is 1x150watt MH enough for my tank?

[cymbal67]

i have a 118g corner tank 30" deep. i was going to get the coralife pro fixture that has 1x150w HQI MH 10k and 2x65w actenic 03 pc
but now am wondering if i should get the one that has 1x250w instead fo the 1x150w. i am limited to the dimensions of this unit and both units have the same dimensions. i am leaning towards the 250w and will have a pretty nice chiller already so i'm not too concerned about the extra heat going with 250 instead of 150. hell...i think i have made up my mind already and will go with the 250k but just wanted someone to back me up on it...

 

[fedukeford]

1 MH isnt enough to cover that tank, look for a set with 2 MH's prefrebly 250 watter, but if you tank is shallow enough you could do 150 watts

 

[nigerbang]

I would prolly try to find a 2x250...at 30 inches deep the 150 might penetrate(sp) like 10 maybe 12 inches...for 30 I would ATLEAST 250...

 

[cymbal67]

i am getting some info that may be saying that once i mount the lights in my canopy, it may be too close to the water for a 250w can that be? what if i just dont put stuff too close to the top of the tank wont that then be ok to have 250w in there? the water line is about 10 inches from the top of the canopy so if the lighting fixture is 2.75 inches high that would put it about 7 to 8 inches above water line is that ok for 250w?

 

[viper_930]

A single MH bulb can only light about a 2 square foot area, more or even less depending on the reflector.