are hiding a little bit. 150 may be a good comprimise. Good luck.

 

[josh]

Thanks that is what I was looking for! So is that enough light to keep softies?
Rye - one actinic and one actinic white sound good to you as well?

 

[ryebread]

That should do nicely. You should be pleased with the color of that tank.

 

[josh]

Hey while I've got your ear, what's a good distance off the water for them? Is heat going to be an issue?
Thanks!

 

[ryebread]

I keep mine about six inches from the water. I have a fairly well enclosed canopy and I still don't have any heating issues. No fans.

 

[josh]

Ok,
So are the 50/50 lamps also called actinic whites? Same thing?

 

[y2says]

I started my mother's 29g reef with only 110w PC and so far so good. She even has a bubble coral that has doubled in size in about 7 months.

 

[quazi]

I went with 50/50 only. Adding actinics made the tank too blue for me, but that is a personal decision.
My bulbs are about 3 inches above the water. I lay them on the edge of my 55. With the caps on, they lay perfectly on my perfecto 55! They cannot fall in, but taking the top off (which is rare) can be exciting.

 

[josh]

Thanks,
Well after more thought, I think I might go with a 150 HQI over it. Good light for sofites and may be able to keep an monti or two.
Anyone have experience with the new ushio 20K?