FOWLR w/ Macroalgae?

StephenRU · 08/01/2016, 01:39 PM

Anyone do this? I'm interested in setting up a FOWLR (180 gallons), and think macro algae might be a nice touch. I initially was going to do a reef, but think this might be an interesting route to go. What spectrum of lighting should I be looking for?

Subsea · 08/01/2016, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenRU

Anyone do this? I'm interested in setting up a FOWLR (180 gallons), and think macro algae might be a nice touch. I initially was going to do a reef, but think this might be an interesting route to go. What spectrum of lighting should I be looking for?

With respect to which spectrum is best, it depends on what you want to see and which macros you grow. In general, anything from 5K to 12K would be good.

jraker · 08/01/2016, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subsea

With respect to which spectrum is best, it depends on what you want to see and which macros you grow. In general, anything from 5K to 12K would be good.

+1

Green plants like caulerpa will do best around 6500k, and reds/blues will do better in a higher spectrum, like 12k. 10k is fine for most types of macros.

StephenRU · 08/01/2016, 05:51 PM

Would something like http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/kessil...oOKRoC_avw_wcB work or would I have to use the Tuna Sun version (I'm just asking in case I would use the light for another purpose down the road).

Subsea · 08/03/2016, 07:20 PM

How long is your tank? That light covers 2'. If your tank is 4', you will need $800 of that light. Is that what you want to spend for a macro tank. Seems excessive to me, but I am financially challenged.

https://www.amazon.com/Lightimetunne...ghting+48+inch

I have purchased five of these in the last month. One 4' bar light has 108W of 20 blue and 24 white and 4 green led each at 3W. One fixture lights up a 55G tank very brightly. I think that three would be enough for your tank. At $68 each, for $210 you would light up your 180G tank.

jraker · 08/03/2016, 10:30 PM

Also, two mars aqua 165w LEDS would light a 48" tank, and are a similar price ($200 to light the tank), and are controllable.

Michael Hoaster · 08/21/2016, 09:35 PM

As for setting up a planted FOWLR tank, I think it's a good idea! Skip the fragile corals and color your tank with plants-and fish you can't keep with corals. The only problem I see is Tangs-you can't have them.

Devaji108 · 08/22/2016, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hoaster

As for setting up a planted FOWLR tank, I think it's a good idea! Skip the fragile corals and color your tank with plants-and fish you can't keep with corals. The only problem I see is Tangs-you can't have them.

yup that was my 1st thought when I read the thread title.
I think its a great idea.
try some butterflies, wrasses, gobies, maybe even a lionfish that would be a nice looking tank.

do a build thread so we all can droll!

jraker · 08/22/2016, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devaji108

do a build thread so we all can droll!

Couldn't agree more. We need more build threads here!

08/01/2016, 01:39 PM	#1
StephenRU Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 66	FOWLR w/ Macroalgae? Anyone do this? I'm interested in setting up a FOWLR (180 gallons), and think macro algae might be a nice touch. I initially was going to do a reef, but think this might be an interesting route to go. What spectrum of lighting should I be looking for?

08/03/2016, 07:20 PM	#5
Subsea Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 1,882	How long is your tank? That light covers 2'. If your tank is 4', you will need $800 of that light. Is that what you want to spend for a macro tank. Seems excessive to me, but I am financially challenged. https://www.amazon.com/Lightimetunne...ghting+48+inch I have purchased five of these in the last month. One 4' bar light has 108W of 20 blue and 24 white and 4 green led each at 3W. One fixture lights up a 55G tank very brightly. I think that three would be enough for your tank. At $68 each, for $210 you would light up your 180G tank. __________________ Laissez les bons temps rouler, Patrick Castille Current Tank Info: 10,000G. Greenhouse Macro Growout

08/03/2016, 10:30 PM	#6
jraker Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 1,421	Also, two mars aqua 165w LEDS would light a 48" tank, and are a similar price ($200 to light the tank), and are controllable. __________________ "I glue animals to rocks" Current Tank Info: 36 gallon reef, 65 gallon Caribbean Biotope macroalgae and seagrass tank

08/21/2016, 09:35 PM	#7
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	As for setting up a planted FOWLR tank, I think it's a good idea! Skip the fragile corals and color your tank with plants-and fish you can't keep with corals. The only problem I see is Tangs-you can't have them. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

08/01/2016, 05:51 PM	#4
StephenRU Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 66	Would something like http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/kessil...oOKRoC_avw_wcB work or would I have to use the Tuna Sun version (I'm just asking in case I would use the light for another purpose down the road).