small 72L Tank

donkey

Small Fish
Feb 4, 2005
39
0
0
England
#1
Hi

I have a AquaEL Brillux 60 Aquarium with some plants in and a few shrimps and fish. But i am now thinking about striping it down and starting it up as a small saltwater tank. I would like to keep some corals and inverts in it. The tank holds 72 L of water and has two 18W T8 fluorescent lights integrated into the hood. would this tank be ok to use for a small saltwater tank ?

Thanks Guys
 

donkey

Small Fish
Feb 4, 2005
39
0
0
England
#4
Hi
Thanks for getting back to me. . I am thinking about removing the 2 T8s and replacing them with 2 T5s. I was thinking about 1 Narva Blue and a 10000k as well. Do you guys think that would be ok as i only want to keep soft corals in this tank. And what kind or make of 10000k tube should i be looking to buy. Sorry but i dont know much about makes of tubes.


*thumbsups
 

Lotus

Ultimate Fish
Moderator
Aug 26, 2003
15,115
13
38
Southern California
home.earthlink.net
#5
You'd have to rewire the hood/fixture to use T5 bulbs. However, I think the minimum length for T5 bulbs may be too long for your tank. I think 24 inches is the shortest T5 bulb. You could also look into compact fluorescent lighting retrofits, because I think you may have problems finding a small enough retrofit kit in a T5.

A 10,000K and an actinic (blue) would work.
 

donkey

Small Fish
Feb 4, 2005
39
0
0
England
#6
Hi

I am going to rewire it to take 2 T5s and i can get tubes at 22inches long so i should be ok there. But what do you think is a good brand tube to look for at 10000k. Or are they more or less the same

Thanks
*thumbsups
 

Lotus

Ultimate Fish
Moderator
Aug 26, 2003
15,115
13
38
Southern California
home.earthlink.net
#7
Brand is less important than making sure you have good reflectors and enough light overall. I'm not sure if two bulbs will be enough.

Most of the brands are fine, I think I have Geissman on my tank. You might consider getting 50/50 bulbs or one daylight (10,000 K) and one actinic.

This article may help you understand better: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-12/newbie/index.php