how would you like a 20L macro tank?

[Devaji108]

Hey all its time for me to get serious about setting this tank up.

so as the tile says how would you like a 20L macro tank?
here's the criteria:


~I needs it to be cost effective, as i am also setting up a custom 90 rimless that get 1st priority.

~needs to grow macro some softies

~not much light pollution in the room. as it will be in my large bedroom.

~ slim and sleek no canopy on tank.

~ controllability would be nice to but not a must.

so all the said, my 1st choice would be a custom BML XB fixture to match the 2 going over my 90. but it would come to $280

so i think my best bet is the current marine. (not the pro model unless i find a good used one) comes in around 120 programable slim and sleek not much light pollution in the room. so I am thinking this is my best bet. altho it's not full spectrum how important is that in macro tanks anyway?

what do you guys think if this?

very much open to other suggestion as well...

 

[Devaji108]

haha sorry guys it should say how would *light* um it was late when typing...

 

[toothybugs]

I'm wiring in some 6500K Genssi 10W LED pendants for my system. They run about 15 each off Amazon. I would use 3 for a tank your size. I have 2 over a 15 at the moment and like it, but 2 would also work for you. I just like a little more coverage.

You would also need a few 3-way connectors (maybe a buck a piece), a grounded medium duty extension cord (mine was $15), and a pair of pliers with wire cutters at the back of the jaws (probably already have them), and a timer (about 10). You have options to mount them however you like. Mine are currently zip-tied to a suspended dowel while I make a neater, more professional frame.

It makes a good light system and you can do 3 pendants on one cord for well under a hundred bucks. You can always upgrade it later if you want to. I haven't found a need to do so yet, however.

 

[Devaji108]

^ nice can you plz post or PM me some pics. I would love to see them.
65K is a warm for my tast tho. I know the macros will love it. I was thinking in the 10 to 14K..

 

[Subsea]

Your color preference and the light spectrum requirement of tank inhabitants may not be the same.

As a general rule, macro requires red and blue light spectrum to thrive.

When it comes to LED fixtures, the term full spectrum is an oxymoron, in my opinion. Usually, LED that are advertised as white have a combination of red, green and blue. As long as you supply enough of the red, excess blue should be no problem for photosynthic inhabitants.

 

[Devaji108]

yeah I was thinking I needed to make sure I have enough red spectrum.
I wonder if the orbit marine has enough red in it whites? i'll have to see what led they use and see what I can figure out there.

if I DIY an LED strip and one have suggestions on a custom layout. RB to B to WW to red?