How many watts for tank light

[Gahamilton]

I just recently got a 48in by 24in by 12in Frag tank and I wanted to get a descent light for growing corals. Like leather corals and mushrooms. All soft corals. Just want to fill the tank out with color. Not sure how many watts it should be or what light will be good enough. Trying to keep it low budget.

 

[chaples55]

I would get two ~150w fixtures.

Some good budget options:

https://a.co/d/idTAMfq

https://a.co/d/8poFV9h

Noopsyche K7 Pro 3 WiFi Reef Aquarium LED Light Full Spectrum

Brand : Noopsyche Type : Reef aquarium LED light Model : K7 Pro III WiFi Full spectrum LED light WiFi controllable (APP) Aluminium alloy corrosion resistant Manufacturer warranty: 12 months

www.aquariumlowcost.com

 

[jcook54]

I really like those Viparspectra's. They're a little heavy on the white channel but they're good lights at a reasonable price. I don't even know what to old watts-per-gallon rule is at this point. Since everything is LED it all depends on the diode/lens combination. I could be wrong but I don't think much in watt-per-gallon like I did years ago when running compact fluorescent's and/or T5s.

 

[dball711]

Just another way you can go. I wouldn’t get too focused on lighting wattage if you’re going with LEDs, what really counts if PAR & PUR output.

Since you’re only going with low light corals, consider 3-4 LED light bars, if you’re not looking for dimming then look at these generic offerings from eBay. I’d recommend 2 of the blue 470nm bars and 1 or 2 of the full sprectum bars. The cost for 3 bars would be around $220 or bc 4 bars around $290. More light than you would need for what you’re doing. Feel free to drop by and see how this combo looks in person if you would like. I really think the 3 bar option is plenty for your needs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1644405961...3pHhNjkRJi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Gahamilton]

Just another way you can go. I wouldn’t get too focused on lighting wattage if you’re going with LEDs, what really counts if PAR & PUR output.

Since you’re only going with low light corals, consider 3-4 LED light bars, if you’re not looking for dimming then look at these generic offerings from eBay. I’d recommend 2 of the blue 470nm bars and 1 or 2 of the full sprectum bars. The cost for 3 bars would be around $220 or bc 4 bars around $290. More light than you would need for what you’re doing. Feel free to drop by and see how this combo looks in person if you would like. I really thing the 3 bar option is plenty for your needs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1644405961...3pHhNjkRJi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

What other corals would grow well with this set up? Can I get torch coral or like Duncan’s?

 

[dball711]

I don’t keep torches so I really couldn’t say but I know they’re probably moderate to moderate highlighting which I think the set up could do especially given your tank is only 12 inches deep. Last time I had Steve from the club over with the club Parmeter I believe I was pulling 250 to 300 Ish 6 inches 7 inches down in the tank. I have these lights on so I would think you’d be OK But I’d be more curious to hear what others that do keep torches and Duncan’s would have to say.

As for other Corals, I currently keep a variety of various polyps and mushrooms under this light, including a rainbow bubble tip anemone. Also any lower light SPS such as encrusting montiporas, Acans and chalices would also do well.

 

[Gahamilton]

I don’t keep torches so I really couldn’t say but I know they’re probably moderate to moderate highlighting which I think the set up could do especially given your tank is only 12 inches deep. Last time I had Steve from the club over with the club Parmeter I believe I was pulling 250 to 300 Ish 6 inches 7 inches down in the tank. I have these lights on so I would think you’d be OK But I’d be more curious to hear what others that do keep torches and Duncan’s would have to say.

As for other Corals, I currently keep a variety of various polyps and mushrooms under this light, including a rainbow bubble tip anemone. Also any lower light SPS such as encrusting montiporas, Acans and chalices would also do well.

How far is you’re light off the surface of

I don’t keep torches so I really couldn’t say but I know they’re probably moderate to moderate highlighting which I think the set up could do especially given your tank is only 12 inches deep. Last time I had Steve from the club over with the club Parmeter I believe I was pulling 250 to 300 Ish 6 inches 7 inches down in the tank. I have these lights on so I would think you’d be OK But I’d be more curious to hear what others that do keep torches and Duncan’s would have to say.

As for other Corals, I currently keep a variety of various polyps and mushrooms under this light, including a rainbow bubble tip anemone. Also any lower light SPS such as encrusting montiporas, Acans and chalices would also do well.

 

[dball711]

10-12”