What kind of light?

[KillerChimps3600]

Im pretty confsed about what kind of lights ill need for my tank. I have a 20gallon long and i want to eventually add some type of soft coral. Im guessing what i already have which is this Aqueon Deluxe Full Fluorescent Black Aquarium Hoods at PETCO

won't cut it?

Any advise? Thanks

 

[Bifferwine]

No, that won't be enough for coral. For a 20 gallon tank, you can either get a T5 light or a MH light. What is the length of your tank?

 

[KillerChimps3600]

About 30"

 

[KillerChimps3600]

Would 48watts from a T-5 housing like this be good enough for some of the easier corals? Very new here don't want anything to challenging just yet.

Zoo Med AquaSun T-5 HO Double Light Linear Fluorescent Hood at PETCO

 

[Cathic]

T5 is good lighting for most beginner corals that dont require strong lighting I would go ahead and look at a 4 bulb fixture that will allow you to keep a larger slection, though I think you will want to upgrade to larger tank later which would be conflicting on spending the extra money for a light you wouldnt use that long.

EDIT: Enough T5 can keep most if not all corals when you have the right amount, it isnt about watts per gallon anymore so some basic research into light would do some good so that you can find the right lights for what you are expecting now as well as in the future.

 

[Bifferwine]

Two bulbs will not be enough. Look into at least 4 bulbs as Cathic said. Or, go with this, which is on sale right now for a great price:

150W Metal Halide Pendant Lights