light bigger than my tank

[newreef06]

Can I use a power compact that is bigger than my tank. I have a 10gal tank. Its 20" long. The light I want is 24" long. They make a 20" light. But the 24" has more watts. Im new to the hobby and was wondering. Also can you still mount it with the legs

[skabimini]

yes... it will be fine. THe legs should be adjustable by sliding them. Cant you find a stronger watt pc thats 20" with a little research?

[aural]

well i'm going to be on the other side of the camp. While you can do it, you are going to be loosing the extra watts you are paying for over the sides of your tank. basically its not going to be worth it. You will be much better off, and happier in the long run if you get yourself a 20" coralife power quad that pushes 96 watts. (in a 10g tank you are pushing 9.6 watts per gal with that)

Not only will it be PLENTY of light, you can use the adjustable mounting legs which will allow you to flip the fixture up when you need to work in the tank.

here is the fixture i'm talking about:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13734&N=2004+113345

[newreef06]

Yes I was looking at one of those. They seem like really good lights. I will get one of those. Thanks for the info

[Dastank]

I just bought the 24" version for a 15 gal. It's a good light IMO.

[Newreeflady]

I vote for a fixture same size or smaller than the tank. The spillover of the light won't be asthetically pleasing, imo. I had a 36w fixture over my 10g that fit right in the lip and it worked great for softies, and even some easy montis high up.

jmo,
-A

[Agu]

Friend of mine had the 24" fixture over a ten gallon. It looked kinda goofy hanging over the edges of the tank but there was minimal spillover. The actual bulb is 21" but that includes the base so there's about 20" of light producing bulb.

[alien9168]

Its fine. :)

-alien