inverts is there anything else i need 13 watt 5000k bulb ,net,bio wheel filter, 20lbs sand , by the way its a 12 gallon ,9 pounds of live rock 2 fake plants hyro meter ,food, heter ,hermonter , a small power head
2007-09-15 07:53:37 · 4 answers · asked by bigkiller_228 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
What types of inverts are you keeping? If you plan to have corals or anemones, I'd agree you don't have enough light. These animals are photosynthetic, and need intense lighting - at least a compact fluorescent or T-5 system is needed. You also want a different wavelength - either a 10,000K (bright white) or a 50/50 (bluish cast) because these need to have the wavelengths that simulate the sun's light in about 30 feet of water, where they'd live naturally.
If you're just keeping snails, crabs, hermits, etc. that don't use photosynthesis themselves, and you aren't concerned with the appearacne of the coraline algae on your live rock, it's okay to use what you've got, although I think you'll find the lighting a bit dim and yellowish compared to something with a higher K value.
2007-09-15 08:09:33 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That isn't enough lighting for that tank.
You need actinic, and flourescent bulbs if you want to keep a reef. Make sure you get live sand, and the flake plants will look.... eh..in the wrong tank.
Cycle your tank before adding ANYTHING.
But if its going to be rocks and inverts only, that sounds good.
2007-09-15 14:58:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
13w is not enough
4-6w or more per gal. for corals or anemones
10000k or more white and an Actinic
OR
A 50/50 (white/Actinic) power compact lights would be good.
This light will let you keep SOME TYPES of coral but not all types.
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp17952/si1315972/cl0/coralifeaqualightdoublelinearstrippowercompact12
This one will let you keep just about anything
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp17952/si1318697/cl0/currentusasatellitedual2x40watt20powercompactstriplightwlunarlight
When it comes to some inverts and most Corals, DON't SCRIMP ON THE LIGHTS.
2007-09-15 20:19:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the fake plants out. Nano skimmer if possible but not necessary, otherwise let it cycle and add your fish or invert
Stronger lighting if reef id go 50/50
2007-09-15 15:00:30 · answer #4 · answered by Chris M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋