Quick Question for 13G Nano Lighting

valval1029

AC Members
Aug 29, 2004
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Quick question---

13 gallon tank with 5 gallon sump back. Which is better for softies, LR, invertebrates and maybe an anemone in the future? I was told that if the 72 watt is left on too long there may be a lot of algae growth... I'm concerned about too much heat. There will be an open back canopy with a fan & venturi protein skimmer.

Lighting systems:

48 watt light system (2- 24 watt bulbs) reflector installed and bulbs included**(Day/Blue)*

OR---

NO LONGER AVAILABLE... (Twin 36 watt system (72 watts total- 4 bulbs) reflector installed, 4- 18 watt bulbs included (Day/Blues)*)

OR---

2 OF THE 48 WATT SYSTEM FOR A TOTAL OF 96 WATTS... TOO MUCH???
 
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Go with as much lighting as you can. I have a 10 gallon with 96 watts over it and have no algae growth (except coraline :) ). Just keep up a weekly 20-25% water change and you will be good to go.

(disclaimer: you will get some algae during the first 6 weeks. It is normal while the nano breaks in.)
 
Hey! Thanks for your response. The 72 watt system is no longer available. they offered me 48 but said they could do 2 of the 48 systems to make it 96watts.

Some have told me this is too much light. Again the tank is 18 gallons but 15 in front of a false back. There will be a canopy with a fan. What do you think? Thanks!
 
96 watts won't be too much light, but you will want to keep an eye on the temperaure. How much ventilation does the canopy have?
 
I agree--it won't be too much light, but you'll have to watch the temp--I'd advise having some fans (some lights come with these). I have way less on my 10, and most of the corals are surviving--but not thriving. Upgrading the lighting is on my Christmas list. :)
 
90 mm = size, means it's about 3.5 inches in diameter, high output refers to how fast it goes--specifically, means it will move more air than a low output one. You should be able to determine revolutions per minute, but that's not very meaningful to most people. High output is good. :)
 
Great! It's all ordered! I can't wait. I've been planning for awhile and have changed my mind about just about everything along the way. Glad I waited so I can be sure of what I wanted.

Regarding lighting, there will be independent control of each 48 watt system and the moonlight and I can use 3 separate timers to simulate dawn to dusk*. : ) How should I work this? Do many people use the dawn to dusk?
 
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