Minimum Lighting for LPS

[Slakker]

I know this is probably a superb noob question, but I can't find any information to really help me choose a fixture anywhere.
I've got an Eclipse 12 tank (15" deep, appx. 20" wide) which comes stock with only 13w of PC lighting. This is obviously insufficient for keeping anything but aiptasia and coralline algae.

I'd like to avoid MH due to the potential huge changes I'd have to make to my system (chillers, ato, etc.)
That said, it looks like my options are T5 and PC. I'd also like to keep expenses as low as possible, with a target price of about $100. I would also like the fixtures to be made for a 20" tank, but will live with 24" if that's where I'll find the best options.

If anyone could link me some fixtures (I'd like to avoid retrofits if possible) that will provide enough light for what I'd like to keep (Zoa's and maybe some Frogspawn) I would be ever grateful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Slakker]

Anyone?

 

[snorvich]

You are posting in the wrong forum. Try either LPS or lighting and equipment.

 

[JB NY]

Moved to the proper forum.

 

[Slakker]

Whoop...my mistake...anyone here in the right forum have any input?

 

[Caleb Kruse]

This is what I'm gonna use on my eclipse. http://www.aquariumpros.com/p-ENE53201,ENEsl.html

 

[digeetech]

A good rule of thumb is 4-5 watts per gallon. I have a Coralife 130W PC fixture on my 29G and keep many LPS with no probs and growth. I've heard that T5's are more efficient than PC's but I've always had PC's with no problems.

130/29=4.5 watts per gal.

If your still searching for brands, I would recommend Coralife or Current in your price range.

Happy Hunting.

 

[Slakker]

Thanks for the input, all.

A local reefer is selling a 175w PFO MH setup for within my price range, and I'm seriously looking at picking it up. In looking at the 2x65w PC fixtures, the cheapest one I found was only about $10 less than this MH setup, and the bulbs are going to be about $20-25 each, whereas the MH bulbs are $50-60 each. So, in this particular situation, I wouldn't come out financially all that far ahead going PC. I figure if I hang it about 18" above the surface I won't have much for heat issues, and it will still be all the light I'd need for any LPS and even probably SPS if I ever decided to go that route.

The only downside with the MH is that it's a retro kit, so I'd have to build a pendant to house the socket and reflector, as well as a structure to mount the pendant to. Shouldn't be too much hassle/money, but still far more work than the PC.
One of many pro's is that it won't cost me very much to add some Actinics on a separate timer.

What do you think of that plan? Good idea, bad idea, recipe for doomsday disaster?

 

[Hypertek99]

PC's are good enough for LPS corals. But a lot of people are using Metal Halides now with no problems. I have 250MH+150VHO over a 29Gal and a 150MH over a 20gal.

 

[Slakker]

Thanks for that...good to know I'm not crazy...lol

I figure if I pick up the 175, I can possibly use it on a future tank, and in this one it'll allow me to keep just about anything I could ever want.

 

[Hypertek99]

Yeah MH are awesome i like the looks of MH better than other lights.

 

[Slakker]

I'm sold. I should have the light sometime this week, and have the pendant and support for it built by the weekend.

Thanks, all!