Whats the most powerful light for a 10 gal

midgetwaiter · #1 08-09-2007, 03:53 AM

I had a 150 on my 12g and didn't have any trouble with zoas or palys if I was careful in acclimating them. I used a pretty high k / low par bulb though. I looked at a 70w but IMO the bulb selection sucks in comparison.

dockrat · #2 08-09-2007, 10:44 PM

I agree with you there... the bulb selection sucks for the 70w but i had all the stuff laying around... if i was going to keep sps i would put on a 150 for sure... it was a heat issuse for me the 150 was just to warm even in the cold months (i keep it in a closet) because all my avalible wall space is taken up by my other aquariums and huge TV... I need a bigger place for my tanks

fkshiu · #3 08-09-2007, 11:26 PM

There's nobody stopping you from putting a 1000W MH on top of the 10 gallon, but the law of diminshing returns and heat issues probably dictate that 150W MHs are as much as reasonably possible.

TJSlayer · #4 03-23-2008, 06:25 PM

I have an incadescent hood with aluminum refectors and picked up 2 coralife 20 watt mini compact flourecent 50/50 bulbs.

10,000k/Actinic

Looks good and was only about $45 complete

May not be the best but works and provides 4 watts per gallon....

kwirky · #5 03-31-2008, 06:18 AM

just run a 400W 20k bulb like some of the guys on the nano forums do. You'd evaporate your entire tank each day but think of the SPS you could keep! lol

Whatigot · #6 04-01-2008, 08:25 PM

seems crazy.
I had a 15 gallon with nothing but a 50/50 65 watt compact and grew just about everything in it.
Guess I was just cheap and lucky....lol

Marlin65 · #7 04-02-2008, 01:41 AM

70 or 150 would be my choice but then I am running 250 on 25 Gal.
You would probably run hot so you might have to get a chiller so another $300

With pc you are limited and T5 you are 24" for the smallest so MH is your best bet. My two cents.