Suggested lighting for 20L frag tank

[DaveS]

Hi Guys,

 

I think I'm going to cave and put together a frag tank... I think a 20L is about the right size for the space I have available. I thought about doing some plastic trays but the cost isn't too different and this way I would have the ability to look at the frags from the front. I may only keep it 1/2 full to maximize light penetration and flow.

 

The main thing that I have yet to resolve is what kind of lighting I should use. I plan to keep SPS frags so lighting is probably the most critical part. My initial thoughts are to use some T5 bulbs to reduce power and heat. I can hang a fixture above the tank so maybe the 39W bulbs that are 36" would work. I think I might want more than 1 bulb too. Does anyone have suggestions on what I should do? How many bulbs should I have, what temperature? What is the story on the Ice Cap stuff? They seem pretty popular.

 

The frag tank will be in a closet and I'm pretty comfortable with wires and soldering if needed. In other words, this lighting fixture doesn't need to be pretty. Just effective and maybe cheap. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

BTW, if someone has something used to sell that will fit my needs I'd love to hear about it!

[danskim]

I think 2x24w would be sufficient for a 20L. It'd leave some space on either end for less light hungry corals.

[SteveM]

I had a 20L and I used a Current USA Fluorescent Nova Extreme 24" Fixture, it has 96W total. Worked great. I still have it on my 30 but I added a second one to it. The 24" is a little short for the 20L and the 30 but I just cut 2 pieces of glass for the edges and it sat on there just fine. It was plenty of light to keep anything I wanted. I have several SPS frags as well as zoas and Acans and they all do fine.

 

Here is a link to the light. Its a pretty good deal for what you get. IMHO

LINK