how much lighting is too much?

[jeremyj0247]

I am setting up a 10 gal mantis tank and was wondering how much light they can handle. I am wanting to get a N. werrnae or G. Smithii. I have a 36watt power compact over the tank now. The reason I want more light is so I can keep some corals in the tank too. The light I was looking at is a 130 watt power compact. would the be too much. or would a lower watt metal halide be better. I am just wanting to put easier to care for corals that don't need a ton of light.

[justinl]

the PC light is fine. metal halides over a 10gal is overkill imo, unless you are experienced enough to bend the rules and keep sps or in there... which i dont suggest you do. N. wennerae and G. smithii are both intertidal species and can handle tons of light. the 130 W will potentially allow you to keep plenty of coral to satisfy your needs.

[DanInSD]

There are some "nano" (like 75W) metal halides available that may be a good compromise, if you're looking to do SPS or other high-light corals. The 130W PC is almost certainly "sufficient" though.

Dan

[StephenInVa]

The 10 that I have a N. wennerae in has a 96 watt pc light over it and it doesn't seem to mind.

[Angel7989]

Metal halides in a 10 gallon is asking for trouble with a mantis . just stick with the PC's

[suppressivefire]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10988766#post10988766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Angel7989
Metal halides in a 10 gallon is asking for trouble with a mantis . just stick with the PC's
why? Dude i have a 10 gallon with a 150 mh and my mantis is fine.