Would This Light Be Ok for a LPS

livinlifeinBKK · Oct 3, 2022

I'm starting a 5 gallon nano and have a fungia LPS coral that's outgrown it's current place in the 10 gallon I have due to the amount of rock I have and was wondering if this 18 watt (link attached below would work for lighting requirements for it along with some other LPS...keep in mind it's only a 5 gallon so not very deep.

https://shopee.co.th/product/173519701/9571489670?smtt=0.281183761-1664806908.9

Don Capalchey · Oct 3, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
I'm starting a 5 gallon nano and have a fungia LPS coral that's outgrown it's current place in the 10 gallon I have due to the amount of rock I have and was wondering if this 18 watt (link attached below would work for lighting requirements for it along with some other LPS...keep in mind it's only a 5 gallon so not very deep.

https://shopee.co.th/product/173519701/9571489670?smtt=0.281183761-1664806908.9

I think that light is decent, consider the spread as you don’t want a concentrated “spot-light” over the LPS. Power wise, this is adequate,
almost 4WPG & LED!

livinlifeinBKK · Oct 3, 2022

S

Don Capalchey said:
I think that light is decent, consider the spread as you don’t want a concentrated “spot-light” over the LPS. Power wise, this is adequate,
almost 4WPG & LED!

Since it's only a 5 gallon, I'd expect the spread of light to reach pretty well across the tank as long as it's positioned correctly

Tamberav · Oct 3, 2022

It is listed as 18w which probably means each led is rated for 3w but does it run them at 3w? Idk... I would think it may overheat if it did. So probably not?

I can't read it

It might be fine but also may not be what it says it is. Just keep that in mind.

livinlifeinBKK · Oct 3, 2022

Tamberav said:
It is listed as 18w which probably means each led is rated for 3w but does it run them at 3w? Idk... I would think it may overheat if it did. So probably not?

I can't read it

It might be fine but also may not be what it says it is. Just keep that in mind.

Here's the description in English...it's not dimmable so I'd assume all LEDs run simultaneously and if not, I can return it...it does mention heat dissipation when you flip through the picture slides...there are other options and I could even order off Amazon but for just a 5 gallon I'd prefer not to order from Amazon since the prices are much higher...with that said, there are alternatives here too but for this tank I was trying to keep the budget down

Screenshot_2022-10-03-22-04-14-541_com.shopee.th.jpg

Don Capalchey · Oct 3, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
Here's the description in English...it's not dimmable so I'd assume all LEDs run simultaneously and if not, I can return it...it does mention heat dissipation when you flip through the picture slides...there are other options and I could even order off Amazon but for just a 5 gallon I'd prefer not to order from Amazon since the prices are much higher...with that said, there are alternatives here too but for this tank I was trying to keep the budget down

Make sure the light and the coral are at least a foot away from each other, this should be more then enough light. LED diodes are
very direct & concentrated.

“WPG” is sorta antiquated, more so used for
Fluorescents as distance does not “burn
coral”, with those types of fixtures..

Alas, with regards to what we know of the 18w true power, this is more then enough! Even
10w LED would be fine, if this is the
only specimen & the light spread
is appropriate to the power draw.

livinlifeinBKK · Oct 3, 2022

Don Capalchey said:
Make sure the light and the coral are at least a foot away from each other, this should be more then enough light. LED diodes are
very direct & concentrated.

“WPG” is sorta antiquated, more so used for
Fluorescents as distance does not “burn
coral”, with those types of fixtures..

Alas, with regards to what we know of the 18w true power, this is more then enough! Even
10w LED would be fine, if this is the
only specimen & the light spread
is appropriate to the power draw.

What about if I wanted to add a couple acans or other LPS? Would that change things?

Lavey29 · Oct 3, 2022

I had an 18w light in my small fuge and it wouldn't even grow chaeto so not sure an 18w light would do anything for coral either.

Don Capalchey · Oct 3, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
What about if I wanted to add a couple acans or other LPS? Would that change things?

With the 18w power wise no,
be sure Acans don’t sting one another!

I was just saying even with a 10w your Fungia
would honestly be fine,

sometimes aesthetically “less can be more”
in this size Aquarium.. I would keep a single Coral as a showcase, you’ll do what you
want but maybe wait to see if
others chime in on
the compatibility.

livinlifeinBKK · Oct 3, 2022

I know this is a step down but here's a 12 watt with a fuller spectrum...

https://shopee.co.th/product/267471882/9001887499?smtt=0.281183761-1664811106.9

Screenshot_2022-10-03-22-31-42-369_com.shopee.th.jpg

Screenshot_2022-10-03-22-30-50-054_com.shopee.th.jpg

Tamberav · Oct 3, 2022

Asta 20 was popular among budgeters and Aqua knight. I have no used either tho.

ABI Tuna blue par bulb was even more popular.

Not sure if you have anything like that.

I like budget lights but generally ones I have seen used a fair amount as mostly... a light is no good as a budget if it ends up burning up and breaking. I do think the spectrum on the first on leaves something to be desired. It is probably a 10watt light at max. It has no fan and I feel like all those leds close together running at 3w with no fan would just mean a broken light eventually. Par bulbs have bigger heat sinks for a reason and I don't even think they run at max watts.

livinlifeinBKK · Oct 3, 2022

Tamberav said:
Asta 20 was popular among budgeters and Aqua knight. I have no used either tho.

ABI Tuna blue par bulb was even more popular.

Not sure if you have anything like that.

I like budget lights but generally ones I have seen used a fair amount as mostly... a light is no good as a budget if it ends up burning up and breaking. I do think the spectrum on the first on leaves something to be desired. It is probably a 10watt light at max. It has no fan and I feel like all those leds close together running at 3w with no fan would just mean a broken light eventually. Par bulbs have bigger heat sinks for a reason and I don't even think they run at max watts.

Maybe I should put the fungia coral in my 20 right now that has a 30 watt light and see how it does...the only issue is the temp...it reaches up to 82 during the day...

Tamberav · Oct 3, 2022

livinlifeinBKK said:
Maybe I should put the fungia coral in my 20 right now that has a 30 watt light and see how it does...the only issue is the temp...it reaches up to 82 during the day...

whats wrong with 82?