I'm looking at a JBJ 12gal setup for a reef that I'd like to get going, the package comes with 2 x 24watt CF lamps and the tank is 15" high. With all of the discussion in the other forums about the intense light needs of reefs and MH bulbs being used for corals and so on... HOW is it possible for only 2 24watt bulbs to sustain a mini-reef? Or is it? How do you light your small tank without an obtrusive amount of lighting gear hanging over it? Thanks!
lighting question...
- Thread starter unit91
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danfrith
Active member
Basically, different corals have different lighting needs. Gorgonians (depending on species), sun coral, and other non- photosynthetic corals can get by with just plain old NO flourescent bulbs. Most softies need only about 2-3 watts per gallon of PC lighting. LPS need about 3-5 watts of pc lighting. So, you can basically keep any of the species listed above and maybe a few monti's. If you want to do SPS (acropora, pocci's, serietopora, ...) you would want to go with atleast a 70 watt metal halide Fixture. You could either buy one of the complete fixtures online like the sunpod or you could retrofit it into your canopy like i've done. So, basically you should be fine with everthing but sps with the lighting you already in the JBJ. Good luck.
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