which tank and what light!

[classklown90]

im going to either be getting a 26 gallon bowfront or a 30 gallon long, which is better for a reef tank?the 30 longs dimensions are 36" L x 18"Wx 12" the 26 bowfront is 24x15x21. which should i choose? they are bnoth the same price, i like the bow look better but i also want a decent amount of fish. as for lighting, i need a good light that is very cheap 125 or less, nothing fancy. I only plan on doing softs and lps

 

[classklown90]

which is more suitable for the bow front? Amazon.com: 24 in. Nova Extreme T5 HO Saltwater Aquarium Light Fixture - 2 x 24W: Home & Garden


http://www.amazon.com/Power-Compact...?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1298408997&sr=1-11

 

[pat8you]

The bowfront will be cheaper to put lights over since it is shorter. You will be restricted to probably 3-4 fish in either tank because of the size. The 30 will give active/open water fish a bit more room to swim. Both are going to have good and bad but i would pick the bowfront personally. I think the dimensions just look better. The 30 long is more like a frag tank then a display in my opinion.

 

[pat8you]

2 x 24 watts is going to restrict you as far as coral go a little bit. If i were you i would get the tank set up and cycling and then when it is done put a fish or two in there before you start on coral. You can use something temporary to light the tank while you save up a little and get a 4 x 24w T5 fixture.

 

[classklown90]

3-4?? really? thats whats recommended for my 14 gallon biocube..3 fish.

if i got the 30 gallon, then what could these support:

Amazon.com: 36 in. Nova Extreme T5 HO Saltwater Aquarium Light Fixture - 2 x 39W: Home & Garden

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Compact...7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1298410695&sr=1-7

the second one says its two 55 watt

 

[pat8you]

That would probably be ok for the 30 gallon because it is such a shallow tank. You would probably be able to keep most softy and some LPS coral.

3-4 fish is just kind of a general starting place for that size tank. If you have really small non-aggressive fish you might be able to put more but i wouldn't plan on going any higher then 4-5. 30 gallons is still not a really big tank.

 

[classklown90]

i planned on some small goby or ORA mandain(i know a not trained will die), 2 bangai cardinals, a royal grama and maybe a clown or dwarf angel(i know the coral risk) would these be okay in those sizes?

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

 

[iDream]

i think those would be fine but the angel would be pushing it. personally all of those and the clown would be good, but not the angel, i would personally go for the long tank, because i just love the look of long tanks, and the shallowness makes it easier to light.

as for the lighting id just pick out a decent T5HO fixture, for me id just save up for a 4 bulb, but if its not in your budget get a 2 bulb, and maybe buy another down the road.

if/when i upgrade, i want to do it right and be able to keep whatever i want to, so thats why i suggest saving up for a better light, just keep it FOWLR with a bleh light until you have enough money for the good one, then add your coral!

 

[classklown90]

Got the 30 long and found an awesomee deal at the lfs on a light. 106 W plus a white moonlight for 90. Pics and a build thread will be up tmm. Mods can close this. Thanks for all the help guys!