150 watt MH enough for SPS in 30 gallon?

[rockethippo]

Will a watt MH lamp be enough light for SPS corals in a 30 gallon that is 20" tall? I plan to have the SPS at about half way to the top. My 30 gallon is 30" long, so can I put lower light corals in the 6" sticking out of the MH's range, or will the 6" be dark?

[SuperScro]

It sounds like it should be ok for most SPS corals. How far is the light above the tank? It is pretty good light, it should be able to keep a lot. If you ahve the corals near the top and center I imagine it would do well.

[rockethippo]

The MH will be something like 8" cause that's what most people do? I'll probally have the SPS from center to the top, LPS around the center area, and softies near the bottom and to the side 6" the MH does not cover.

[Fishieness]

that shoudl work. you can keep sps under a good portion of the tank, though you cant keep them very well under all parts. in my experience, even up towards the top under a 150, you will not get the type of results as yowu oudl with more light. but a 150 will work fine.

[rockethippo]

Would a 250 be even better or is that overkill? Or will adding flourecents to the 150 be better?

[rockethippo]

Or perhaps 2 150s? But there would be lots of light where they overlap

[joander123]

the more light the better for sps, this also means u can add sps to different parts of the tank if enough light is out, keep in mind around 7-8 wpg is good..... but there are exceptions, such as if you place them right under that MH

[rockethippo]

If I use a 250 watt MH, it will be good for the SPS, but will they be too much for LPS and softies? Since my tank is 30" long and each Mh covers 2 feet can I put softies to the side and LPS just lower in the center 2 feet?

[SuperScro]

I think your softies and LPS would do fine. Keep them towards the bottom of the tank and to the sides like you said. With that fixture they will receive plenty of light wherever they are.

Maybe reserve top area for all SPS, so when they grow and reproduce they will have best lighting opportunity.

Make sure it doesn't overheat your tank either.

[rockethippo]

I think your softies and LPS would do fine. Keep them towards the bottom of the tank and to the sides like you said. With that fixture they will receive plenty of light wherever they are.

Maybe reserve top area for all SPS, so when they grow and reproduce they will have best lighting opportunity.

Make sure it doesn't overheat your tank either.
It definately won't overheat:silly: ! It's so darn cold here!!:wall: :wall: