Coral lighting for 20 gallon long?

[alvintran]

I've just set up a 20 gallon long FOWLR aquarium and am interested in converting it to a reef tank when it is established. Now, I know that my tank is no where needed to keep and grow corals, so I may be ahead of myself. But I want to gather as much info as I can before I make the big step.
I am planning on either keeping soft corals, or anemones, or both with my ocellaris clowns. I want to know what kind of light and bulb would be good for those kinds of corals? My rocks go up to near the surface, so the corals can be close to light source if needed.
So what kind of lighting and bulbs should I look into for soft corals and anemones? (Tank is 12" tall)

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[alvintran]

Anyone?
Would this work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/T5-Quad-30-...ef-Cichlid-LED-Fan-HO-96W-75-cm-/111044842641
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[ritter6788]

That light will support some corals. Dunno if it will be able to keep any high light sps or not. You'll also have to consider bulb replacement yearly which can cost more than that fixture itself. I'd save up and buy a good led fixture but that's just my opinion.

Google odyssea fixtures before buying one. I think they have bad reviews.

 

[jtomasi]

DIY LEDs might be your best bet with that size tank. That way you can have any sps - those t5s aren't going to be sufficient enough for some coral. You can also get a few leds now (making it around the same price as the t5s) and add on later when you get more coral.

rapidled, ledgroup buy, steves LED...any I am forgetting?

Or...(which I would do) go to petco and get a 40g breeder while they are still having their $1 a gallon sale. 36'' length gives you a TON more options with lighting and, you will soon realize when you get addicted to coral, 40g breeders always come in handy lol. If you do that you can get a nice 39w 4-8 bulb t5 setup.

 

[caudill187]

That fixture ought to allow you to keep most corals. You'll probably want to buy some new bulbs. I'd suggest posting a thread in the want to buy section and see if anyone has a little nicer quality fixture used. I have a similar fixture on a 30 breeder and with good bulbs it will work for SPS. I'd contact the seller and make sure those are high output ballasts.

As mentioned, LEDs will be an option, but you'll pay a lot more for a decent one. Halides would be overkill, IMO, but one DIY halide fixture with a 20K bulb hung high above the tank would work too.