Help me set up my first SW

[mr_X]

That light isn't going to work. What tank did we settle on? Are we still lighting a 6 gallon? If so, I don't think they make t5 lamps for a tank that size. 24" are the smallest name brand lamps I have seen.

 

[Milene]

That light isn't going to work. What tank did we settle on? Are we still lighting a 6 gallon? If so, I don't think they make t5 lamps for a tank that size. 24" are the smallest name brand lamps I have seen.

Haven't bought the tank yet and this is just so I have an idea what I can get. Obviously the bigger the tank, the more costly the lights (I understand that lights are the most expensive thing here).
So what light would you use for a 6 gallon?
If I decide to go bigger, I might get a 15 gallon so what would you use in that case?
I know that there are good LEDs out there but they cost a fortune! £300 for lights! This is exactly why I said I don't want any "hard to keep corals" (forgot what they're called). This will be my first ever SW so I'm just trying to plan everything so that even if I don't set it up now( which I won't since I can't get my hands on RODI water), I will know exactly what to get and how much to spend when the time comes.

I do appreciate everyone's help by the way.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[mr_X]

Well, I always say "buy once". I suggest purchasing a light that will allow you to grow whatever you want, in the event that you fall in love with the hobby and want to get deeper in it. A 6 gallon should be easy to light. How pretty do we need this light to be? I think a normal screw in fixture with a PAR38 bulb should be more than enough.
Something like this-
E27 9x3 27W PAR38 LED Coral Reefs Grow Light High Power Fish Tank Aquarium Lamp | eBay

What are the dimensions of the 15 gallon? One or two of these should also work fine. Get one and see how it goes. If you aren't getting good coverage, order another

 

[Milene]

Thank you so much!
I can't seem I find that bulb on the uk site. This is the closest thing I could find and it's from amazon.

Starlight PAR38 20w = 120w LED Light Bulbs E27 ES Edison Screw Cap 6400k Daylight White Energy Saving Light Bulbs 240v https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LXTW32A/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_eBEDub10WH0EZ


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Milene]

Wait I think I got it!

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=150448329863


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[mr_X]

Close, but no cigar. You need the one with whites and blues mixed in. Otherwise, your tank is going to look very bland and washed out.

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

Close, but no cigar. You need the one with whites and blues mixed in. Otherwise, your tank is going to look very bland and washed out.

I'd look for one with a blue to white ratio of 2:1 so you get decent color


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Milene]

Oh this is hopeless! I can't find anything!


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Milene]

This is already giving me a headache and I haven't set anything up! ?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Milene]

Hey guys, after a ton of searching, I finally found 2 possible solutions to my lighting problem :
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=291175307677
And
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=301408431439
They are a bit over my budget but if I've learned something in this hobby it's that you always go over the budget.

Let me know what you think (sorry for being so annoying)


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Milene]

Any suggestions?
Both have been mentioned so I'm just trying to decide which to get

 

[mr_X]

The screw in bulb type lamp would be fine for a small, square tank, but for a rectangular one it would leave some shaded area on either end. The first one is plenty of light for a roughly 30" x 30" area. The first one is certainly overkill, but you can dim it down as far as you want/need to. So, I'd either go with 2 of the screw in lamps, or one of the larger units.

 

[Milene]

Ok might go with the first one then, thanks again Mr. X


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Milene]

So, lights....check!
Now tank, I think this is a good one:
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=167&pf_id=66081
What do you think? In terms of size is it alright?
I will probably remove the top and upgrade the filter as well

Any suggestions are appreciated ?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Mattyfelts]

tank looks good, about 14 gallons.

 

[Milene]

Awesome, so I was thinking of keeping a few cleaner shrimp and a yellow clown goby. Would I be able to also keep 2 clownfish?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Milene]

I'm so excited! I can't wait to set it up! Now I just need to find a marine supplier shop so I can get my RODI water, critters and coral


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[mr_X]

The clowns would be pushing it, but I have seen it done.