Converting FOWLR to Reef

[Matthew187]

I have a 30 gallon FOWLR. I would like to get corals for it. What should I get for lighting. The tank is 30" long. Any websites to purchase good lights? What should the watts be?

 

[melosu58]

Really depends on what type corals you plan on having. Your tank really is too small for MH`s but T5`s or VHO`s would do good. If you are talking Soft corals and LPS corals than PC should be OK. What are your plans?

 

[Matthew187]

I was just planning on doing soft corals and mushrooms and stuff like that.

 

[melosu58]

Well for those corals I would suggest a PC or VHO system for a 30 gallon tank. JMO

 

[Matthew187]

what should I have for watts? Its one per gallon right? do you recommend anywhere to get them?

 

[melosu58]

WPG is a pretty vague rule. I only use it for a broad guideline. Intensity is what you are looking for. PC`s dont really have enough for big tanks but for a 30 or less I would say it`s OK. You might want to do VHO retro fits as a possibility. As far as WPG for those corals you mentioned I would look for 3-4 wpg.

 

[Matthew187]

alright thank you