I am setting up a 12 gallon nano cube that I got as a gift as a freshwater tank. I decided against a salt reef as was the intent of the gift. What I am wondering is if I will have any major problems with the 24W lighting system designed for the reef if I do a cichlid tank. I plan to plant it and have plenty of rock shelters.
Lighting Questions
- Thread starter ggrowney
- Start date
Well a good rule is 2 - 5w per gal so the 24w is going to be not strong enough. When you get a new one make sure it is in the right spectrum for tropicals. It will probably be different than the marine one you have.
I would suggest getting an aquarium "day-light" if you can. These are already set at the right spectrum for your fish during the day.
I would suggest getting an aquarium "day-light" if you can. These are already set at the right spectrum for your fish during the day.
If the 24W are 50/50 light you need to replace the bulbs with something more FW friendly (5000-10000K temperature) as mentioned.
I also suggest asking in the Cichlid forum about what to stock that tank with - as 12G is not enough for most species. There might be 2-3 that work in a tank that small.
I also suggest asking in the Cichlid forum about what to stock that tank with - as 12G is not enough for most species. There might be 2-3 that work in a tank that small.