Help with lights for nano tank

[flondorel]

I just bought a nano tank for my first reef attempt, a boyu tl-450 http://www.boyuaquarium.com/En_ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=343

The default lights are 2 pl tubes of 18w each with 6500k lights.
Because I wanted some blue lights I just bought 2 cheap led lights from china that have 12w each with 18 blue 450nm leds and 6 red 660nm leds each.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/ReB...168.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.636b4c4dkDhGel

I really like how they look but I'm a little worried about the total of 6w of red light that I have.
My question is should I cover some or all the red leds or is OK to leave them as they are?

 

[TheEngineer]

Welcome to R2R!

This is a topic of debate. Here's a really detailed thread you can go through and decide for yourself:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/red-light-good-or-bad-for-corals.333157/

 

[flondorel]

Thx for you reply, I've already read that thread but is hard for me to extract information from there.
From what I understand some red light is good to have but it may increase nuisance algae?
Just wanted to know if what I have is considered too much red light or no? You can't even see the red light but is there...

 

[TheEngineer]

Yeah, it's a bit technical. It doesn't really specify what "too much red" means in an easy to digest format. I'd say you won't know with your setup until you try. I'd start with them uncovered and see how it goes.

 

[flondorel]

Since is my first attempt at a reef tank, I don't want to risk it.
Does anyone else have any input on this?

 

[TheEngineer]

There's not really a "risk". Worst case you grow some algae. It's a reef tank, reefs have algae

 

[flondorel]

Not sure how it is with saltwater but in freshwater algaes can be a big and unpleasent problem.

Also read about corals bleaching with red light?? Spending money on corals to kill them is a problem. Or this is a long time process that you can observe and fix?

Sorry if these are dumb questions but everything is new to me and i want to do it right.

 

[TheEngineer]

Not dumb questions at all. Like in freshwater tanks, it is all about balance. Too many nutrients, too much light, not enough flow, etc. etc. etc. can lead to algae problems. Light is one component, but not the only component. I'd imagine that your lights are not going to be terribly powerful and I wouldn't stress too much about the red lights.

It's a hobby and supposed to be fun.

 

[flondorel]

Ok. I will use them as they are. Thank you for your help.

 

[BestMomEver]

That looks like my Biocube 32. I had the same dilemma. I want to keep anemones and maybe a few SPS. I bought Steve’s LED retrofit kit. Didn’t cost much and the lights are pretty. The best thing is they go where the existing lights are so you don’t have to take the lid off. Here’s the link...

https://www.stevesleds.com/

 

[TheEngineer]

You're welcome! Keep us posted on your build progress