30 Gall and Halides

[gixxer600]

I am going to set up a 30 gal reef tank and was wondering if 175 watt halide is going to be to much or if i should run my 96 watt PC. I am afraid that the halide will make temps. uncontrolable but i wouuld like to keep a variety of coral. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jeff_mcphail]

A single 175 should be just right for a 30g provided you have the light high enough off the water, adequate cooling such as a fan, and some type of top off for your fast evaporation.

 

[gixxer600]

Is there a certain height that you or anybody recommends?

 

[nickmg]

I run a 250 pendent on top of my 30 cube. The light is about 8 inches off the water. I don't run into a problem with heat because the tank is in the basement. I have JBJ auto top off which does turn on a couple times a day. I would say I loose about a gallon a day or so.