250w HQI metal halide strong enough for 30" water depth?

[Crow]

I am in the process of designing my lighting system for my 300+ gallon reef tank, and I was wonding if any of you out there have had success running a 250 watt HQI metal halide light on a 30 inch deep reef tank? I hope using this light will allow me to house clams on the substrate as I'm somewhat of a clam freak!

[ama168]

Sorry, I can't help you with this.

I only have experience with T5 HO lights and not much at that.

[ama168]

Alright I found some info, For tanks 24" or deeper you want to use

at least 250w bulbs. If you will have inverts with high light requirements near the bottom of the tank you may want to use 400w bulbs.

[Crow]

Alright I found some info, For tanks 24" or deeper you want to use

at least 250w bulbs. If you will have inverts with high light requirements near the bottom of the tank you may want to use 400w bulbs.

Thanks m8 for the info, I hope the 250w will be enough, since I'm estimating my lighting system will use about 1,600 watts alone and that is not counting the filtration system..

If I had to step up to 400w lights I might as well start working for the power company!