new 30 gallon- too much light.

[RossandMandyProject]

hello, I am setting up a new 30 gallon tank and wonering if there is such a thing as too much light? I have a 400 watt metal halide left over from another project and I was considering hangin it over my 30 gallon tank. I plan on having some soft corals and others, maybe even some shrooms or clams. Is that too much light for them or would that be ok? Also is their a verdict on moon lighting or evening lighting?? I appreciate the post's. thanks again!

[Ninong]

You might have a problem with water temperature if you put a 400w metal halide lamp over a 30-gal tank. Unless, of course, you are planning on using a chiller.

You could place a 400w metal halide lamp about 10" above the surface of a 30-gal tank but I think that's a bit strong for that size tank. It would certainly be fine for SPS and Tridacnid clams but I'm afraid it would be difficult to prevent the water from overheating. It's probably possible if that's what you really want to do but I think it's a bit of overkill for that size tank. I think a better choice for such a small tank would be either a 150w or 250w metal halide.

[Samper]

Ross go with a 250w. I have mine about 10" off the surface of a 20 gallon and after some work managed to keep my temp at 80.4 for the majority of the time. It can fluctuate about 1.5 degrees either way which is acceptable to me.

[Elmo18]

I also suggest a 250 Watt MH in a color temperature of your liking.

I run an XM10k SE MH with some actinics over a 26 gal cube. It is about 8-9 inches off the surface of the water and I do not get big temp variations. I do, however, run a couple of PC fans in the back to blow hot air out.

- Elmo