Nano Reef 12G Long LED question

[Mahawka]

Hey guys,

I am starting up my first reef tank. I am having a real hard time figuring out which LED lights I should get. There are just too many options out there.

I do not intend to make a DIY system and I would like to spend less then $200

My tank size is about 10 inches deep / 28 inches long / and 9 inches wide.

Even though I want to start off with low light corals I want my lights to be ready for other types or corals.


This is what I have in mind right now. $165
http://current-usa.com/aquarium-led-lights/orbit-marine/

However, I am worried about the 1/4w LEDS. Will this be powerful enough for my tank ? Do you guys have any experiences with this fixture ?

Any other suggestions that would work in my price range? I live in Canada so please factor in shipping cost.



Thanks,
Martin

[Craigdillman]

If your looking for some of the cheaper led fixtures i would look at the
reef breeders leds as a discount fixture they seem to have good reviews

they have 3W less and are pretty controllable

[BuschWacker]

i would try to look for some older AI SOL's. get them fairly cheap cuz everyone wants the newer ones. ive got a AI nano over my 8 gal IM nuvo. ive only got it at 50%, and i can grow anything in it. even my SPS frags are doing great.

[Craigdillman]

Also I just looked at your tank size have you thought of some or the par38 bulbs they make some good quality par 38s with clamps that would work

Try rapid led

[Mahawka]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Any thoughts on the LED I posted?

[Craigdillman]

Never really heard about that one and I'm not sure that .25w LEDs are going to be able to grow what you want too or give you the PAR you need

http://reefbreeders.com/product/reef-breeders-value-led-fixtures/

Check this out

[Craigdillman]

Also worried you will get spotlighting cause the led fixture is only 3.5 inches wide and your tank is 8.5 so only the strip down the middle will be bright were the edges will have less light and at .25w you won't get the spread of light or penetration

[newsaltfan]

What about something like the 50/50 reefbrite. 24" with legs might work on your 28" tank length.

http://www.reefbrite.com/reefbrite-tech-led/

[dudley moray]

Try the current USA LEDs under 200$
Adjustable tank mount plenty bright for any coral
And it's programmable 3 pre programmed and one user
Programmed also many other features like a lightning storm function!
it's what I'm using on my 10 gal

[Mahawka]

Isn't that the one i posted in the first place? lol


What about Par 30 lights. Got any good recommendations?

[dudley moray]

Isn't that the one i posted in the first place? lol


What about Par 30 lights. Got any good recommendations?

Yes yes it is
I find it might be too bright for low light corals
But it's keeping a maxima and a bunch of sps quite happy in my tank

[Mahawka]

O wow. I did not expect it too be too bright for corals. After doing some research many say the .25 watt leds are way too weak for reef tanks.

May I ask what is your tank set up? What's the Depth, size, and which length LED you are using?


thanks a lot

[dudley moray]

It's a standard 10 gal
With a 18" current USA orbit led
Sps are almost on the gravel
I'll take a pic later today when I get home

[Mahawka]

Thanks alot Dudley. You have been super helpful.

I think this fixture would work great in my case. I am using a 12ish gallon long and it's only 10 inches deep and 28" long. With the 24-36" fixture I think it would be more then enough.


What do you think?

[Craigdillman]

The par 30 and par 38 lights from rapid led are good