Salt water aquarium lighting help please

Question

I reposted this question cause no one knew the answer. Will 500 watts of metalhalide be to extreme for a 50 gallon 48x13x19 ? I want to grow corals and anemones but is afraid it will be to bright

Answer 1

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-08/dw...

This sight and link is very helpful in understanding wattage's and how it works.

Answer 2

500 watts is too much, it will overwarm the warm and kill your fish because we usually keep the light on for 6 hours to 12 hours. Keeping the light on for few minutes or using an uv lighting does not benefit corals very well. 100 watts to 150 watts fluorescent light/metal halide would be best for corals to grow.

Answer 3

yes,  wayyyyy tooooo intense.  Try using 150 watt metal halide.  We have a 300 gallon salt water tank and are using 400 watt metalhalide.  Because your tank is so small, it might be better for you to use VHO lighting.  Good Luck.