Newbie Lighting Question

[jellyfish4me]

It has been many, many years since I have had a reef tank and there is so many equipment choices now it's overwhelming!

I am planning on going to petsmart today and pick up the Fluval Spec V 5.6 gal aquarium kit because I love the look and the price of it and it will fit perfectly on my desk. I do realize that several things will need to be changed on the stock parts to convert this aquarium to a nano reef.

I am NOT a handy person and really need things to be plug and play. That leads me to my first question... I would like to use the stock led lighting that comes with the aquarium and add some ecoxotic stunner strips. And would like to get advice on this.

I'm not sure if the stunner lights actually add usable light for soft corals? Or are they just for our viewing pleasure?

My goal is to have easy soft corals (Kenya tree, green star polyps, ect) and some mushrooms. Maybe some pulsing Xenia because that was always my favorite. Do you all think the stunners will make this possible or do I need to try something else?

[Almondsaz]

From what I can tell on the web, the light is something you will want to replace and also it seems people are quickly changing out the return pump. Finnex strip light seems to be the choice but the tank looks nice. I could not find anything on the watts the LED puts out - do you have anything you can post on the watts???

[jellyfish4me]

That was a fast reply! Thank you This is what I copied from a website about the lights "Includes 37 powerful LED lights to illuminate your fish and décor". Not much to go on. that's why I'm wondering if the stunners add more than just pretty colors to the aquarium.

I already found a better pump from watching youtube videos that will fit in this aquarium if I pop a few of the cover pieces off. It's a marineland mini-jet 606. It's discontinued from the manufacturer but I can still get it at a few websites.

I haven't actually bought the aquarium yet. I'm kinda scared to until I know I can find a lighting setup that is easy to install and will still look attractive. That's why I'm here lurking.

[Pife]

Not really. I don't think the stock light is going to put off enough par to grow much.

[Kona26]

Have you looked on craigslist for a tank..? you might find one that already has the set up your looking for. On the led...from what I have seen most of them are 3w...don't hold me to that...the one you are going to buy may be diff.

[jellyfish4me]

I did already get the aquarium. I just finished setting it up. The water is still cloudy from the sand I added, but I can definitely tell these lights are good enough for fish to see only.

I did find the Finnex Strip Light in an 18" length on eBay, but I would prefer to get it from an online store if anyone knows were to buy them at, please share! The aquarium measures 19 1/2" long. And the fixture is said to fit a 20" aquarium, But it still should work, right?

This holds a 36w power compact bulb. That should be enough light for easy soft corals if the 5w per gallon rule still applies. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Also the fixture comes with a 10,000 k bulb. Should I stick with that? Or try something else?