nano tank questions

[rica5tully]

I am thinking about setting up a nano tank. I was thinking about the following. Does anyone have any advice about this?

20 gallon high tank
rocks, sand, corals, fish from my current main system
heater: 1, 100-watt Visitherm
flow: 1-2 maxijet powerheads

For lighting I was thinking about a 150-watt HQI metal halide pendant. Something like this: http://store.innovativelights.com/esu-53600.html

I figure that would be about 7 watts per gallon and I could keep sps corals and maybe a small clam.

Do you think that would work?

If so, could I hang the pendant from a bookshelf hanger on the wall? I'm in an apartment and can't drill into the ceiling. Or, maybe make a wooden canopy and get a retro-fit kit? I'm not sure what to do for lighting, but I'd like metal halide if I can do it.

Thanks for your help!

Eric

 

[prugs]

Get the 20gal tank drilled, so you can have a sump/fuge below. It will greatly increase ease of mtc, & health of your tank.

 

[rica5tully]

For a 30-gallon long, which would be better lighting?

A) Coralife Aqualight (PC): 2x65 bulbs = 130 = 6.5 watts/gal.

B) Current Nova (T5): 4x24 bulbs = 96 = 4.5 watt/gal.

Is T5 or PC better?

I want to keep SPS like agrapora, birds nest, or maybe a clam.

Thanks

 

[cschwaj]

If it were my money, I'g do the nova T5's. Better yet, do your own simple canopy and use a pair of T5 retro kits. Hellolights carries a very nice kit for decent money.

Also, the 30 breeder is a way better plan than the 20H. A tank that tall is just too hard to drive light into at those wattages. With nanos like that, shallow is your friend.

 

[rica5tully]

Thanks for the advice.

I think I've decided on a 20-long since I already have that tank and I like the look of it. And I think I'm going to go with a Sunlight Tek t5 pendant (4x39watt). I know that's a lot of light, but I'd like to be able to keep a RBTA, clams, and SPS.