what kind of lighting do need to have corals and clams in a 20 gallon?

red crab

red crab

Member
I have a 20 with a yellow clown goby, some peppermint shimp and a pair of cinnamon clowns can I have corals or clams I have a normal freshwater light is that all I need?
 
stanlalee

stanlalee

Active Member
at least four bulbs of T5 H.O. with decent reflectors or 150w Metal halide ideally for the clam (a crocea is the only one that doesn't get larger than an actual 20gallon tank and the only practical choice but it also requires the most light). whats the length of the tank? Perhaps we can offer some suggestions.
 
nycbob

nycbob

Active Member
t5 with individual reflectors or mh is a must. also a tank of at least 6 months old. calcium and alk should be roughly 400 and 8-12 respectively. try an easier clam such as derasa 1st. it will take a few years b4 it gets real big, if u can keep it alive that long.
 
stanlalee

stanlalee

Active Member
a 20g tall is 24" so your cheapest T5 HO option is going to be the current usa 24" nova extreme 24wx4 at about $170 just make sure you get the latest model since the older versions did not have individual reflectors. bulb upgrades will also get the most out of it. if you cant find the latest nova extreme look for the 24" sundial T5 HO 24x4w fixture although the extreme is $50 cheaper and has the more updated reflectors but it comes with built in timers and perhaps looks a little cooler. expect to pay in the $200-300 range for a single 150w MH fixture or pendant. pendants have to be hung from the ceiling or hanging arms but are usually cheaper than fixtures with legs. I'll stick with current usa for suggestions since they are fairly mainstream and easily obtain almost everywhere online. 24" sunpod fixture with 150w halide cost about $275 and sundial 150w halide and 32x2pc pendant cost around $230 and can be had with or without hanging arms (for the same price for the time being). I'm not trying to suggest you ONLY look at current-usa either. any reputable brand 24wx4 T5 HO with individual reflectors will work and anyway you can get a 150w halide over the tank will work just fine. if you have more money to burn there are better higher end light fixtures and pendants to be had.
24" nova extreme T5 $170ish

24" sundial T5 $220ish

sundial MH/pc pendant $230ish

24" sunpod MH $275ish

current usa hanging rods (can be used with sunpod/sundial or any pendant for that matter) $$ dont know but its being offered free with the sundial MH/pc purchase for now
 
red crab

red crab

Member
WOW I thought it would cheaper than that just for lighting. thanks alot for all the info and pics stanlalee oh check my thread it is titled awesome pic!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top