Lighting 45L

jimmy43 · Apr 25, 2016

Hey everyone
I'm in the process of setting up a 45L marine tank, trying to work out lighting for it.
I want to use leds
What watt range should i be looking at?
Will be mostly soft maybe lps coral.
Will probably be diy using 3w Leds.
Any advice and help would be most appreciated.

morpheas · Apr 25, 2016

Usually, when you ask for lighting advice, it's good to provide tank dimensions. As you may well know, all dimensions are important especially depth (although for the size tank you mention it will probably not make a difference but regardless it's good to have). Other than that, me personally, I would go with a market fixture rather than diy because I am not sure price wise the gain is there. That's just me though.

jimmy43 · Apr 25, 2016

morpheas said:
Usually, when you ask for lighting advice, it's good to provide tank dimensions. As you may well know, all dimensions are important especially depth (although for the size tank you mention it will probably not make a difference but regardless it's good to have). Other than that, me personally, I would go with a market fixture rather than diy because I am not sure price wise the gain is there. That's just me though.

Hey thanks for reply tank is 530mm long 290mm high and wide.

saltyfilmfolks · Apr 25, 2016

yea unless you like building stuff or your experimenting with spectrum. I'd buy one. SOOO many good choices for not much IMO.

morpheas · Apr 25, 2016

From the size of your tank (20" x 11" x 11") I would probably go with a small AI. They have one with WIFI enabled for ~$200 which is not bad. Haven't used them myself but heard good things.

I use the Mars Aqua Chinese LED's which I like as well but they're a bit big for your tank (16" x 8") but half the price of AI. If you don't mind their size I'd definitely get those. You will get excellent coverage for sure and definitely worth the money.