[sting_ray]

I would like to ask the group for suggestions on lighting an Oceanic 30 gallon cube tank 20.5 x 18.5 x 21.5. I'm having a difficult time finding anything in the 3-5 watts per gallon range.

I was thinking of running the CPR bak-Pac on this tank.
Does this sound like good plan? Besides a heater, rock, and sand is there anything else I need to get up and running?

Kevin

 

[skylergirl]

Probably a metal halide pendant or T5 lights would fit the bill.

Don't forget powerheads for circulation

 

[sting_ray]

Thanks skylergirl for the reply. I was doing some surfing last night and found out that Coralife makes a 20" 96 watt aqualight. I understand this is at the low end of the 3-5 watts per gallon rule but it might do the job.
I would like to hear from the people at Happy Reef (one of our sponsors) but I did not see a telephone number.

 

[tommyb]

Kevin,
Where did you get your tank from. I think I am going to buy the same size. Also, how much was it. Thanks.
Tom

 

[sting_ray]

Hi Tom,

I bought the tank at Petsmart in Utica the price was $129.00. A little pricey I know but I have had a 29 gallon Hex made by Oceanic for almost ten years with no trouble. In my opinion they are very well made.
Any comments on the use of a CRP Bak-Pak or my lighting choice?

Kevin

 

[Newts]

Are you planning on SPS, softies, clams, or LPS. If you want to keep SPS, or clams, than I would say 175w or 250w MH. If you just want softies, and LPS, than PCs, VHO, or T-5s. With the space availible it will be easier to fit MH.

 

[reddhaus]

Are you planning on SPS, softies, clams, or LPS. If you want to keep SPS, or clams, than I would say 175w or 250w MH. If you just want softies, and LPS, than PCs, VHO, or T-5s. With the space availible it will be easier to fit MH.

I agree with this 100%.

 

[sting_ray]

Thanks for the input. Yes, my plan is softies and LPS. Is everybody cool with Coralife as a brand. I have not seen or heard of any others that will fit my odd shape tank.

Kevin

 

[tikki50]

Well I have a coralife hood with the factory bulbs and I dont like them. The color isnt all that great so you'll probably have to switch them out sooner and get some real PC bulbs. It should be enough to get you started. The best wold be a MH. and then your lighting is complete. As I have learned, do it right the first time and save money in the long run. With a tank that size your kinda stuck using pc's or MH. I dont think they make a VHO kit that small or a t-5. If you want to stop by and see my tank your welcome to. Let me know because in a few days I'm adding my MH and it will look totally awsome then.

 

[dwall174]

I would like to hear from the people at Happy Reef (one of our sponsors) but I did not see a telephone number.

Just check out their web site, The link on the bottom left "Contact Us" has their phone # & e-mail.

BTW what type of hood do you have? The standard 55-watt PC bulb + end cap is only 21"

 

[sting_ray]

Thanks to everyone who gave me input. I just made my purchase on webaquatics.com.

20" Orbit PC / Lunar lights 2- 40 Watt - 1Moon
Prizm Protein Skimmer
CAP 400 Pump / Powerhead

Kevin