Lighting question for a 27L

[jkeithh1969]

I have a tank I bought from a friend a while back that has been sitting empty and I want to make it a reef tank as well. The dimensions are 36" x 12-5/8" x 13". In the garage I have a 36" PC fixture (110 watt). Since the tank is only 13" deep empty and by the time I put the live sand in, everything will be several inches closer to the top, is 110 watts enough to keep anything substantial (other than zooz and shrooms)? If not, then I will wait until I can get some sort of better lighting.

[jkeithh1969]

Anybody?

[charlie]

Watts per gallon is not a good way of determining anything. What it all runs down to is the penetration you are getting with what lites you have.
Are they PC's, ie., 2 x 55w? You may get some types of monti's to survive, but I don't think you would want to go full blown sps and clams.

[jkeithh1969]

Watts per gallon is not a good way of determining anything. What it all runs down to is the penetration you are getting with what lites you have.
Are they PC's, ie., 2 x 55w? You may get some types of monti's to survive, but I don't think you would want to go full blown sps and clams.

Yes they are PCs 2 x 55w. I would love to be able to grow some of the montis...they are my favorite. I could also add a second strip with 2 x 55 PCs which would give me 220 watts total.

[charlie]

With your tank being so shallow, you should be alright. Like I said tho, make sure you get good penetration with the PCs. Adding another 2 x 55w may also create some heat problems, so watch for that also!!!

[jkeithh1969]

I was kind of worried about the heat also. If I do decide to upgrade the lighting with either more PCs or small MHs, I would probably get a small chiller to help out with the heat.