LEDs for a shallow tank

[Legot]

Ok, so I have a really shallow, long tank (48"x12"x12") that I'm having trouble finding a light for. This is my first SW tank, and I'm looking to go for LEDs as I have on FW before but the lighting requirements are a little different (obviously). I do have a light but I'm not sure if it will be enough.

The one I have is a crappy Marineland LED striplight with some neat mods to it that easily double the dismally low power of the light. If anyone thinks that's enough then I'll give it a shot. It's a standard cheap marineland led fixture (~20k?) with a huge set of RGB leds, and all 4 channels are controlled separately. I'm looking to only keep LPS and Softies, and the livestock will eventually be 2 Banggai Cardinals and a Comet.

I may end up going with the cheap full spectrum LEDs from ebay, but they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay more light than I need since the corals and livestock I intend to keep are fairly intolerant to high lighting, and I would need two to light the whole tank. I've considered building my own, but it would actually cost more than just buying the pre-built ebay ones.

Does anyone have any lower output lighting suggestions? I'd like to avoid the white/blue only lights, but I can deal with it if they're independently dimmable.

Thanks!

 

[Pdisner]

Ok, so I have a really shallow, long tank (48"x12"x12") that I'm having trouble finding a light for. This is my first SW tank, and I'm looking to go for LEDs as I have on FW before but the lighting requirements are a little different (obviously). I do have a light but I'm not sure if it will be enough.

The one I have is a crappy Marineland LED striplight with some neat mods to it that easily double the dismally low power of the light. If anyone thinks that's enough then I'll give it a shot. It's a standard cheap marineland led fixture (~20k?) with a huge set of RGB leds, and all 4 channels are controlled separately. I'm looking to only keep LPS and Softies, and the livestock will eventually be 2 Banggai Cardinals and a Comet.

I may end up going with the cheap full spectrum LEDs from ebay, but they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay more light than I need since the corals and livestock I intend to keep are fairly intolerant to high lighting, and I would need two to light the whole tank. I've considered building my own, but it would actually cost more than just buying the pre-built ebay ones.

Does anyone have any lower output lighting suggestions? I'd like to avoid the white/blue only lights, but I can deal with it if they're independently dimmable.

Thanks!

Why don't you just go with an led light strip with a simple ballast? Something like this:

They sell at any electronic supply store. Here in Tucson Elliot's electric has got them on sale for like 5$ per strip. They get stuff for dirt cheap and resell. It's brand new. Ballast and or electric supply xtra. I think I remember like 10$ or something. You should call them. They may send. They shud fit easily under a cabinet hood. I have Hydras but I got these led strips for under cabinet lighting.


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[Ron Reefman]

I'd want to know the PAR of the modded Marineland fixture before I'd take a guess on it being good enough. Twice as bright based on how it looks isn't accurate. If it's based on changing leds and drivers, that info could be helpful.

I have serious doubts about the cheap strips Pdisner offered having enough PAR. They may look bright, but your eyes are adjustable and a PAR meter tells the truth.

I have a 4'x2'x14" shallow tank and I have run various led fixtures over it. Currently I have a fixture that was a one off custom design by Reef Breeders, but before that I use an old EverGrow/Reef Breeders Photon fixture and before that an OceanRevive hung extra high for more light spread as it was much shorter than the later fixtures.

I'd look for a MarsAqua or Viparspectra 32" fixture. They are inexpensive and way more light than you'll need.