how much lighting?

[fishforu]

i have a 20.5" x 18.5" x 21" 30 gallon tank that i would like to keep soft corals, lps, clams, and sps in.

how much light do i need?

is a 150 watts DE MH sufficient for the sps and clams?

or a 250 DE MH ?

thanks.

 

[pledosophy]

The 150 will be fine, the 250 is better

 

[Gooli]

i think anything over 20" deep needs 250 to properly light the tank...u dont want a dim tank do you?

read this
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-08/dw/index.php

 

[fishforu]

I was advised that a 150 watts DE MH is comparable to a 175 watts SE MH. Also, given the smallness of my tank, the lighting intensity of the 150 watts DE MH will be magnified.

Plus, I was advised that I would need a chiller during the summer months in Southern California if I used a 250 watts MH.

Any opinions on advice given to me?

 

[Gooli]

I have heard the same about DE being brighter when compared to SE. I personally only have SE experience..so maybe i'm not the best person to ask.

 

[F35-Joint Strike Fighter]

I would go 150W DE

 

[Danger731]

if it gets too hot just raise the light, or have a sump to help cool the water.

 

[Reefrookie2006]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7180631#post7180631 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by F18-Hornet
I would go 150W DE

F18,

Have you order your tank yet? I heard that you want to order a LeeMar tank with all starphire glass. I just got yesterday two more brand new Tunzer Stream 6000 and a Dolphin 4000 pumps for my 190g. The skimmer for this tank is already ordered.