Help a New Guy Out?

Hi, I'm interesting in starting a small reef aquarium. I have experience with FW tanks but I'm really becoming attracted to SW. I have a 20 gallon long and I'd like to try to figure out the lighting I'm going to need. I've been thinking 1 150w 10000k metal halide. I want be able to keep anemones, soft corals, clownfish, and maybe some hard corals in this tank. Is this a good idea?

 

i would be worried about the heat but it can be done. i would recommend t5's.
edit: if its a price issue just slap 2 of these puppies on it. http://cgi.ebay.com/36-T5-HO-Aquari...photoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
i have one on a 20 long freshwater right now. it doesn't hang over as much as you think
even though it say 36 inches its actually only 35 with out the legs.
oh and welcome to 3 reef

 

I ran a Phoenix 150 15K DE in a PFO Pendant and really like the color. When running a 10K it will be little on the yellow side so you might want to add some type of actinic lighting. 20 gallon long is a nice size starter tank.

 

T5's are great lights. A 20 long is shallow, and will allow you to use the longer high watt bulbs - they'll penetrate no problem. Much less heat than metal halides.. Your options will be pretty open with these fixtures.

Welcome to 3reef!

 

Welcome to 3reef, glad to have you aboard.

 

The metsl halide will not only be hot for that tank it will only light up the center of the tank. I am currently using this light on a 20 long. I over hangs the ends a bit but it light the whole tank.

 

gazog found a better t5 fixture since you only need one

 

Gazog...that light looks perfect!! I really wanted to DIY because I think the pricing on most lighting is rediculous but this looks great! Thank you very much!

How long have you been running this light on your setup?