I've got two different fixtures that hold 2x9W PC bulbs - one actinic, one 6500K. The tank is about eight or nine inches deep, and 24 inches long. I'd like to try and turn this into a mini-frag tank for mushrooms and some soft corals. Using the watts per gallon rule I'll be about 5+. Does anyone see this as a problem for lighting the tank?

Thanks!

No way 18w is going to cover a 24" tank with any success. I am about to run 2x18w on a 12x12x12 cube, and I will only be able to keep softies. I'd get a 4 bulb T5 setup. Are you going to use boht lights, so 2x18? If so, get them close to the frags, and the frags on some racks. It *may* work, but don't expect a lot of growth.

I think that's too low, especialy with power compact. I have power compact on my aquarium which is 24 x 18 x 15 high and 2 x 56 watts and it's bearely enough for xenia. I have to put my coral high and close to the light. Mushroom are ok with my lighting but I doubt yours will be ok.

here's what PAR I got on a 12" tank and 2x18w

130 watts of PC on a 12inch high tank should be okay for softies correct?

You might be ok to grow right under the lights but to far to either side or front back etc would not be advisable. Look into getting a 24 in T5HO setup on there and it would be so much better. 2 bulbs T5HO should be great in a 8 in deep tank for zoas and shrooms. it is a frag healing tank not a total grow out tank anyways right?

I've got a dual T5 I could use, but I'm saving that for a "real" frag system - this is simply a mini mushroom holding tank / goby grow out tank.

Yeah, simply a place to let the cuttings get healed. I'm not super worried about stocking levels - I know i've got lots of dark edges. I figure I'd run the two light fixtures in the middle (so 2 actinics (18W) and 2 6500K (18W) for a total of 36 Watts. There is one of each type of bulb in each fixture.

This is the tank:

It's 23.75" long, 7.5" deep, and 9" high acrylic - one of the now discontinued Bookshelf Aquariums by Aquatic Gardens.

These are the lights: (Two different fixtures)
Mini-Might Lights


Thanks all for the info - much obliged!

And just a note - I'm not trying to grow SPS - just mushrooms and other softies. I know its not even close for anything else!

I have some mushrooms growing fine at the bottom of the 6g and some at the top (100 vs200 PAR) so take into account the individual species. Mushrooms under too little light look nice and big but often loose their color and become transparent drabs

aim for 100+ PAR which would likely be 2x24T5's or 2 by 24w PC's

Thanks Blue - much appreciated!

And totally OT - I miss visiting Annapolis - great town! (Lived in Baltimore for two years, moved last May).

Wait, so you have two of the fixtures, so 2x 2x9w, so 36w total? You may be ok for just holding purposes. Set it up and try it, and if stuff starts to decline, then spend the money. Are your bulbs pretty new?

Cracker -
I'm not sure of the actinics (I'd guess they probably need to be replaced), the daylights are brand new. The bulbs are so cheap (like $5 each) I figure its worth it.

Cheers

Def give it a try then, like I said, you can always buy something if things start to struggle.