250watts to much for a 29g tank?

[option720]

Ok here is the deal. I have a 29-gallon tank that I want to upgrade the lighting on. I will be keeping clams and coral in the future. Here is my question, “is 250 watts to much light for my tank or should I stick with 175watt” My hood has 10 inches of space from the water to the top of the inside of the hood. I will have fans in there. What do you think.

 

[sonny]

Since I consider a 29 a "small" tank, I think it's a little odd to put a $200 light fixture on a $50 tank. I am not saying it can't work on a 29, but the shape of the tank really lends itself more to PC's or VHO lights. One MH lamp can cover an area a little over 2 feet by 2 feet, which means you'll not cover the whole length of the tank, but will have enough for double the front to back depth. Heat will be a real factor in a small tank like that with 250 watts of MH above. Fans are a must, and you might even need a chiller to keep the temperature down. The only reason you'd want that much wattage is to try to keep really high light animals, like certain SPS corals or Maxima clams. There's no reason you can't try it though...
Let us know how it turns out.
Sonny

 

[up north hermit]

Once again, the answer is dictated by what animals you will house. You have answered that for me in your query. If you intend on keeping clams, then Metal Halide is the answer. They require the INTENSITY given by the MH's, to keep them thriving.
Lets not start another lighting debate!! IMHO all clams should be given Metal Halide lighting. Oh I know some will say they keep their clams quite happy under all different lighting, but I say they just survive under anything but MH.
So let your animal selection decide your lighting choice.
My humble .02
Hermit

 

[scy]

Hello,With what you want to do i see no problem,i agree with mh for clams.

 

[burnnspy]

I'll disagree, Squamosa and Gigas clams are deep water clams and will thrive in VHO lighting.
250 watts in your tank should be fine if kept 8-10" above the water and the fan is active.
I would also recommend A/C and/or a sump for extra cooling capacity.
BurnNSpy

 

[ironreef]

depends on what you keep but I know afew ppl with 250w on there small tanks heres one.http://www.filtermania.com/aquarium/ he doesn't need chiller but it matters where you live also