20 Long Frag Tank Build

[bbren98]

Hi everyone

I'm starting a 20 long frag tank and would love to utilize the knowledge in this group. I picked up the tank cleaned it, dried it off, added powerheads and a heater, made some RO and salted it with IO reef crystals. The tank has been cycling for the past few days and I will be adding 10 lbs of live rock rubble today. I did my first tests and my results are as follows.
ALK: 10.05
CA: 440
MG: 1350
PO4: 0
NO3: 1
I am looking for suggestions on inexpensive lighting that can grow everything, preferably a t5 fixture. Also interested in seeing some other frag tanks for some inspiration. Any fish or CUC suggestions are also appreciated.
Thanks and enjoy your Sunday!

 

[michael.cser20]

Whats your budget for lighting?

 

[bbren98]

like $75 I know I can get a deep blue 2 bulb high output fixture for that

 

[danielsreefs]

Like the idea I have a 20 long sitting around been think of do the same thing

 

[Ari21]

You could go with this with ATI bulbs
http://www.htgsupply.com/products/htg-supply-2-foot-4-lamp-high-output-t5-fixture

 

[michael.cser20]

like $75 I know I can get a deep blue 2 bulb high output fixture for that

Thats pretty tight if you want to grow everything. A 2 bulb t5 with good reflectors and bulbs will grow most softies and lps. But if you want sps/clams it wouldnt be enough imo.

 

[JerSaint]

The 4 bulb that @Ari21 linked to, on a 20 long, would grow most anything with proper flow and husbandry.

 

[bbren98]

Thanks everyone I may just try to do high end zoas until I have the money to really upgrade the light

 

[Ari21]

There is an HTG Supply in Orange

 

[bbren98]

Could anyone tell me if this 4 bulb fixture would work

 

[Ari21]

The 4 bulb that @Ari21 linked to, on a 20 long, would grow most anything with proper flow and husbandry.

 

[Triggreef]

Your best off with 4 bulb t5 you can grow anything with it and grow it well

 

[bbren98]

Would this work with replacement bulbs http://www.ebay.com/itm/PS-Quad-24-...769257?hash=item43eaa93fa9:g:aCEAAOSwh-1W2HMK

 

[Ari21]

Would this work with replacement bulbs http://www.ebay.com/itm/PS-Quad-24-...769257?hash=item43eaa93fa9:g:aCEAAOSwh-1W2HMK

That should work I would worry about the quality though.

 

[bbren98]

I will probably do that and slowly replace their bulbs with ATI's for $50 I'm not expecting great quality but for that price I just don't think you can go wrong

 

[Vaiodude]

If you are interested in a 24" T5 light I have a Coralife 4 bulb fixture with LED moonlights. Only used it for 8 months, comes with 3 ATI bulbs and 1 10,000k bulb. Bulbs are around 6 months old. $50

 

[bbren98]

Thanks for the offer but I always feel more comfortable buying new

 

[Wesus]

Would this work with replacement bulbs http://www.ebay.com/itm/PS-Quad-24-...769257?hash=item43eaa93fa9:g:aCEAAOSwh-1W2HMK

I had 48" version of this fixture on my planted tank. It has terrible reflector and ballasts are 40W instead 54W. I would rather go with used brand name light then this one

 

[Ari21]

I had 48" version of this fixture on my planted tank. It has terrible reflector and ballasts are 40W instead 54W. I would rather go with used brand name light then this one

I totally agree.