250 watt mh

[flame82]

would a 250 metal halide be to much for a 30 gallon? and i would have to have a pc antic to right, and if so how many watts for antic ?

 

[steve-s]

would a 250 metal halide be to much for a 30 gallon?

Depends on the length and depth of the tank but short answer is no. You can easily elevate the light to reduce heat & intensity.

and i would have to have a pc antic to right,

Completely up to you. Actinic lighting is an asthetic choice, not a requirement. You can use a higher kelvin rated MH (bluer) but keep in mind the higher you go, the slower the coral growth rate will be.

and if so how many watts for antic ?

Again it depends on length and width but you would probabley do fine with a 75W VHO, 55 or 65w PC, or one or two 28W T5HO

Cheers
Steve

 

[Brenden]

I would be concerned with heat with that setup. You could raise it up to eliminate heat but then you would lower the intensity defeating the point of having a MH.

 

[steve-s]

Actually with a 250 w Bulb, you don't really affect performance too much until it's elevated beyond 18" from the water line. If a larger tank this would be more of a concern but given the possible depth of a 30 (unless a tall), it shouldn't be too bad.

Cheers
Steve