How much light is too much? 30g

scrappy34 · 08/08/2011, 08:14 PM

Basically I plan on setting up a 30g tank with dimensions of 30in long/12in wide/19in tall. The lighting I want to get is a Odyssea 30" 346W Metal Halide System that is 346watts... would this much light hurt my coral?
http://www.aquatraders.com/30in-Meta...ht-p/54262.htm

if so, Odyssea also makes a 24" 298W Metal Halide System.. Would this be any better? would a 24 inch light fixture look dumb on a 30 inch long tank?
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-2...ie-p/54244.htm

I realize Odyssea doesn't have the best reviews (I heard they fixed their problems), but it is all I can afford.. unless someone else knows of a 30 inch fixture under $200 that will allow me to keep a clam.

scrappy34 · 08/08/2011, 09:05 PM

bump!!!!

username in use · 08/09/2011, 05:54 AM

FWIW, I had that same size tank, and ran a 24" 4 bulb t5 fixture over it. I kept a clam, sps, lps etc with no problems on anything. I think a quality 4 bulb unit with individual reflectors will be more than enough light and save you some money on your electric bill, and you won't need to fight the heat that the metal halide will put out.

08/08/2011, 08:14 PM	#1
scrappy34 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 23	How much light is too much? 30g Basically I plan on setting up a 30g tank with dimensions of 30in long/12in wide/19in tall. The lighting I want to get is a Odyssea 30" 346W Metal Halide System that is 346watts... would this much light hurt my coral? http://www.aquatraders.com/30in-Meta...ht-p/54262.htm if so, Odyssea also makes a 24" 298W Metal Halide System.. Would this be any better? would a 24 inch light fixture look dumb on a 30 inch long tank? http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-2...ie-p/54244.htm I realize Odyssea doesn't have the best reviews (I heard they fixed their problems), but it is all I can afford.. unless someone else knows of a 30 inch fixture under $200 that will allow me to keep a clam.

08/09/2011, 05:54 AM	#3
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	FWIW, I had that same size tank, and ran a 24" 4 bulb t5 fixture over it. I kept a clam, sps, lps etc with no problems on anything. I think a quality 4 bulb unit with individual reflectors will be more than enough light and save you some money on your electric bill, and you won't need to fight the heat that the metal halide will put out. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

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08/08/2011, 09:05 PM	#2
scrappy34 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 23	bump!!!!