Wats per gallon??

[jake22]

How many wats would i need for my 26 gallon bow front tank. Would 2 x 55 be ok or should i go with 2 x 96. I want to keep mushrooms and some polyps. Should i but one bulb blue and the other white or both white or both blue?

 

[bang guy]

IMO 2 X 55 would be perfect for shrooms and polyps. A "true Actinic" and a Daylight wold be my preference but it's mostly personal choice. I really dislike the blue filtered bulbs and the 50/50's... but then, I'm a VHO bigot and love the actinic look.

 

[jake22]

I was thinking of buying from aquarium hobbyist supply. They seem to have the cheapest prices. Does anyone know if they are reliable? How much work do i have to do once i recieve the package?

 

[shadow678]

I completely agree with Bang Guy. I have heard a lot of people say AH Supply was really good, so I don't see any problem with them, altough I have yet to order anything from them myself.

 

[goalie66]

I've ordered alot from Pet Warehouse & have great results.
Their prices and support are also very good.

 

[jonthefb]

go with the 2 96 watt lights, thsi will ensure that you will be able to keep a wider variety of corals!
i too would use a super actinic, and one 10k daylight delux!
good luck
jon

 

[jake22]

Thanks for your help. What do you guys use to keep your coral in place? HOw would you keep a loose mushroom in place? MY lfs sells mushrooms that are not attached for rock for like 4 dollars each and i was planning on starting with them, will they sting my fish? How would i keep them in place?

 

[jonthefb]

great choice on a starter coral, shrooms are great and are very low maintenance. when i get individual shrooms, i usually unplus all my filters/powerheads for a few hours after acclimating, and place it in a spot that i want it, this way its not disturbed by lots of motion. they will grab hold of the substrate after that and will be attatched. they wont sting fish, but can sting corals that are in close proximity to them. they grow large and fast, but defiantely look cool. keep your eyes out for ricordea shrooms, these have to be my all time faves!
good luck
jon

 

[jake22]

I am using an aquaclear 500 as my only filter in my 26 gallon besides my live rock and dsb, so your saying to shut it off? will that harm my fish at all? Thanks for the replys but i have one more question. How many fish would you suggest for a 26 gallon reef tank? i was told if you have coral it limits how many fish you could have compared to if you didnt

 

[bang guy]

I disagree that Coral limits the number of fish mostly just the types of fish.
Can I suggest a pair of Tank Bred Banggai?
On a tank that size I suggest small docile fish. Perc clowns, Clown Gobies, Barnacle Blennie, etc. Active fish like Chromis may quickly overload your system.