lighting for a 30g cube

[cape surf rules]

i was thinking about getting a 30g oceanic cube but am not sure what light system i can get for it. i have a 20'coralife that is 96 watts but am not sure if that is enough. i could probally take it up to the lfs and exchange it fot the 24" system. would that be big enough. any info you have would be great.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

What do you want to grow? The light you get totally depends on what you want. And how long is the tank? 20 or 24 inches? I think they're one of those but not sure...

If you just want softies and maybe some lps, pc's will be fine, but if you want to do the more light needy corals (like most sps) then you need halides or t5's (but if its less than 24 inches, t5's are too long...unless you dont mind overhang).

If its less than 24 inches, i'd suggest either a 175 or 250w MH bulb.

 

[Milhouse]

I have the 37g Oceanic cube. I don't believe they make it any more. I have a 250w SE halide with two 32w pc actinics. I think it's more than enough light. I love it. Personally I don't know if I would ever go without halides. If you look at my gallery you can see some pics.