Watts Per Gallon Question

[newbe reefer]

When figuring out how many watts per gallon you have in your tank do you just count the actual gallons of water you have in there or the total gallons the tank holds? I mean I have a 12 gallon tank but with the LR and DSB I think there is only about 9 gallons of water. This would effect my watts per gallon pretty signifently. So I either have 2.1 or 2.9 wpg.
Thanks,
NewBe

 

[slick]

To answer your question. You take your total watts and divide by total gallons. So you have 2.1

 

[slick]

Originally posted by jamesurq
Slick is right and directly answered your question. Sometimes I feel like I should just shut up and do the same... But I care too much....
I agree with you 100%.

 

[newbe reefer]

I want to have a full understanding, so Jamesurq please don't "shut up".
So do you think I will be fine keeping soft things like Mushrooms, Hairy Mushrooms, Green Star Polyps, Button Poylps and a Leather Finger. I have a fully cycled 12 gallon Eclipse system with a DSB of about 31/2 - 4'' I have between 10 and 12 pounds of LR with a 13 watt PC. The tank seems to be doing quite well with coraline growing. The only things I don't have from above is the Leather and Hairy Mushroom. Let me know if you need more info on the tank. But the main question is what is your opition on keeping these softies in my tank.
I've been thinking about new lighting, but I would have to do some retro fitting and if I don't have to I won't.
And I'm a she.
Thanks,
NewBe

 

[slick]

I think with the lighting you have those corals would live but not thrive and grow. I would suggest you try to retro fit new or more lighting on your tank. I have a 10g nano with 130w of pc's on it so you can make stuff work. Is your tank a bowfront or straight front?

 

[newbe reefer]

It's a bow front. And I really want to keep the hood. I've been looking at light fixtures on line that would fit in my hood (no one makes a stronger bulb that will in the hood now) and have not seen anything so far. I guess I'll keep looking. What a pain.
Thanks,
NewBe

 

[slick]

How wide is the tank from left to right?

 

[newbe reefer]

I measured the hood from left to right and I can fit in a light fixture no longer than 15'' and no wider than 4''. What I was thinking is "riping" out the light fixture in the hood and put in a new one using liquid nails and drilling in holes in the top of the hood and through the new light fixture and then use screws to make sure it holds. I've heard of people doing this to these systems but have not gotten any real details it's all been "I know this guy that did that to his 12 gallon Eclipse" I posted a message on this board asking if anyone had done this, but no one replyed. Also I have not found a light fixture yet that matches these spatial requirements.
Thanks,
NewBe

 

[newbe reefer]

I was wondering what you have to say about the retro fit idea? I've never done anything like that before. Do you know of a light fixture that will work for me? Are you sure I don't have enough watts now? LOL
NewBe

 

[slick]

What I would do is rip out the old lighting system and put this in. You can fit 2 28w pc's they are 12 and 11/16 long. They run about $17 per bulb. The dual ballast is $75. It comes with waterproff endcaps. You could probally fit a small reflector in there as well. Hope this helps.

 

[newbe reefer]

Slick,
First of all thank you. Secondly I have a couple of questions. Where did you find these lights and stuff? Can the bulbs be exposed to the water? And that's not too much light???
Thanks,
NewBe

 

[newbe reefer]

The light can't be longer than 15'' and no wider than 4''.
Thanks,
NewBe

 

[slick]

I can't list where I found them here. But if you send me a e-mail I will sure help you out. My add is in the sig.

 

[newbe reefer]

I just wanted to let you know that I ordered a 36 watt combo PC light and ballest kit from A H Supply and got it all in and running this past weekend. The tank looks soooooooooo good. I couldn't believe the color of everything as soon as I turned it on.
And I wanted to say thanks to everyone that helped me out with all my questions.

NewBe

 

[bradttu]

Let's see some pictures!!!

 

[newbe reefer]

I just called my husband at home so he could take a picture and then e-mail it to me so that I could show off the tank. I'll have it posted soon!!!!
I love this hobby
NewBe

 

[newbe reefer]

Okay I think I figured out the picture posting and resizing thing. He's a pic of my 12 gallon Nano. I set it up 1-2-03.
Plastic blue back drop is temporary and I'm looking to get another peice of LR and lots more corals and stuff.
And WOW the new lighting makes a huge difference!!!!
NewBe

 

[newbe reefer]

closer

 

[newbe reefer]

 

[newbe reefer]

Thanks. The big piece is Florida rock I bought at a local Pet Store. It has a lot of really cool stuff on it including 2 rock clams (alive) barnicles (alive) sponges and some stuff I don't even know what it is yet.