Lighting for Macro tank?

[Tinnerito]

I'm planning to set up a small macroalgae aquarium, but I'm not sure what kind of light exactly I should be looking for. What I do know is that they photosynthisize most efficiently with red, cyan, and white light, however i see that lights that are advertised for macroalgae tanks are very expensive, and I feel like there would be a reason. I don't necessarily need a light specially for macros though. Just a mountable light with the proper spectrum? What would you recommend I do for the light. I'd rather not use a normal reef light with high blue and violet concentrations.

 

[Subsea]

Any white light will work! For viewing I like a spectrum 6500 - 10,000 Kevin.

In the led world; white is composed of Red, Green & Blue.

What macro are you planning on growing?

 

[Arkardios]

Good quality full spectrum freshwater lighting always worked well for me.

 

[MoshJosh]

Any appropriately sized planted or Coral light that allows for spectral adjustment should work just fine. . . Or this

HLG 100 V2

HLG 100 V2 is ideal for a vegging or flowering in compact spaces. Equivalent to 220W T5 or 300W CFL output or 250W metal halide.

horticulturelightinggroup.com

 

[Subsea]

OP is looking for economical lighting without bells & wistles.

@Tinnerito
What macro are you growing in your small aquarium?

This 10G tank has < 20W of 6500 spectrum. Less light is Almost always better.

Read what Russ Kronwetter, diver/owner at GulfCoast EcoSystems says about macro algae lighting:

Macro Algae : Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae

macroalgae, marine plants, caulerpa, refugium substrate, marine macroalgae for sale

www.marineplantbook.com

Spectrum

“Spectrum ratings are listed by the Kelvin temperature scale. The lower end of the Kelvin temperature range bulbs are most suitable for growing marine plants and are available in 5000K - 6500K. If your aquarium will include soft corals, most marine plants will also grow under 10,000K lighting. This is normally a more pleasing spectrum to the eye, as the lower temperature bulbs can appear green or yellow. Unlike terrestrial plants, macro algae react differently to varied spectrums of light and the changes in color among different species can be quite dramatic. There are a few varieties of red macro algae, for instance, that can be found in shades of red, yellow and brown within the same species. The distinct coloration is caused by the pigments associated which each species and the spectrum of available light it receives. Overall most macro algae and sea grass will do well under full spectrum lighting or 6500K. The exception is with some varieties of red macro algae, which prefer a much bluer spectrum and can benefit from actinic lighting in the 8000K range. Mixing bulb color temperatures is preferred and is the most appealing while still allowing for optimum growth.“

 

[goody]

I use a hygger full spectrum freshwater fixture.

 

[Tinnerito]

Any white light will work! For viewing I like a spectrum 6500 - 10,000 Kevin.

In the led world; white is composed of Red, Green & Blue.

What macro are you planning on growing?

Over time I plan to add these species below:

Lobed caulerpa
Purple gracilaria
Red fern
Branching hex
Dead mans finger
Red grape
Red razor
False grape caulerpa
Fern caulerpa
Birds nest gracilaria

There will be no corals, but a few fish and invertebrate species.

 

[stewy14]

that a nem in the middle?
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/...tore_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&ref_=ast_bln these r good and cheap

 

[Subsea]

that a nem in the middle?
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/...tore_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&ref_=ast_bln these r good and cheap

I used that 18”-24” light on my 10G and will get the next biggest size just to check it out.

At $18, I suggest getting 3 or 4 or your 40G