Got Some Lighting ?'s

[Shep]

I am somewhat new to the scene and have some questions mainly about lighting. My current tank set up is:
>20 gallon tank
>Cora-life PC 50/50 96w
>Emperor 280
>Maxi-Jet 600
>Heater
I’m wondering is it possible to add any type of actinic light fixture no longer than 24" w/o having cooked fish, maybe with the addition of fans or what ever recommended? What moon light, if any, can I mount for this small tank? It was funny how when i first bought the empty tank i was looking forward to do something along the lines of a fish only, then later realized that it would be a lot nicer for the size to have a mini-reef. I already have a few softie frags: finger leather, mushrooms, couple different zoo's, and a gsp. What other types of corals would yall recommend with the suggestions for lighting, im trying to have it as colorful as possible. The additives i use are "Kent Marine Coral-Vite" & "ESV B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System"

I would also like to say I think this site is great and has already helped me through many questions, I went to the December meeting had an awesome time and learned a lot :-D . Hope everybody had a good Christmas and thank you in advance.

-Shep

[Ram_Puppy]

Welcome Shep! :)

No worries on adding any type of Power Compact fictures. I don't think you could put engouh VHO or PC over a 20 gallon tank to create a heat issue. What temp are you running at now? Keep in mind that each time you add equipment such as power heads and lighting, there will of course be more heat. But honestly, I don't think your looking at any issues here, people are running Metal Halides on 20 gallon tanks, and that is far more heat than you are looking at.

If you want to add a fan or two (certainly a benefit) you can add one or more 'muffin' fans you can find inexpensively at radioshack, even cheaper online at computer stores, just get a power adapter from radio shack that matches the proper voltage.

As for moonlights, they are LED's, generate little to no heat, and can easily be mounted.

you might want to check out these lighting solutions:

http://www.hellolights.com/242xcoluaqho.html

Complete with moonolight! :)

[dan]

hello shep and welcome to maast. come to the meeting on the 16th. cb pets. there you can ask all kinds of ?????????

[Shep]

Thanks, ill be lookin forward to the 16th!
My temp stays around 76F using the heater other wise it drops big time, i figure do to the winter b/c when i first got to this set up it was runnin a steady 78 w/o a the heater, and thanks for the link....went by one of the stores to check it out and it was to big for the set up i have, but i did get a moon light and it was i couldnt believe the new look :) i think ive figured out what i want to do as far as lighting is concerned. Thanks again.

-Shep

[Ram_Puppy]

cool, there is a smaller model of that lighting system if you are interested in it, I think it is 20 inches instead of 24.