lighting

[duke1231]

Can anyone tell me what 50/50 straight pin means?

[gwen_o_lyn]

It's just the arrangement of the pins in the base of the light.. the other option is square pin.


http://aquarium-supply.biz/products/square_straight.jpeg

50/50 means 50% 10,000K and 50% Actinic

[duke1231]

another question, how many watts, I know watts doesnt matter, but what is a good amount of watts to attain in a tank for example a 20 gallon? Is there some kind of formula?

[gwen_o_lyn]

Depends on what kind of corals, but I think you stated you wanted to start with soft corals.

This would work
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=ES53006

and 2 bulbs would be a plus
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=ES53104

With 2 bulbs, you can have the actinic viewing which is really cool- makes your corals glow. I call it disco lighting :) Just make sure you have individual switches for each bulb.

[duke1231]

what if I was just going to do FOWLR to start, would on light be fine? What if I did the kit and make my own hood could you suggest something different?

[Rob]

if you are doing FOWLR, your lighting is not as important, you can do any type of PC or NO bulbs you want to use, if you are going to get into corals, i would look at Gwen's recommendation and use 50/50 or a 10,000K and an actinic

[duke1231]

goodpoint. hay I like the podcast episode on nutrients.