Tank Lighting

[nicodemus]

I am a beginner and would like to know what is the best way to go for lighting on a 30 gallon acrylic mini-reef tank

 

[bang guy]

It completely depends on what you are wanting to keep in your reef.

 

[nicodemus]

I would like to keep some zoos, anemones, a cleaner shrimp, and a blenny

 

[bang guy]

IMO an Anemone in a 30 gal will do best with a 250 watt Metal Halide. The other animals you listed would do fine under PC or VHO.
If you're new to the hobby I strongly suggest you shy away from Anemone until you have a year or two of experience keeping your tank stable.

 

[nicodemus]

I realize this is still the equipment board, but I would like some advice in first time reef choices. Please see my post in the beginners post. Thank you

 

[thomas712]

I would suggest a 24" 4 bulb VHO retrofit kit. Each bulb would give you 75 watts or 300 watts total. This would allow you to keep a Bubble tip anemone and plenty of softies and zoos.
The 3 bulb kit would give you 225 watts and you could still squeek by, not much of a price difference though.
I like Bang Guy's idea as far as BEST lighting with the 250 watt Metal halide though.
Thomas