Planted tank lighting

RichReef · Oct 9, 2020

I am in the beginning stages of planning my new build. I want to use a planted tank for nutrient control. I also want it to be a display tank and maybe house some of the more delicate marine animals like seahorses or some sexy shrimp.

The problem I am running into is the limited information on lighting a marine planted tank. Reef lighting? Grow lighting? While there is a lot of information on FW tanks, thee is very limited with zero recommendations on fixtures, brands, spectrums for SW tanks.

Just looking for a little guidance and maybe some recommendations. Lighting is pricy. I don't want this to be trial and error.

ReefLab · Oct 9, 2020

Keep in mind seahorses need colder water than what you would want to keep your reef tank at.
Honestly any full spectrum light will grow the macro just fine. You can go cheap with a GE grow light bulb in an inexpensive fixture or you can go expensive with something like an AI prime for freshwater.

I'd go with the less expensive bulb personally. You might find, especially in the beginning that your nutrients will hit 0 and your macro algae will die. it might be a good idea to wait until your bioload is higher before actually planting/lighting the tank

RichReef · Oct 9, 2020

ReefLab said:
Keep in mind seahorses need colder water than what you would want to keep your reef tank at.

I have not really researched seahorses so this is good information. Thanks.

I really want the lighting to look good. I don't mind spending on it I just want to get it right the first time.

ReefLab · Oct 9, 2020

RichReef said:
I have not really researched seahorses so this is good information. Thanks.

I really want the lighting to look good. I don't mind spending on it I just want to get it right the first time.

no worries.
If you really want to to look great I'd go with a kessil a80 or a160 tuna sun. maybe even the a360we. you probably don't need to get the controller because a simple on/off timer will likely be fine for a refugium but thats up to you. The shimmer of those lights will be amazing but they're not cheap and the performance will not be drastically different than the inexpensive light bulb.
The ai prime will also look good and the mounting options are sleek.