What type of lighting?

[jkta99]

I am thinking about setting up a 15-20 gallon nano. I was wondering how much lighting I will need if I want to be able to keep any coral I want.

Thanks

James

[irishbing]

If you get a 15 i think a 150W HQI halide should be good, for a 20 maybe even a 250W HQI, but im not an expert, but thats what people seem to be using.

[Tang333]

What Irishbing suggests is good, but if you are on a bit more of a budget, you can get a 96w powerquad (Compact Florescent) instead. They can also yield great results and can be found for reasonable prices used on this sight and nano-reef.com. You just have to be careful what you put under them. Things like a maxima clam, or some anemones might need better, more intense lighting.

Just my 2 cents.

Tang333
:frog:
“Kermit da’ Frog Here…�

[jkta99]

how hot would the water get with a MH over it?

[LVfishguy]

just keep it off of the tank between 6-12 inches and get a fan over the top of it and life should be good!

[Reefer0916]

My 30 tall with a 150W DE MH (6 inches of the awater surface) evaporates a LOAD of water ... about 2 gallons a day .. if it wasn't for the chiller .. the tank would run at about 85 degrees (and it is located in teh living room ( no carpert just hardwood floor -- cooler thank carpets )