Lighting on 20L or smaller Nano-Reefs

A comment by cich1 made me start thinking about this aspect of Nano-Reefs. I have been lurking for quiet sometime on Nano-Reef forums elsewhere and have seen many tanks with some mind blowing halides over Nano-Reef tanks. I am having a real hard time accepting the need for a 250 or 400 watt halide over something like a 10 gallon tank. Thats 25 to 40 watts per a gallon (which I realize is an antiquated formula) on a tank thats 12 inches in depth! Is this level of "renta frying light" really neccessary?

What types of lighting are you using for your nanos in this size range?

I would appreciate and opinions or comments that one may wish to add.

[FishinInTheDark]

I now have a 10W 50/50 PC bulb, but will be upgrading to three 13 watt PCs. I may only do two. It just comes down to wanting more light. I can't afford really bright, all out retina frying lighting for my big tank, so why not just blast the little one? Although, I can't see adding MH, because I don't have the SPS bug yet (meaning addiction, not infestation!).

[MikeS]

I'm looking into T5's for my 20L.....or I may just use my 2x55W PC's....have not decided yet....

Mike

I am not beyond providing adequate lighting. And getting good lighting in a smaller tank is definitely easier to do and a heck of a lot cheaper!

I have a little 10 gallon tank I am setting us as a Nano-Reef. It has no corals in it yet, but I would like a couple of softies and SPS corals. I have done pretty good with a Quad 4 96 watt PC but you cant get the dusk/dawn effect due to lack or room if you have much in the way of HOB equipment. Of course 55 and 65 watt PC retros are too long to fit on a 20 inch tank. As such I am thinking maybe a 70 watt halide and one or maybe even two 40 watt PC retros. But I dont want to get outta control with the lighting issue though. I just cant see a 400 watt halide!!!

I was kinda curious how others are addressing these types of issues on smaller tanks.

[FishinInTheDark]

Expat:

Here's a nice little light. You can get dawn to dusk to moonlight. The price isn't terrible.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46314&item=4327791689&rd=1

Good eye there FITD. I will have to keep that in mind as an option. I really dont want to go to a bigger tank, got plenty of those already...

I just spotted too, a dual 40 watt PC with 2 switches on Champion lights for about 97.00$ Its a retro which I kinda like cuase I can always add another 40 watter if I need it later. I would kinda favor the slight bluer tint of two actinics with a daylight in the middle anyways I think.

Humm options...this is kinda tough to call....