Lighting

[just_in_time]

Hello everyone this is my first post here :lol: :lol:
I have a few questions for y'all. First I'll tell you what I have so far.
29 gallon tank
2 65 watt PC 1-dual daylight 6700/10000K 1-dual actinic 420/460 nm
1 160 gph powerhead so far
plan on picking up a protein skimmer when i get the $
100W heater

Livestock
7 various snails
6 small hermit crabs and 2 medium ones
2 green chromis
2 oscellaris clowns
1 pistol shrimp- came in a live rock but haven't seen him since...he might be dead because he had no acclimation

Anyways
First, Is this lighting considered moderate to high or just moderate?
Next, Will I be able to keep: hairy mushroom coral, frog spawn, etc.
I am very interested in LPS mostly.

Next is that powerhead too fast for just one powerhead for my tank?
I have it blowing against the glass so it doesn't directly blow at the middle of the tank.

Finally how long should one wait to add their first corals to their tank?
I've had my tank for almost 3 months now.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[just_in_time]

Oh I forgot
I have 40 lbs of live sand and 21 lbs of live rock

 

[jdeets]

Welcome to the board!

I can't help with most of your questions, as all my experience is with larger systems and other types of lighting.

On adding corals--test your water, make sure your LR is keeping the water filtered adequately, and that you have no ammonia or nitrites, and low nitrates. Corals don't like dirty water--dirty=high nitrates. Although, soft corals will do better than hard corals if your water quality is not optimum.

If your water quality is good, you might try some softies first, or some of the hardier LPS; otherwise wait until you get a skimmer going.

On flow, water flow throuought the tank is a good thing--i.e., you don't have to blow it against the glass. I'd probably redirect the power head to get the best flow possible--just make sure it doesn't blow the sand around. Whether one power head at 160 gph on that size tank is enough--I will defer to someone else; my initial thought is that you could actually have more flow than that.

I hope this helps and that you get some feedback on the CF lighting and water flow from someone with more experience with smaller systems.

 

[MartinE]

:welcome:

I would say your lighting is fine for softies, and lower light LPS, but not SPS and high light LPS. I would consider Euphyllia species a higher light LPS and your frogspawn is in that category.
I would also say you probably need more water flow and a good skimmer.
Make sure your water perams. are good no ammonia, nitrite and low or no nitrate before you add corals. Start slow and work your way up and happy reefing