What kind of light should I get ?

[Asaki]

Hi I need a new light set for my new tank but I need some advice ? What kind of light should I use for a tank that is 2fts x 1fts x 1.8fts (L x B x H) T5 or MH and any recommendation how many watts and do I need one blue and one white ? Pls guide me not very sure

[veliferium]

wad u keeping??

[Asaki]

corals, invert and fish

[ckkoon]

Different corals have different light requirements leh. Some don need very strong lighting. Which corals you have?

Also amenones generally prefer to have strong light. MH should be strong enough but will heat up your water too so got to watch the temp

[Asaki]

I will be getting a chiller too so shouldn't be a problem. Since the chiller is a 1/2hp chiller and my tank is definitely smaller then it power lolz so it should cool down fast and easy.

I got this recommendation -> Get one 150w mh with xm 15k or 20k ? So is it alright ?

[veliferium]

yes,its ok..MAybe u should try adding 6500k bulbs,heard that its good for coral growth

[Asaki]

err.. can i ask if I setup a lighting system as what u guys suggested ...Get one 150w mh with xm 15k or 20k and also add in 6500k bulbs how much roughly it will cause with a EB

[FuEl]

Hmmm..a single 2X24W T5 retrofit with appropriate reflectors should give you the appropriate coverage. Currently I'm using a ATI twinfix and it gives me ample coverage for a tank that's 1.5 ft in width. A MH would be an overkill considering your tank volume, and lead to uneccessary electrical bills. If your tank is 1.8 ft high, a sand bed to make the water height about 1.5 ft might just enable enough light intensity to reach the bottom. ATI 10,000 K tubes should give you enough light intensity for most corals, except the most demanding sps.

Using T5s will also give you a light intensity gradient to place other corals that require less light or no light (eg. sun corals, etc). A MH over such a small tank might limit your choices to corals that are adapted to high levels of light. Most softies might end up bleaching, etc if not placed in the shade.

[Asaki]

what about anemones ? to u guys for consistently giving me advice really appreciated that. So anyone else to recommend me anymore lighting advice ?

[FuEl]

Avoid them if possible. They will give you a headache when they start moving around...esp in a small tank.