Lighting Question

NYG 010 · 10/15/2009, 09:55 PM

The following will be for a 30 gallon reef (nothing special) Just some softies, LPS, etc. (approx)

A) How many watts do I need if I am buying a t5
B) How many watts do I need if I am buying a MH

Michael · 10/15/2009, 11:44 PM

120-160 watts for t5s and and a 175-250 watt halide would be fine imo for a 30 gal containing softies. you need to decide long term plans, if more than just a few softies then you may need better lighting.

NYG 010 · 10/16/2009, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

120-160 watts for t5s and and a 175-250 watt halide would be fine imo for a 30 gal containing softies. you need to decide long term plans, if more than just a few softies then you may need better lighting.

Is a 250w MH okay? It's 3 inches from the surface I wont have any problems like FRYING my tank right?

IslandCrow · 10/16/2009, 08:17 AM

I'd think a 250W metal halide would be just fine, but 3" from the surface is a bit close. My guess is you'll have problems keeping the water cool enough if you don't have a chiller. Also, make sure you have some sort of splash shield between the light and the water. If your lights have to be that close, you're probably better off with T-5s. The efficiency of T5s is so dependent upon reflector quality, it's really hard to say how many watts you need. It really depends on the particular unit. I'd go with a 4 bulb unit like a Tek or a Nova Extreme Pro. Either of those units should fit your needs and give you the best bang for your buck. There are some higher end units out there like Aquactinics and ATI, but they'd probably be a little bit of overkill, especiall for softies and LPS in a tank your size.

NYG 010 · 10/16/2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandCrow

I'd think a 250W metal halide would be just fine, but 3" from the surface is a bit close. My guess is you'll have problems keeping the water cool enough if you don't have a chiller. Also, make sure you have some sort of splash shield between the light and the water. If your lights have to be that close, you're probably better off with T-5s. The efficiency of T5s is so dependent upon reflector quality, it's really hard to say how many watts you need. It really depends on the particular unit. I'd go with a 4 bulb unit like a Tek or a Nova Extreme Pro. Either of those units should fit your needs and give you the best bang for your buck. There are some higher end units out there like Aquactinics and ATI, but they'd probably be a little bit of overkill, especiall for softies and LPS in a tank your size.

I'll check it out! thanks man

Michael · 10/16/2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYG 010

Is a 250w MH okay? It's 3 inches from the surface I wont have any problems like FRYING my tank right?

i think a 250 would be fine, a foot above the water though

NYG 010 · 10/16/2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

i think a 250 would be fine, a foot above the water though

I cant hang a pendant bcause of my ceiling and all mounting brackets only go about 3 inches above the water.

10/15/2009, 09:55 PM	#1
NYG 010 The man, The Legend Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: North Jersey Posts: 200	Lighting Question The following will be for a 30 gallon reef (nothing special) Just some softies, LPS, etc. (approx) A) How many watts do I need if I am buying a t5 B) How many watts do I need if I am buying a MH __________________ -NYG Current Tank Info: 30 gallon - Coralife 150 W Halide (soon to be reef tank) Currently: Aquaclear 70, Aquaclear 20, Aqueon 10 Quiet Flow, Live Stock: 1 Black baby Ocellaris. 1 Regular Ocellaris

10/15/2009, 11:44 PM	#2
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	120-160 watts for t5s and and a 175-250 watt halide would be fine imo for a 30 gal containing softies. you need to decide long term plans, if more than just a few softies then you may need better lighting. __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

10/16/2009, 08:17 AM	#4
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	I'd think a 250W metal halide would be just fine, but 3" from the surface is a bit close. My guess is you'll have problems keeping the water cool enough if you don't have a chiller. Also, make sure you have some sort of splash shield between the light and the water. If your lights have to be that close, you're probably better off with T-5s. The efficiency of T5s is so dependent upon reflector quality, it's really hard to say how many watts you need. It really depends on the particular unit. I'd go with a 4 bulb unit like a Tek or a Nova Extreme Pro. Either of those units should fit your needs and give you the best bang for your buck. There are some higher end units out there like Aquactinics and ATI, but they'd probably be a little bit of overkill, especiall for softies and LPS in a tank your size. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?