Help with LEDs

[adrian0131]

What leds, that are not so expensive, can I use for a 15gal tank to start a small reef?

[vhuang168]

Define not so expensive. A $200 light maybe inexpensive to some but not for others.

Also helps to tell us what you intend to keep.

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[mcgyvr]

dimensions of 15" tank..

[adrian0131]

$100 or less, and im not sure what could i keep in a 15gal tank if you have some suggestions I would appreciate it, the dimensions are 20 1/4 x 10 1/2 x 18 3/4 (L x W x H) (inches)

[NS Mike D]

Check in the nano forum, I bet there will be members that have lights that work of them in those dimensions.

Fish only tank, you only need for your viewing pleasure. Softies will require 50-100 Par value (I've seen numbers as low as 30) . SPS 150- 200 (some say way more).

the actinic (blue) spectrums help with color while other spectrums encourage more photosynthesis. This is why many members prefer lights that can be controlled.

With stronger lights, dimming capabilities are important. You can get away with the basic blue (night) and white (daylight) options. As for temperature, the 6500k range will provide the most growth but everything will be brown. The actinics run about 18k - 25k. I notice people tend to use a blend in the 13K range.


Current USA Orbit Marine runs about $100 and their web site par mapping says at 18" 20- 40 Par which would sustain mushrooms according to some posts I have read. 1" - 6" are reporting 120 - 150 Par - that could support a lot of corals including less demanding sps.

It has a controller with a number of options.

I can't vouch for them, as I don't use them, but I can compare them to my fluval marine and sea 2.0 - another low budge LEDS, which I wouldn't recommended without the wifi controller which puts the price over $200.

Since your tank is rectangular, these lights will give you the spread you need. The nano LEDS designed for "cube" tanks won't send far enough.

[Ron Reefman]

Google MarsAqua. They have a good led fixture with dimmers for under $90. Search here and you'll find a huge thread about them with lots of reviews.

[homer1475]

+1 for the Mars aquas.

[Bono]

I was also going to mention Mars Aqua and the size would be perfect for that tank

[Tanthaitrung]

Google MarsAqua. They have a good led fixture with dimmers for under $90. Search here and you'll find a huge thread about them with lots of reviews.
Nice to see you here Ron Reefman 😀

Excellent suggestion :thumbsup:

All the best
Khanh

[NS Mike D]

No doubt the mars aquas are great LEDs for the price, adrian0131, see if you can find a par mapping for them for tank similar to your dimensions. Another option is many local reef clubs have a par meter for members to share.