watts v duration ?

[Paulc]

Does anyone here know if a nano-reef system can run on relatively low light intensity

 

I have 2 x 24W (T5) on a 30G

 

Can I make up for the low light intensity by running the lights for longer periods.....or is this a bad idea.

[Jahkaya]

Paul:

 

Though I do not have much experience with T-5's that should be enough for softies, but not much else. Does your ballast allow you to add two more? Regardless of whether your run your lights for 24 hours(not recommended) it will still not be enough to support hard corals. This is just generalization as I do not have all the specs of your tank and what livestock you plan to keep. please provide more information.

[Paulc]

The depth of water I have in the tank is 18". I can double the number of lights to provide 96 W but the hood is located very low over the waters surface and I'm worried that in the summer months the heat generated will cause problems. I don't plan to keep any corals that require intense lighting but maybe some Mushrooms and Zoanthids.

 

Other info

 

LR

LS

2 perc Clowns

2 cleaner shrimp

turbo snails

2 powerheads (combined flow 1800 litres/ Hour)

internal filter (no sponges) + media

[Jahkaya]

I would double if not triple the lights even for softies. add some fans to the canopy and you shouldn't have a problem. Added two fans to my 4x75 over a 20H and it cooled my tank by 6 degrees at least.

[Paulc]

Thanks for the advice. I like the idea of using fans .... getting a chiller for 30G tank is expensive in the UK.

[T?@7]

I say fans also. They will prompt for more gas exchange and cool the tank really well. On my parents 125, I have 5 4" fans Shes blowing hard ;-)