Simple lighting question

[SnowManSnow]

Would a 2x65w PC going to offer enough light to my 37g tank? What kinds of things could I keep with 3.5w / gallon?


Just currious.

Thanks.

B

 

[ChrisRD]

If your tank is the 37 gallon I'm thinking of, it's about 2' tall. You should be OK with most soft corals and LPS, but as you get near the bottom of the tank there will be significantly less light intensity, so you'll want to keep the higher light corals in the upper part of the tank. If you attempt any SPS corals, I'd stick to the lower light ones and keep them high in tank.

BTW, watts-per-gallon really isn't a useful guideline as it doesn't take into account many factors that will effect what sort of light intensity your corals will actually be receiving.

HTH

 

[SnowManSnow]

what about clams?

 

[i2ik]

clam and SPS need a lot of lights, i dont think 2PC should be enough for.
I am having a 33G with 4xT5 and have difficulties to keep one montipora at 3 inch above the water. I wont try hard corals unless i have more fluo or MH.

 

[HClH2OFish]

I wouldn't try clams with anything less than MH, IMO. Mainly because they seem to be *so* sensitive to light.

 

[ChrisRD]

what about clams?

Personally I would not attempt Tridacnas with that setup.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Thanks for your inputs! Now I know...

NOW.. the next question.... (part 2)

What are some SPECIFIC corals / inverts that I can keep? Is there a page with pics? What about zooanthids (spelling?) Do any anemones stay small enough to keep? Should I keep any shrooms? Or do they "take over"?

Again,
Thanks for the input!
B.

 

[HClH2OFish]

I'd think you could def. keep zooanthids and shrooms..shrooms like lower light and lower flow so I'd put em far away from lights as possible.
They can take over tanks from what I've heard, but mine are fine on their rock..haven't spread yet.

As far as other types of corals, I'll defer to those who keep them

 

[SnowManSnow]

OK.. when I DO finally put some corals in... what new things will come into the picture.. like Calcium... and so forth... what are some things I need to keep a check on.. and what are the acceptable parameters for these things? Also... just a dumb question.. what do I feed corals?

 

[ChrisRD]

I recommend maintaining calcium levels in any reef tank, but it's more critical to do so in a tank that has calcifying corals.

Basic parameters you should monitor regularly once the tank is established (IMO): Ca, Alk, pH, Temp and SG (salinity).

As for feeding - some people like to target feed certain corals, but many of them will get what they need when you feed your fish and really don't require anything more.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Ok.. lets get basic here... you say maintain calcium levels... how do I do that? What additive.. if any.. is best.. and most cost effective?

Told ya I was new!
B.

 

[ChrisRD]

Using something that provides balanced quantities of Ca and Alk is best IMO so things don't get out of whack (ionic balance). Kalkwasser and/or two-part additives are both good ways to accomplish this.

If you're new to all of this, check out our FAQ, our library and pick-up at least one good beginner's book from our recommended reading list - you'll find lots of good information. Also, you can use the search feature here to research responses to similar questions in the past.

HTH

 

[SnowManSnow]

Thanks guys.. I'll do some searches and try to educate myself as to what needs to be done. There are just so many products out there that say "NESSISITY for aquarium health" haha.. everyone's sellin somthin'. I like to keep things as simple as possible.