20 watt 50/50

[aquadonkey]

Hi everyone! My LFS told me that I could start with Zoas and softies with my current lighting set-up - just a 20 watt 50/50 bulb. Is this correct? I'm planning on upgrading to PC lighting in another month or two (when I have the money). He said at that point I could move the zoas into a lower (less light) tank position.
Background info - 29g tank 3 weeks into cycling - thinking about getting some snails this weekend.
I would love to start with some corals - just don't want them to die when I bring them home! Or when I get more powerful lighting....
Thanks!

 

[Guygettnby]

i would not waste your money right now on corals. that is not enough light in my eyes. so save the money to put towards a decent light.

 

[flyyyguy]

bad advice from the fish store all the way around, both in keeping any photosynthetic corals under that much light and for "upgrading" to pc's in the future IMO

agree with guy. save your money until you can pick up a t5 set up. even if only a cheap and/or used one

your initial experience in the hobby will be much more enjoyable

to be sure, dont get me worngg on the PC thing.....im not saying you cant keep softies ok with them, but i honestly see no point to PC's whatsoever when you can get a economical T-5 set up for similar money and have the ability to keep your corals in a environment with sufficient lighting that they can thrive water parameters willing

 

[aquadonkey]

Wow - thanks for the advice guys! I'll look into the T5 thing. It's so nice to have a place where I can double check any LFS advice - I'd be crushed to bring something home and have it die because I didn't provide proper care!

 

[flyyyguy]

I will alsso add that ideally you want to buy a T-5 set up with individual reflectors for each bulb. This is going to cost more, but you wont haveto upgrade out of necessity in the future when you want to start keeping more light demanding corals

if on a tight budget, buying a quality fixture used, instead of a cheap unit new, from one of the many reputable hobbyists here with proven feedback records is usually a good way to go and you and your corals will be happier for it

GL

 

[rssayer]

I'll agree with all the above replies. having had zoos for the past few years I can tell you that lighting is key with keeping any coral.
I am kinda curious as to which store this was in Rochester. Having grown up in Rochester (now in Central Alaska) I found alot of advise from Caribean Forest or whatever the name of the store on ridge road in irondequoit is. Both places gave me alot of advice that was more than worthwhile.
As far as lighting preferences I've had them all, I'm currently running a Current 2x32 watt pc retro over my custom acrylic 12 gal corner and my zoos are growing like crazy.
Must be the flower gold in the spring water I use for the tank.

 

[john68camaro]

That 20W would work on a 5 gallon tank, but certainly not a 29 gallon tank. I would buy a quality light or one second hand. Just make sure to ask about how much use the bulbs have had.

 

[rssayer]

Or you could look into the Coralife 24" duel t5 strips. They have 24 watts per strip and are relatively inexpensive.

 

[rssayer]

Any more questions you have I'll be in Rochester next week and I'll be more than happy to help.