what lighting do i need?

[crage34]

right now i have 1 no florecent...i want to beable to keep some soft corals to liven up my tank...i really like xenias (however u spellit) what light would i need for a 30gal 36" long...any references to a good kit ect... also i searched on ebay and found the brand JEBO for PC for really cheap is this a good or bad brand? i just want a few corals and dont want to spend a ton on lighting right now as im a very pore college student...btw i want pc lighting

 

[phases99]

2x96 CF would allow you to keep everything except SPS. 1X96 would allow you some low-medium light softies if kept higher in the tank. I am happy with my Coralife PC's but there are a couple other brands out there. Xenia's usually require medium-high light but I'm sure some reefers have been successful with less.

 

[Anemoneman]

You might consider a 6500 Iwasaki 250W MH in the center with actinic on the side to supplement. I think you can run these on a mercury vapor ballast (cheap). Even a regular 250W MH ballast is only $40-50. MH will keep your options open for later and REALLY jump start your reef.

 

[crage34]

phases...what kind of bulbs are we talkin on the 1x96 and the 2x96...antic, 50/50...ect... i have no clue what each of those different bulbs does and what i need

 

[Guest]

edited

 

[revhtree]

Thanks.

 

[phases99]

phases...what kind of bulbs are we talkin on the 1x96 and the 2x96...antic, 50/50...ect... i have no clue what each of those different bulbs does and what i need

For a 1x96 I would get a 50/50 (half actinic/half daylight. For a 2x96 I would get one actinic and one daylight bulb. This combination will give you a good balance of functionality and aesthetics.

 

[crage34]

thank u very much for the info phases...very helpful!

 

[lando]

I would go with two CF bulbs as well. One 10000K and one actinic. If you just want to keep some softies and shrooms and xenia the CF will save you $$ and do just fine.