Hey ,

I'm new to posting here but I've decided to join to draw on your extensive knowledge as I've come across something I'm just not sure of.

I am putting together a new 20 gallon high and went to pick up a bunch of live rock from a local guy who was shutting down a system. Long story short, he ended up having an almost new 24" Coralife Aqualight Pro with a 150w HQI and 2x65w PC's that he's willing to sell for a really wicked price. One of those deals you don't want to say no too...

Anyways, the issue is these fixtures are 15" wide and the tank is only 12" wide. Even if I hang the fixture (which will be a PITA considering I can't ceiling mount in my place) is this going to be a waste or too difficult to deal with?

Anyone care to share their thoughts or experience on this one? I have until the end of the week to decide...

Well weigh your pros and cons
Pros:
PLenty of light for just about any coral you might end up wanting
Great price

Cons:
Tons of heat with halide light
Wider than the tank

HMM thats a hard one. just because the fixture is 15in wide doesnt mean that the lights are that wide also. If your tank is close to a wall you can probably get some brackets from home depot or somewhere to hang it off of. I hung a light off of plant pot hangers worked pretty good and didn't look too bad. If it didnt work out you could also trade or sell it for more than you got it for, if the price is really that great and it's in as good of condition as you say.

YOu also never know when you might want to go bigger and need a bigger light.
I'd get it. I think theres a lot of pluses

Just my thoughts

Dunno how the feet are on that light as it comes stock, but feet simular to what comes on the Current USA Nova fixtures would likely be perfect, they'd stick out slightly more than likely, but the run the width of the fixture, instead of having 1 foot at each corner. On a side note, 3" more than the tank width equates to just an inch and a half extra front and rear, not bad at all I'd say. I'd jump on it if the price is as good as you say, like thegambler said, you can always keep it for a future tank upsize.

I found a few posts (no pix unfortunately) of people using this fixture and inverting the mounting legs which supposedly puts the feet at 12" apart, making it fit. I guess there will some overhang along the long edge of the tank but I don't think it'll be too bad.

I am a little worried about heat but a) I did find examples of people using this fixture on 20G tanks without chillers and my room is on the cold-side of things.

I figure if I am careful acclimating things I shouldn't have too much of an issue having a slight mix of coral types? Just a little nervous as this is the first foray into the really intense lights.

If heat starts to rear its ugly head, a small fan blowing across the top of the tank will work wonders (and increase your eventual desire for an ATO).

Shorten your photoperiod and use a plastic or fiberglass screening material during acclimation, slowly removing layers of screen and increasing the length the lights are on, this much light you would probably need to acclimate anything you stick in the tank, so would start with the lower light stuff first, so you can get a feel for it.

HTH

I like that idea of putting fiberglass sheet in between (I'd be a little worried about plastic). I was wondering if there was a way to attenuate the light a bit... well there ya go. Luckily, this is going onto a brand new build and I won't have to worry about shocking existing corals off the bat. When adding new corals I can start them at the bottom of the tank or under a ledge if needs be.

That being said, there is a sizable toadstool solidly attached to the live rock that I got, who I would like to survive, so might try the fiberglass sheet for the first while. Actually, on this note, would you cut that toadstool off and hope it survives in my other already cramped tank until this new tank is ready or should I leave him and hope for the best? It was free with the rock so I won't miss it financially but it's been a trooper thus far and would like to keep him.