Need help with lighting

[newbreefr]

Hello, I am new to reefing and need help with lighting. I am starting up a 20gallon long nano reef. I will be keeping mainly softies and lps. What lights are recommended that aren’t too expensive???

 

[Peace River]

There are probably some T5 fluorescent or LED strip options, but one option that comes to mind is (2) Noopsyche K7 Pro II lights which are a good blend of quality and value. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[dedragon]

i would use 2 orphek or3 bars or 1 kessil a160 and 1 orphek or3 bar if trying to keep a low cost reef

 

[newbreefr]

There are probably some T5 fluorescent or LED strip options, but one option that comes to mind is (2) Noopsyche K7 Pro II lights which are a good blend of quality and value. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Thank you for the suggestion, I appreciate it. I’m willing to spend more on lighting just nothing to crazy. Would 2 kessil a80s work or even 2 ai primes?

 

[dedragon]

2 ai primes would be awesome on that tank

 

[newbreefr]

Hello, I am new to reefing and need help with lighting. I am starting up a 20gallon long nano reef. I will be keeping mainly softies and lps. What lights are recommended that aren’t too expensive???

Sorry for confusion. For “too expensive I meant spending over $500 for lights.

 

[newbreefr]

2 ai primes would be awesome on that tank

Would 2 be overkill for softies and lps in a 20g long

 

[dedragon]

Yes you will probably need to turn down the intensity a bit, but you will never be limited to any corals if you use those lights in such a shallow tank. They are good proven lights

 

[dedragon]

if you like the look of kessils 2 a80s should work at 80 to 100 percent intensity but you will be more limited in the future if you decide on more light demanding corals

 

[dedragon]

i think 2 a160we would be even better , if you want a tighter budget i say go the two orpheks and you can add more later on or even add some kessils

 

[newbreefr]

if you like the look of kessils 2 a80s should work at 80 to 100 percent intensity but you will be more limited in the future if you decide on more light demanding corals

For right now I’m only going to stick with soft and some lps since this is barely my first reef tank. Have you heard of aquaknight a029

 

[dedragon]

is it the 30 watt one? if it is it is probably too small and i wouldnt trust the build quality. With your budget it is best to go with name brands, fans and wiring are usually very ify at best in those amazon brands

 

[newbreefr]

is it the 30 watt one? if it is it is probably too small and i wouldnt trust the build quality. With your budget it is best to go with name brands, fans and wiring are usually very ify at best in those amazon brands

I think I’ll go with the 2 ai primes any recommendations on the settings

 

[dedragon]

I would go to the dana riddle lighting forum for help with that. I havent ran those lights before myself but have seen amazing reefs in person running those

 

[X-37B]

Sorry for confusion. For “too expensive I meant spending over $500 for lights.

3 OR3 light bars. 2 blue plus and 1 reef day. 5 watt leds run at 50%. These things throw some light and will grow anything.

 

[dedragon]

He seems like he wants a specific tank and the orpheks might throw out too much par for the purpose, they are that efficient. Definitely the orpheks are good but mounting may be an issue. I dont know the options for mounting them without having access to screw holes on t5s which is why I like them

 

[newbreefr]

He seems like he wants a specific tank and the orpheks might throw out too much par for the purpose, they are that efficient. Definitely the orpheks are good but mounting may be an issue. I dont know the options for mounting them without having access to screw holes on t5s which is why I like them

Nice lights but imma need lights that mount to the tank since it’s so low from my ceiling

 

[dedragon]

You are on a great forum for help and always great asking for it. Just want to make sure any other info you need. Are you using a rodi water? Some people starting out dont know about it

 

[newbreefr]

You are on a great forum for help and always great asking for it. Just want to make sure any other info you need. Are you using a rodi water? Some people starting out dont know about it

I appreciate the help. And yeah I have an rodi system also just bought a tds meter to make sure I’m good

 

[dedragon]

awesome good start. What sort of setup are you running? Is there a sump, refugium or protein skimmer? Also buy any test kits yet?