Adding some corals??

[andersoned14]

Ok I think I might be ready to add some corals to my 29gal tank. Here are a few pics of the set up.

It has been set up since Apr. and everything seems to be stable. PH-8.4, all other levels are at zero. I have been changing 5gals every two weeks with reef crystal salt. There is no LR in there but coraline is starting to spread on rocks from the right side of tank.

Light is a 24" T-5 HO 48w current fixture, only a few months old. I figure I need to upgrade this, so do I add a MH or go with a more powerful T-5. Live animals are two small clowns and a firefish a handful of hermitts and two nass snails. I recently got a Raccoon butterfly for my 90gal and had some schrooms in there so I moved them into this tank because I knew they would not last long with the butterfly.

Any thing you can think I need to change or add would help. Thanks:Cheers:

 

[Bifferwine]

You can either add a MH or add another T5 light fixture similar to the one you have now, doubling the bulbs. At least 4 T5 bulbs would be ideal.

 

[yote]

+1 Biff
I'd just add another 2 bulb T-5 and call it good.For now at least.:mrgreen:

 

[andersoned14]

For now at least

if this is true, it is going to cost about $100 for that light again, or maybe $200 for a MH with T-5s. Is the two bulbs going to limit me alot, or will I be ok with all but the really hard to keep corals?

 

[reeffreak]

You are going to be extremely limited with that two bulb T5.Mushrooms and zoas is about it.

 

[andersoned14]

24" x 5-1/2" Saltwater; 48 watt, CD-29695
$94.99 $75.99

Nova Extreme SLR T-5 Fixtures
these are what I have right now.
so $75 for another set. What can I have??
Nova Extreme SLR T-5 Fixtures
20"; 108 watt, CD-35962
$289.99 $231.99

Are these worth it??
or these from fish need it
2Ft/4Bulbs fixture

Item# 2F4B
$99.99
150W MHL with 2 x 2bulbs 2Ft Fixture

Item# 150w-mhl-with-2-x-2bulbs-2ft-f150222
Regular price: $399.99
Sale price: $249.99
Or just add a viper MH clip on. I would rather not spend $250 on lights, but would hate to end up buying them in a few months because what I got just is not working?
the first sets of lights are from DRS foster and smith.com

 

[andersoned14]

javascript:popupWin1('/product/detailed_image.cfm?pCatId=2966', 50, 50, 596, 616)

Tooth Coral

[URL="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+321+519&pcatid=519"]
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these are the few coral I am thinking of let me know if I am way off.

Frogspawn Coral - Branched​

​

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[BL1]

those are good starter corals, just be careful with the galexia, they can sting other corals if they get close.

 

[reeffreak]

You are going to need four bulbs to keep LPS and soft corals(the corals you posted pics of).However you achieve it,doesn't really matter.You can add an additional two bulb fixture or get a fixture with 4 bulbs or more.

 

[andersoned14]

ok I am leaning toward the 2FT 4bulb for $99 from fish need it .com anybody go exp. with these lights let me know what you think

 

[BryanS]

i just ordered a 150w mh pendant from them they were really nice and shipped the lights the same day I ordered them.

 

[yote]

They should do the trick.

 

[reeffreak]

ok I am leaning toward the 2FT 4bulb for $99 from fish need it .com anybody go exp. with these lights let me know what you think

That will work.I recommend you replace the bulbs sooner rather then later because the bulbs aren't very good.

 

[andersoned14]

That will work.I recommend you replace the bulbs sooner rather then later because the bulbs aren't very good.

this being the case would it be just as good to get the odyssea lights only $59
Odyssea T5 High Output Lighting

 

[yote]

I think you'd be alright with either of those lights.

 

[eclipse_001]

or if you want to go with the mh here is a decent cheap one $99 150w mh with 2-14w t5's http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-Metal-Halide-Pendant-150W-with-T5-p/54241.htm

 

[reeffreak]

The Odyssea bulbs aren't very good either.Most fixtures comes with bad bulbs.I'm not suggesting to replace the bulbs as soon as you get them.Maybe after several months when it's time for corals.