soft coral QT lighting...

Victoria M · Feb 24, 2018

Any one have thoughts or experience with a less expensive led light for a 10 - 20 gallon soft coral QT? I have Hydra 26 HD lights on my DT, but I have no desire to place one on my coral QT.
thank you.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 24, 2018

A basic black box will work. Just leave it at 1%. And mount it at 12 in. That’s likely cheapest.
You can pull lenses and set it closer.

An older current orbit marine will also work.

I saw I belive a marine land strip that was $125 that was growing coral quite well in a small display as well.

The r30 bulbs can also be quite inexpensive

Idoc · Feb 24, 2018

I'm using a SB Reef Lights 16" basic for my 20g long coral QT.

Idoc · Feb 24, 2018

saltyfilmfolks said:
A basic black box will work. Just leave it at 1%. And mount it at 12 in. That’s likely cheapest.

Why did you say to leave the light only at 1% on the coral QT? Shoot... have I been doing this wrong? I have my whites set at 25% for 3hrs and blues set at 70% for about 8-10hrs.

Big G · Feb 24, 2018

saltyfilmfolks said:
An older current orbit marine will also work.

I have a newer Current Orbit Marine on my 20 coral qt. Like the pre-programmed choices for acclimation for both fish & coral = win/win.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 24, 2018

Idoc said:
Why did you say to leave the light only at 1% on the coral QT? Shoot... have I been doing this wrong? I have my whites set at 25% for 3hrs and blues set at 70% for about 8-10hrs.

At 12 from the light at 1%, one my SBreeflight (most 165e are the same ) you get about 200-250 par.
At 12in your prob in the the 450-550 range. (Id have to check).

How are the corals? Fine? Great? Then no, you’re not doing anything wrong at all.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 24, 2018

Big G said:
I have a newer Current Orbit Marine on my 20 coral qt. Like the pre-programmed choices for acclimation for both fish & coral = win/win.

I’ve picked up the used ones local for about $50 each.

Idoc · Feb 24, 2018

saltyfilmfolks said:
At 12 from the light at 1%, one my SBreeflight (most 165e are the same ) you get about 200-250 par.
At 12in your prob in the the 450-550 range. (Id have to check).

How are the corals? Fine? Great? Then no, you’re not doing anything wrong at all.

Gottcha...I need to check the par readings! I really don't think my corals in the QT are that great...poor extension on all of them (LPS). I was assuming it was from having almost no nutrients in the water...it darn well could be from too much light! I guess that light was designed for deeper tanks!

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 24, 2018

Idoc said:
Gottcha...I need to check the par readings! I really don't think my corals in the QT are that great...poor extension on all of them (LPS). I was assuming it was from having almost no nutrients in the water...it darn well could be from too much light! I guess that light was designed for deeper tanks!

Yea, pretty powerful stuff.
And it’s hard to say too. Nutints or Light. I’ve seen great tanks with too much light too.

Lux meter is pretty cheap. Just devide by 60, and your in the ball park.

Victoria M · Feb 25, 2018

how does this light seem?
https://www.amazon.com/KINGBO-Aquar...1M0PF72P/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

Victoria M · Feb 25, 2018

Any amazing ideas lik the refugium light @crabs_mcjones . I want to spent less than $50, if I can.

Victoria M · Feb 25, 2018

saltyfilmfolks said:
A basic black box will work. Just leave it at 1%. And mount it at 12 in. That’s likely cheapest.
You can pull lenses and set it closer.

An older current orbit marine will also work.

I saw I belive a marine land strip that was $125 that was growing coral quite well in a small display as well.

The r30 bulbs can also be quite inexpensive

Thank you formtaking the time to help me. I am hoping to find a cheaper light made at that lower power. I am thinking "Why spend the money to buy the black box and only utilize 1% of its power?" why not find a bulb at about 1-5% of the black boxes?

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 25, 2018

Victoria M said:
Thank you formtaking the time to help me. I am hoping to find a cheaper light made at that lower power. I am thinking "Why spend the money to buy the black box and only utilize 1% of its power?" why not find a bulb at about 1-5% of the black boxes?

Most of the B.B. route as it’s 65-80$ New honestly. The par 38 bulbs can run from 20-75 each oddly. I would def look into used gear as well.
I’ve bought and sold current orbits for $50.

Victoria M · Feb 28, 2018

There is just not a large used market around here for aquarium stuff. darn it.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 28, 2018

Victoria M said:
There is just not a large used market around here for aquarium stuff. darn it.

Danged. That’s where I lurk the Craigslist and eBay, where on R2r , and many folks just go with the B.B.

There’s a smaller 12in model that’s about $70. Inkbird makes one if that helps