Equipment advice for a new 29g marine

[AustinReefClub]

Hi guys,

New member here. After having a struggling nano with corals a few years ago, I'm now ready to try again.

I purchased a used 29g (30x12x18) that came with a stand and Emperor 400 power filter. I would like to setup a reef aquarium with corals and probably an anemone/clown at some point in the future.

Obviously the stock light that came with it won't handle the job. The cost of Metal Halides is a bit higher than my budget, so I was hoping you could give opinions on the following light fixtures to help me decide. I'm getting my live sand and rock this weekend, so I have some time before I need the lights. My current two candidates are:

Coralife Lunar Aqualight 30 inch Compact Fluorescent Fixture, 2X65 Watt
http://reefwarehouse.com/coralife-lunar-aqualight-inch-compact-fluorescent-fixture-2x65-watt-p-1488.html

and
Current USA 30"Sundial T5 High Output Lighting 4X24 WATT
http://www.opentip.com/Home-Garden/Current-Usa-Nova-Sundial-Aquarium-Lighting-Fixture-p-953129.html


I would also like any advice you might have about using the Emperor vs just using one or two power heads.

Do I need to worry with a skimmer?

Thanks,

Mike

[hobogato]

mike-

i would go with the t5 setup if i were you. they will be much brighter than the pc - this is my experience since i have used both for actinic supplimentation.

skimmer is debatable. on that size tank, with frequent small water changes, you would probably be ok without a skimmer if you have some other means of nutrient export. you could convert the emporer filter into a small fuge for chaetomorpha.

[justahobby]

YOu can always go cheap to get the ball rolling. And then upgrade ballasts, bulbs, skimmers when you get the extra cash.

www.fishneedit.com (http://www.fishneedit.com) has looked promising. Someone from MAAST purchased the T5 setup recently.
www.aquatraders.com (http://www.aquatraders.com) has a couple very cheap skimmers with the same design as the CPR.

[alliedag85]

i have a pc unit i will be parting out. 30in 2X65 current usa light

[LoneStar]

I'd go with the t5's as well. You'll be happy in the long run with those.

If you want to use the Emperor, ditch the filter & bio wheel and fill the media chamber with carbon. I'd still add some more power heads as just the emperor will not be enough flow. Some cheap power head solutions could be a maxi jet with the mod to increase the flow or the koralia brand power head.