150W MH too much for 10 gal reef?

I've been looking really hard for a reef lighting fixture for a 10 gal that is able to deal with more than just 36 watts and I have finally found one for a 10 gal BUT it's a 150W metal halide which might be too much for the tank to handle... Am I right to think that this is true? It's really cheap too; only 99 dollars.

 

Welcome to 3reef.

A metal halide might heat the tank up. If you have the ability to raise the fixture that works in you favor and possibly use fans (small) it may help as well.

If this tank is going to be mostly soft corals metal halide may be over kill. If you provide area with some shading or not directly under the fixture by manipulating the rock work that will give you more coral options.

Again it may be fine if you can adjust the distance between the fixture and the tank.

What is the brand or name of the fixture?

 

At that price I will assume your talking about one of the odyssea brand light on the ebay. Not a bad light but you will find mixed opinions on that statement.

Truthfully I would think that is too much light for the tank. Once you raise it enough for heat to not be an issue I think it might cover a larger area than the physical size of the tank.

Add in fans and you now possibly run into the lights & fans overbearing the overall look and detracting from the main attraction (the tank). Think of when you see a fast & furious car and the first thing you see is that jumbo sized spoiler vs the whole car. Kinda like that.

 

Ever consider using BoosLED Par 30's? I have 2 over my 10g and they are wonderful.

 

I would look into a 2 bulb T5HO fixture. That would be more than sufficient for the tank. Or LED.

You will need to mount the MH at least 12" if not 16" to 18" above the tank to keep from frying coral and overheating the tank.

 

I would go with a 70w..And have it pretty far away from the tank and have fans blowing over it.

 

you would be correct lol


If this light isn't good, can somebody point me in the direction of a good and economical light fixture? They are Very hard to come by these days

the boosleds look pretty cheap too; are there any disadvantages to getting that?

also random question: Do I need an HOB filter if I already have a protein skimmer, live substrate, and live rock? I don't want a nitrate buildup

 

Good and economical really don't often go together. If you like MHs, this is very good quality and for the quality, quite economical. The 150W is the same price, but the 70 is much better suited to your tank.
Hamilton 12" 70w HQI Tank Mount Pendant

Also, as others have said, leds are good. 2 Boost or rapid led par30s would be great. Or as 2in10 said, a small T-5 fixture.

 

I'm leaning towards getting the leds. They look good, aren't obtrusive, are energy efficient, and they're economical lol. Plus, if I accidentally touch them I won't get 3rd degree burns. However, I am wondering about how you are supposed to utilize them. Do you have to buy a separate fixture to attach them to? Does it have to be an overhead fixture? Or can it be a lamp-type?

EDIT: I forgot to specify that this is in fact NOT a nanocube. It's an all glass aquarium. Sorry if there was some confusion.

 

PAr30 is just a standard light fixture. You can use whatever you like. PAR 38 is a spotlight type fixture. You can also use whatever you like. There should not be any shroud though, as it will trap heat. So make sure the fixture doesn't have one, or that it's removable.


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