Another Lighting question...err I'm new

A

acast77

Sorry if my DFWMAS lingo is sub par, but here's my question. I have a 20 gallon tank, 24" in length. I'm interested in doing a reef tank with softies. This is my first time to start a tank so I'm very limited on what I know. How many watts do I need? I've seen all different sizes and the prices can really top out high. I went to a LFS and asked the question and was told 5 watts per gallon. When she showed me a beginner set up she had, it was a 34 gallon tank with a 50 watt light?? I'm not looking to spend a lot, no more than 60 dollars if that doesn't sound ridiculous. Maybe later, if my hobby and skills excel, then I'll probably upgrade. Thanks to all who can help, this site is great so far!!!
 
Given the fact it's just a small beginner tank, I would just buy some simple lights. Don't go to crazy because more than likely if you upgrade tanks, you won't use a set of 24" lights again, because there arent many tanks larger than a 20 that are only 24".
Anyhow, I would either go with a cheap T-5 hood with 2 bulbs, one actinic and one daylight. I believe they are something like 24 watts a piece, but they pack a good punch.
The other option would be to get either a single 65 watt power compact hood, or a dual 65 watt pc hood.
Don't break the bank, because you probably wont use it past this tank, and the resale value wont be great because others don't use it as well.
Maybe put a thread in the want to buy section.
Hope this helps,
 
I would suggest using T-5s, mainly on the resale factor like drew stated. I think you could sell T-5s faster than you could sell PCs. But, then again T-5s cost more than PCs.

Just my 2 cents.
 
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