MH over a 15 gallon tank...safe??

[groupergenius]

I have a 15 gallon tank that I want to make a reef tank. The light I have now is an older Coral life PC setup. I know it's not enough for stonys and anemonaes. Do ya'll think it would be safe to hang a 150W 14K MH above the tank? I will be keeping 2-3 fish and inverts in as well.

 

[scsinet]

Sure... but it's wasteful. You'll need to place the lamp well above the water... maybe 20+ inches to keep it from heating the tank too much. At such a height, lots of light will be wasted.
I'd use a 70w viper or sunpod instead. That would be a terrific light for a 15g.

 

[groupergenius]

Thanks SCSInet. Should I elevate the 70W sunpod? I just don't want the light too intense that it boils the water or burns the upper tank corals.
I just researched the Viper 70W. Looks like the ticket. Thanks again.

 

[scsinet]

With a 70w you should have no problems. Put it about 8" above the water and you should be good to go.

 

[groupergenius]

Do the corals/fish benfit from the blue actinics or are they not needed?

 

[scsinet]

Not really. It's more for your eyes than anything else.

 

[marvida]

I have a 150 HQI over my 10 gal. nano in my office. The bulb is 8" over the surface of the water. There are three fans. No heat problems.