Confused About Lighting for a Small FOWLR

[Brian5000]

I am in the process of setting up a 29 gallon salt water tank. Since this is my first attempt at salt water, I am only looking to have a FOWLR tank. Contrary to what the guys at my LFS are trying to sell me, I get the impression that lighting really isn't so important for such a setup (especially for such a small size). Can I perhaps get away with the single 20W light strip that came with the tank (maybe with an upgraded bulb)? Or would that hinder live rock growth (coraline, etc.)? If I can, I'd like to avoid spending all that money for reef lighting (as well as dealing with the heat issues and the energy bill) if I don't really need it.

 

[Anonymous]

Sure you can use the light strip that comes with the tank for a FOWLR. You might lose some of the light loving hitchhikers on the live rock but actually coralline algae does better in lower light.
All that said, I bet you'll get the itch for the critters that need better lighting.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Brian5000]

I'm sure I will, but before I do that, I still have to prove I can take care of something as simple as a fish. I'd rather have wasted $20 replacing the single light strip than waste hundreds to find out I haven't the time or ability to culture a reef. Should I get a different light bulb though?

 

[DaisyPolyp]

that's a smart plan.

for a FOWLR, get whatever bulb makes your fish look the best to you, because that's what its all about.

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree - use whatever lighting appeals to you. For a FOWLR (or any FO system for that matter) it doesn't much matter what you use for lighting.

 

[Brian5000]

Thanks guys. I plan on getting cured live rock (less hassle, I think), so I probably won't end up with too many hitchhikers. They probably wouldn't survive my cycle anyway. From there I just plan on picking up a 20 or 30W something, which hopefully will appease some of the more basic photosynthetic algaes (otherwise, I end up with a bunch of brown algae, right?).

 

[DaisyPolyp]

that should be fine, because as mr. Mohr stated, coralline algae actually prefers low-light environments.

 

[ricky1414]

If you keep a 29 gal as a fowlr, you will definately be getting corals!! :wink: You will only be able to keep 2-3 small fish in there, and will get the coral "itch" from looking at all the pictures in the photo threads. Why dont you go to an online retailer and get a retrofit pc or vho system, because I can gaurantee that you will pick up a colony of zoo's at your LFS b/c they were cute... Welcome to the realm of saltwater tanks my friend, we are always looking to upgrade!

 

[ricky1414]

From there I just plan on picking up a 20 or 30W something, which hopefully will appease some of the more basic photosynthetic algaes (otherwise, I end up with a bunch of brown algae, right?).

You will get the brown algae, no matter what you do, with a brand new tank. But it will go away.

 

[Brian5000]

Yes, I know I'll get the "itch" eventually; that's a given. Actually, I've been screwing around with my LFS for weeks trying to get them to order something for me. They really don't seem to want my business that badly. Now all I really want to do is start the tank cycling and get some fish in there so I don't have to stare at a box of sterile water (I was supposed to have a full setup by now), which I guess I can do with the strip that came with this tank. While I'm at it, I may as well leave it at that til I figure out this salt water thing and I'm ready it make the move into reefs. Meanwhile, I can do my homework a little better and figure out exactly what I need and want.

 

[DaisyPolyp]

what exactly has been your experience at your LFS?

 

[hdtran]

I kept a FOwLR in a 29g acrylic with a single bulb for almost 4 years, no problem.

You can use a 50/50 fluorescent bulb (20-30W) for about $15-$20, or you can get a compact fluorescent fixture that just drops on your tank for about $50.

A bit of blue in the lighting (50/50 or CF fixture) makes the fish look better.

A protein skimmer should have been among your first purchases. If you just want FOwLR, I'd highly recommend John Tullock's "Your First Saltwater Aquarium" for less than $10.

Best of luck!

 

[Brian5000]

There are several workers at this place, and depending on which one I talk to, I can get a completely different story ranging from, "ah, protein skimmers aren't really that important until you start getting corals." to, "ok, to get started you're going to need this skimmer and I can get you this lighting system in about 4 day and..." I get one extreme to the next, and they all seem to be part time (even the manager is only there 2 days a week) so I always see a different person at random. As for ordering, I don't think these people really communicate very well with each other, and I'm not really sure if anything ever actually gets ordered (either that or they're going to call me one day with 10 different light fixtures). There is another marine fish store in this town, but the place looks like a dump. I don't think they can take care of me if they can't even take care of themselves.

 

[Brian5000]

Actually, the protein skimmer I ended up with was a Seaclone. Based on what I've read here, it might be a good idea to try and return it while I can. Any opinion on what I should have gotten (looking for quiet and astheticly small if possible)?

 

[ChrisRD]

I like an AquaC Remora on a tank that size.

 

[DaisyPolyp]

It's admirable that you gave your LFS a shot at your business, but if you are unsatisfied, try tome of the online retailers found on the sponsors page here. A lot of very reputable outfits there.