Lighting: How much is to much?

[rookie07]

I have a 20" cube....that makes 34 gallons.
So, I have various corals. Some LPS, some SPS, some Zoas...etc....
I have a 150w MH(SunPod 20")

My lights sit on top of the tank...about 6" above the top.
I dont think the lighting is spread out enough for my corals.

SO....can I get a 2nd 20" SunPod...and instead of having 1 sunpod that goes left to right, could I do 2 sunpods that go front to back?

I understand there will be extra heat and power consumption...I have a chiller so heat isnt a issue.

Would I be better off getting a 250w MH? Or does this still limit the spread of light?

What do you all think?
Thanks
Rookie

 

[nanoreefer22]

Rookie,

I don't know if there's any way to suspend the pendant/fixture. I dont think adding another fixture over 20inches is a great idea personally.

I would just add some supplemental T-5 lighting to the setup and call it a day. One bulb on either side.

 

[Sean]

With a 20" tall tank you should be fine with a 150 watt bulb. I don't think it's necessary to put a 250 watt on it.

Supplementing with more light would be a good idea. You can either use T5s like nanoreefer suggests, or try to squeeze in another 150. I think the shadowing would look better with the additional lighting.

 

[BrooklynsReefMan1]

Hey roockie how about the clamp on hqi MH they dont waist space and they produce up to 250 watts!

 

[rookie07]

thanks for the ideas everyone....keep them coming

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I have the 250 on my AP24 and have NO PROBLEMS.

All of my corals except the ones I lost to the Monti Eating Nudi's are very happy.

 

[Quang]

the spread of light would have to do more with your reflector. like most have said, just supplement. or try raising your current light a bit to see if it offers more coverage. switching to a 250 is unnecessary and adding another mh is overkill. as with all natural reefs, there are some shadier parts than others.

try playing around with the scaping as some of your corals require more light then others, too much light run the risk of bleaching some lps. imo, if it isn't broken, i.e. corals are healthy and thriving, don't fix it.

good luck reefing.

 

[jackson6745]

A 150w would be fine for what you want.

 

[qckwzrd]

I think the 150w should by fine on your tank (from what I've seen) plus the LEDs give it a nice look as well. I just upgraded from t5's to a 150w hqi 14k clamp on. The micros (thanks rookie) look better but zoas don't. I'll have to supplement with a single t5 fixture. But yours looks good rook.

 

[rookie07]

Thanks for the info everyone...maybe ill just supplement w/ addition T5 or CF...im thinking about it.
Anthony, I hope the micros grow like crazy for you.
Best of luck