400w MH too much?

[Devilish]

I am getting my equipment together to setup a 30g x-high tank which is 24" deep. I have just purchased a 400w mh from a fellow reefer. I have been getting conflicting opinions on whether or not it is too much light. I would like to keep corals, both hard and soft, and possibly a clam and anemone. For anything requiring lower lighting I was going to create overhangs/caves to create more shadowed areas. Any opinions would be appreciated.
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[Grins]

I think you do it on a 24" tank. I'm a bit more concerned with the mix you're wanting to stock. What kind of softies? And what kind of anemone?

 

[Devilish]

I'm still in the planning phase of the tank itself, so I haven't gotten to a live stock list. That will be determined once I establish the tank, but I will do my research and make sure of any compatiblity issues. I'm not exactly sure which way I'm gonna go, but I just what to have the flexibility to do what I want if I make up my mind.

 

[tankanator]

400 w MH for a thirty gal. I think that might be to much just my opinion but I would recommend a chiller. Good luck

 

[Grins]

It is 24" deep though

 

[tankanator]

Yes I know but it is only 30 gal my concern is it will heat up really fast, either you need fans running over the top or a chiller or both. You also have to consider the pumps that they might have.

 

[Devilish]

I will be doing a DIY canopy to house the lights. I plan on including 2 CPU fans blowing in, as well as some vents on the back/top of canopy. This tank will also be a total of around 40 gallons as I am creating a sump/fuge from a 20g tank. This may help to offset the heat factor.

 

[Grins]

You'll definitely want the fans. I keep my bulbs 13" off the water surface to help as well. I still get full light penetration with 250s on a 55g

 

[Reefscape]

as your willing to create area's which are effectivly low light areas, i dont see it being an issue as the light is mounted an acceptable distance from the water top else your really gonna suffer with evap from a light that powerfull...