Stronger light for deep tank?

[loans_n_fishes]

Ok... My seahorse tank is DEEP (32"), and my macro could use more light. However, my problem is: Tank temp must stay under 76, so metal halide pendants are probably out of the question. The lights that fit on the top are 10 gallon size (around 18"). What do I do to up the wattage without up-ing the temp? I don't want all of my algae at the top of my tank.

[Headless_donkey]

I am pretty sure the answer is no lighting will not raise the temp. The most efficient would be T5 lighting. That is what we have on our seahorses. The macro loves it. I think the shortest High output T5 is 24". I know that Normal output T5 come in 18". Power compact lighting would fit better, but it gets hotter then T5. You can always add fans to keep the temp down. We battle the temperature thing with the horses constantly. I am even considering getting a chiller.

[erikharrison]

wow great idea Joshua! I think I may use that idea in our soon to be SH tank!

[loans_n_fishes]

Slap some cheap fluorescent lighting going through the glass at the bottom of the tank?

I'm not sure how I would go about that.

[jroescher]

Maybe figure out a nice looking way of putting light through the sides or back of the tank. Or maybe move the tank to where sunlight shines on it at certain times of the day.

[erikharrison]

you could probably mod something up with wood and power compacts! It my look cool having everything underlit! I have the EXACT same tank. I am currently using a 150w mh,(Coralife, Clamp-On Type) and my temp is usually about 75 with the tester at mid tank. It's a 47 gallon column ;) I just went high with the rocksand made two shelves. I am careful not to let any rocks touch the glass because of the whole pressure and height issue, the tank looks like a flood waiting to happen. If I had the money, and seahorses, 250w mh pendant and a chiller.

[erikharrison]

::UPDATE:: My water temp still stays right at 78 with my 250w. I have the top rock about 2 inches under the surface of the water. My temp guage (sticky kind) reads 78 right in the middle of the tank. I too will be using this as a SH tank.

[seamonkey2]

sea horses, dont like too much light, MH IMO way to much for a horse tank

I have 6 T-5 for a 30T, and have had plenty of algaea growth

I read about lighting tanks from the bottom, but I dont know about that, wouldn't the light shine on you face when you are looking at the tank?

also no sand?

Jose