Help with FOWLR budget lighting

[DrH]

I’m getting back to the hobby after 15 yrs. I have my old 70g tank that came with a canopy fitted with fluorescent lights so I need to attach in leds somehow. I’ve done lots of research and became more confused as I cannot decide on the right lights, especially as I’m on a budget to something below $150.

My tank’s length is 120cm (47in) and planning to have it FOWLR so I need some lights to get going. I’ve seen decent lights like hygger but it says for freshwater. I understand that high wattage and certain par required for reef tanks, but in FOWLR what kind of lights would be sufficient? Also do I need to cover the entire length of the tank or lights less than 47in would be fine? Some suggestions would be very helpful.

 

[Spare time]

What about a quanta bar or reefbrite 50/50 across the tank?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

You don't have to have a light that goes all of the way across. I believe the fluvial would give you the color , is low par and Watts

https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/shop/product/marine-3-0-bluetooth-led-46w-36-48-91-122-cm

 

[DrH]

What about a quanta bar or reefbrite 50/50 across the tank?

Good suggestions..however, I need something fitted with a timer to set it and not touch it again.

 

[DrH]

You don't have to have a light that goes all of the way across. I believe the fluvial would give you the color , is low par and Watts

https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/shop/product/marine-3-0-bluetooth-led-46w-36-48-91-122-cm

A little over budget but thanks for your reply

 

[Cichlid Dad]

A little over budget but thanks for your reply
[/QUOTE

NICREW 36W Saltwater Aquarium Light, Marine LED Reef Light for Corals, Programmable Timer Controller, 36 to 48-Inch https://a.co/d/1wazjgO

 

[DrH]

I was considering those nicrews but it says “This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location”
I’m overseas and some items cannot be easily acquired.

 

[B&CinB.C.]

What about an AI blade ? Fairly easy to set timer in their app . There's also settings for color and intensity. Not the cheapest but far from the most expensive.

 

[Spare time]

Good suggestions..however, I need something fitted with a timer to set it and not touch it again.

You can simply get a plug in timer that fits in the outlet.

 

[B&CinB.C.]

I was considering those nicrews but it sareturnedys “This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location”
I’m overseas and some items cannot be easily acquired.

We had the Nicrew on our quarantine tank and returned it and replaced it with the AI blade

 

[PotatoPig]

FOWLR technically doesn’t need any tank lights, but they will make your fish stand out more.

Freshwater spectrum is probably fine - you’re not looking for the same blues, your fish won’t fluoresce under the UV end of the spectrum, and FOWLR inhabitants don’t need the same intensity as corals - PAR isn’t really an issue for you here either, and if you want to try display macro algae you can probably get that to grow nicely with freshwater lights.

 

[DrH]

What about an AI blade ? Fairly easy to set timer in their app . There's also settings for color and intensity. Not the cheapest but far from the most expensive.

Looks nice but little steep on cost

 

[Tamberav]

You can buy a cheap $12 timer for almost any light.

I would get something that makes fish look nice. NOT heavy blue.

Freshwater would be fine for fish only.

 

[DrH]

You can simply get a plug in timer that fits in the outlet.

I meant the sunrise until moonlight cycle settings with light intensity controls

 

[DrH]

FOWLR technically doesn’t need any tank lights, but they will make your fish stand out more.

Freshwater spectrum is probably fine - you’re not looking for the same blues, your fish won’t fluoresce under the UV end of the spectrum, and FOWLR inhabitants don’t need the same intensity as corals - PAR isn’t really an issue for you here either, and if you want to try display macro algae you can probably get that to grow nicely with freshwater lights.

Very informative..But would the live rocks thrive and if I add dry rocks would they have red coloring after a while? not sure what it’s called

 

[Spare time]

I meant the sunrise until moonlight cycle settings with light intensity controls

These 2 should work

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/o...dX4YrEsAtgbx6wFe3GBoCwCkQAvD_BwE#gad_source=1

Orbit Marine 36"- 48" IC LOOP LED (4106) - Current USA

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[PotatoPig]

Very informative..But would the live rocks thrive and if I add dry rocks would they have red coloring after a while? not sure what it’s called

The distinctive reds and purples on reef rocks are Coraline algae. Unfortunately this stuff has very similar lighting and water quality/stability requirements as stony corals.

Some dry rock comes dyed with similar colors, for an economical way to start up a tank from dry rock so it has the red/purple from the beginning vs the white dry rock.

 

[SandNRocks]

FW planted light wont matter. Itll do the same as a reef light just with a whiter spectrum. You can grow most softies, macroalgaes, lps etc under a low watt FW plant light. It comes down to the look youre trying to achieve. Most of the fw lights still have a blue and white spectrum that can be adjusted. The nicrews( what i use) all have a built in timer and can be adjusted and theyre cheap. Like less that $100. Hygger is probably the same. If the goal is FOWLR, id get the cheapest light you can thatll work. Ive never had issues.

 

[SandNRocks]

FW planted light wont matter. Itll do the same as a reef light just with a whiter spectrum. You can grow most softies, macroalgaes, lps etc under a low watt FW plant light. It comes down to the look youre trying to achieve. Most of the fw lights still have a blue and white spectrum that can be adjusted. The nicrews( what i use) all have a built in timer and can be adjusted and theyre cheap. Like less that $100. Hygger is probably the same. If the goal is FOWLR, id get the cheapest light you can thatll work. Ive never had issues.

$20 nicrew FW plant light for reference. Not very colorful, but it works fine haha

 

[Dburr1014]

Good suggestions..however, I need something fitted with a timer to set it and not touch it again.

2 fir $9, cheap enough.