Watts per gallon

Sobe203

AC Members
Feb 26, 2008
12
0
0
Hi,
Someone is offering to sell me a 12 gallon NanoCube for $65 shipped. It's original, not deluxe, which means it does not have LED Lights for moonlighting (nighttime viewing) or fans. He assures me it won't need a fan since it only has one 24w lightbulb. It has vents on the lid for heat to escape.

Now, that brings me to my question: is 2 watts per gallon sufficient? I'd like 2 clownfish, 1 fire shrimp, and some soft coral (I don't have anything in mind and will be open to different possibilities). Will 2 watts per gallon be suitable for any sort of soft coral?

If I wanted to add another lightbulb, I'd have to buy a 12 gallon NC Deluxe hood for $75 on JBJLighting.com, then get a fan most likely ($10 for one).

What do you think? He's also giving me a small return pump and heater.

Jen
 
P.S. Since I want clownfish, will I need anemone? Anemone should have 4 watts per gallon, I just read.
 
No, clowns definately do not need an anemone, and there isn't a good anemone out there that will fit in a 12g tank.

I would go with the Metal Halide clip on light option they have personally. You will have the most possibilities with that light.
 
You'll be OK with soft corals. On the anemone, not only does your clown not need one, but it is recommended that you don't attempt one until you have 6-12 months of experience and have stablized your tank and know how to troubleshoot.
 
Do you guys think 12 gallons is unsuitable for what I proposed? There'd be 3 live creatures total (2 fish, 1 shrimp) and more soft coral.

There seems to be a lot of 12 Gallon NanoCube owners with clownfish and anemone in their tanks.

Clownfish & Anemone - YouTube 1

But just because a lot of people do it doesn't make it right ;)
 
AquariaCentral.com