nano lights

[dreamandscheme]

i've been doing research to setup a 30 gal hex reef tank. the tank is only 18" wide but 20" deep so finding a light that "fits" the top of the tank and is strong enough for the depth is really confusing me. http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...-X2-Lighting-Fixtures_9916161_82.html?tc=fish
i can find these all day long but is 40w at 10000k enough? i know everything depends on which type of corals. this is my first salt tank so i would be sticking to the common lfs varieties...torch coral is main one that caught my eye. i'm shining away from metal halide because the heat and tank size, i'd be open to led but even they seem to have larger fixtures. any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks for your time

ps if this post belongs in another section feel free to move

 

[FLESHY]

For a tank this deep I would recommend MH...they sell 70w fixtures, and I would call that medium high light on a tank this size.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+8075+15489&pcatid=15489

 

[johnny roastbeef]

Take a look at LEDs. They would be great on that tank, and wouldn't break the bank.

 

[thisissimple]

both are good suggestions. Torches and other euphillia don't need a ton of light but this is a pretty deep tank for only 40w.

 

[dreamandscheme]

with leds would you still need 2 watts per gallon? and which spectrum would be best?

 

[FLESHY]

with leds would you still need 2 watts per gallon? and which spectrum would be best?

WPG is outdated...and REALLY doesnt apply for LED because they use so much less wattage.

Ill post a link to a good nano LED...I would be worried that you would lose a lot of intensity/PAR farther down in the h2o column, but for a starter Nano tank (maybe something a little shallower?) this would be a nice fixture, at a decent price.

http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-koi/49567-led-stock-2.html

Here...the 50w fixture should just about do it...but no promises on depth penetration. Decent price though. Lots of happy customers, I am hoping to try 2x of his 119 fixtures on my 75g...my PAR will go down...but...what the hey.