Lighting Recommendations for 20 gallon HIGH

[montyjnc]

Hey I am new to the reef keeping community as I have only kept freshwater cichlid tanks for the past few years. I have begun to set up my 20 gallon high nano reef and had some questions on lighting. I do not want to be limited by my light heavily on what corals I can and cannot grow, and am not heavily limited by money either. I would like to use LEDs due to lack of heat / energy consumption.

1. How many "watts per gallon"? I have heard before 3-5 watts is adequate so (20x5 = 100 watts for the 20 gallon tank??)

2. Has anyone used a Current USA Orbit 24" fixture to grow coral? is this too low of a wattage?

3. I found a few other options on amazon if anyone has an opinion on them ->

http://www.amazon.com/OceanRevive®-Arctic-S026-Spectrum-Dimmable-Saltwater/dp/B00EBJ9ZTI

Arctic - S026 light fixture

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0092LXQRM?psc=1

TaoTronics 165w led

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NNDHVCG?psc=1

GalaxyHydrom TM

4. Also finally, has anyone used an AquaIlluminations Prime LED fixture on a 20gal High tank? I know Ai reccomends the max tank length be 18" and the 20 gallon high is 24"x13"x17"

5. How high from the surface of the water should the light be?

P.S. I hope to ONE DAY UPSIZE to a larger tank! I would love if i could perhaps continue to use the same light and just purchase an addition fixture (ex. 1 ai prime and purchase two more -down the road- so i had 3 total for a larger tank)

P.P.S. Any recommendations on a skimmer? Thoughts on CPR BakPak Dual?

 

[montyjnc]

bump

 

[nuxx]

Look into a Kessil A160WE.

That being said will probably try Orbit Marine/Pro on our new frag tank. Running Kessil A360WEs on our display.

 

[montyjnc]

bump

 

[saltyskier]

What sort of coral do you plan on keeping?

 

[montyjnc]

I would love to incorporate a mixed reef, however, since i am a beginner i plan to mainly have soft corals and lps. I am very interested in different tree corals

 

[toothybugs]

I also suggest the 160. I have one over my 15 (same footprint, little shallower) and it is awesome.

Also, don't worry about watts per gallon. Look up PAR (photosynthetically active radiation).

 

[montyjnc]

I realize you cant really skimp on the light, but are there any options in more of the ~150$ price range?

 

[saltyskier]

Better to spend a little more now then replacing your light in 6 months when you want to keep coral with higher lighting requirements.