dedicated 20l Maco tank lighting ideas.

[Devaji108]

Hey all so I have decided to do a dedicated Macro tank!
not sure if it will be plumped in to the 40br or not...

anyway i would like to talk about lighting options for this tank. I want be able to grow it all from reds greens to purples.

tank dems are 30 X 12 X 12

would like to open up a discussion on what Kalvin would be best from 6500k to 14K .:reading:

prob. going LEDs
black box from ebay
BML 14K
or DIY
or maybe even a cpl par 38 bulbs?

thoughts?
:beer:

 

[Mark]

I'm using a current USA orbit Marine LED on a 20x13x10 refugium with amazing results. Nice low profile, fanless silence, and comes with a nice timer.

 

[brokereefer617]

im also using a current orbit marine on a 20 g long all macro tank. but i also have a fluval plant led light on the tank as well the colors are amazing.

 

[Devaji108]

Oh would love to see some photos guys!
are you guys using the pro model?

 

[Devaji108]

also what NM are we liking for a successful macro tank? is UV & V required?

 

[phobos2deimos]

The full spectrum cheap Chinese leds are good, and on a 20l I'd bet the current and fluval ones are plenty.
Sweet spot for color temp is 8k imo, but macros do well with most anything. Running blues will give you better color in general. If you go Chinese, consider pulling the optics off for better spread if needed, and turn them way down. They put out more light than it seems like.

 

[leonel619]

I'm using a Philips par30 13w bulb. 5000k
Everything has been growing well. Color of course isn't the greatest but I've always been more attracted to natural looking reef tanks.

Although, I have been thinking about adding maybe a blue led strip and see how that looks.

 

[Devaji108]

I am like the orbit slim style matches my BML on my soon to be 40br.
the black box in only 15" wonder if it will spread across the tank. guess thats way you take off the optics.

2 AI primes would be nice!
I was even looking to see if I could fine some good prices Kessils A150
also Rapied LED just launched a new lil nano light. looks great but would need 2 and thats $600.

so right now it's between Orbit & Mars aqua or other black box.
but still have not ruled out a DIY or par 30/38 bulbs

 

[Devaji108]

guys any pics of your tanks PLz