setting up a 20 gallon long need help with lighting

[silverz]

I have a 250 watt metal halide 10k and 130 watt pc actinic. Is this too much for a 20 gallon long? I'm only wanting to keep softies as I've had stony corals before and I don't want to go to that much trouble again.

Are those lights going to cause a problem with soft corals?

[jski711]

that light will be fine, just keep it up off the water a decent amount. hth

[cherubfish pair]

I'm working on setting up a 20 long too and I can't decide between a 150 or 250 HQI.

I'm worried that with the 250, all livestock will have to be acclimated to that bright of a light. Too much light all at once can be shocking?

[cubanheat1]

i would go with a 2x65w pc such as coralife or current. Since the tank is so shallow you will be able to do softies, lps, and even some montiporas, if you keep up on calcium and water changes. Believe me from experience on a 20gL dont get yourself into a 250w MH unless the tank is at least 18".softies and lps will do just fine, under the p.c's.

[silverz]

thanks guys. I'm going to leave the halide on the tank. Besides that I love the way they look!