20g tank lighting indecision

[FriendoFish]

Hi guys! I am working on gathering supplies to jump back into the hobby after about a year. I got a great deal on an IM Nuvo 20g peninsula but I am struggling to decide on lighting. I have a Hipargero Aquaknight A029 that I was thinking of using, but I’m concerned that it will A. Look weird since I have to mount it on the long side of the tank instead of the short side and B. Not be strong enough (I plan to keep mostly softies and LPS, but I am still worried this light won’t work for the length of the tank). What type of light would you all recommend? I know the AI blades are pretty popular, but I’ve had issues with AI lenses burning before so I’m hesitant (granted those were Hydras). I’ve also been considering the Orphek bars but I’m not sure which style I should get. I should also mention that I like whiter “daylight” look rather than some of the super blue looks that some people like. I also don’t like a ton of shimmer. I don’t mind paying for a light that’s worth it, but I also don’t mind getting a “black box” LED as long as it works. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

 

[Subsea]

Not familiar with dimensions on a 20G pennissula tank.

However, 30W of LED over a 20G tank should be more than sufficient for softies.

 

[FriendoFish]

Not familiar with dimensions on a 20G pennissula tank.

However, 30W of LED over a 20G tank should be more than sufficient for softies.

Thanks! These are the dimensions.

 

[Subsea]

Thanks! These are the dimensions.

Depends on how high you raise your fixture above the water level. At that depth, you should have more than enough luminous for a softie tank.

Understand this, it is not necessary for complete tank to have uniform light intensity. Until you light it up, you will not know. Too little light is much better than too much light. I think that your light is a good one. Go get a second one if you think that you need more light.

Your dimensions are the same as 20G long tank.

 

[FriendoFish]

Depends on how high you raise your fixture above the water level. At that depth, you should have more than enough luminous for a softie tank.

Understand this, it is not necessary for complete tank to have uniform light intensity. Until you light it up, you will not know. Too little light is much better than too much light. I think that your light is a good one. Go get a second one if you think that you need more light.

Your dimensions are the same as 20G long tank.

Thanks! This is super helpful.

 

[FriendoFish]

Hi guys! Just wanted to provide an update and request additional feedback/recommendations. I ended up putting an old Fluval marine nano I had on the tank temporarily (see picture). I have a few problems with this light: 1. I doubt it’ll be enough to grow much coral, 2. I think seeing the cord in the back of the tank will drive me crazy, and 3. The lid does not sit flush on the back of the tank because of the light mount. So I am back to the drawing board with lighting while I get the tank cycled. I am starting to think maybe an AI blade might be the best option after all, but I’m still unsure the best way to mount them. Any suggestions of a light to fix these issues is appreciated!!!

 

[Sinkers]

Hi guys! Just wanted to provide an update and request additional feedback/recommendations. I ended up putting an old Fluval marine nano I had on the tank temporarily (see picture). I have a few problems with this light: 1. I doubt it’ll be enough to grow much coral, 2. I think seeing the cord in the back of the tank will drive me crazy, and 3. The lid does not sit flush on the back of the tank because of the light mount. So I am back to the drawing board with lighting while I get the tank cycled. I am starting to think maybe an AI blade might be the best option after all, but I’m still unsure the best way to mount them. Any suggestions of a light to fix these issues is appreciated!!!

AI blade would mount nicely from the back of the filter. they have the thread on the end of them like an AI Prime.

 

[FriendoFish]

AI blade would mount nicely from the back of the filter. they have the thread on the end of them like an AI Prime.

Thanks! That is what I was thinking—I just haven’t been the biggest fan of AI lights in the past, but I haven’t tried the blade. I’ll probably order one in the new year.

 

[dedragon]

I would probably go for 1 or 2 led bars, either the reefbreeder meridian edge or quanta helix. The quanta helix seems to be getting better reviews than the ai blade from what ive seen while the meridian is supposed to start shipping this month. Havent seen the blade in person though to compare only know what ive heard

Pre-Order New Products

ReefBreeders offers advanced aquarium lighting and accessories for vibrant coral reefs, including Meridian LED lights. Designed for aquaculture, hobbyists, and researchers, our innovative solutions ensure optimal coral growth and sustainability.

reefbreeders.com

Quanta Helix

Includes mounting brackets and hanging kit. NOTE: This light is air-cooled and is not designed for unventilated enclosed canopies. Please refer to warranty for more information.

www.quanta-lights.com

 

[FriendoFish]

I would probably go for 1 or 2 led bars, either the reefbreeder meridian edge or quanta helix. The quanta helix seems to be getting better reviews than the ai blade from what ive seen while the meridian is supposed to start shipping this month. Havent seen the blade in person though to compare only know what ive heard

Pre-Order New Products

ReefBreeders offers advanced aquarium lighting and accessories for vibrant coral reefs, including Meridian LED lights. Designed for aquaculture, hobbyists, and researchers, our innovative solutions ensure optimal coral growth and sustainability.

reefbreeders.com

Quanta Helix

Includes mounting brackets and hanging kit. NOTE: This light is air-cooled and is not designed for unventilated enclosed canopies. Please refer to warranty for more information.

www.quanta-lights.com

I’ve heard good things about these as well but I can’t figure out how I would mount them.

 

[dedragon]

quanta has tank mounts that are pretty cheap. The meridians i was trying to find out that info. Reefbreeders always seem to have an optional tank mount with their leds so i was trying to find info on that. Not much as im not sure anyone has it yet

3-D Printed Stand

Mount your lights in style with our ultra-high quality, 3-D printed mounting stands. This kit will mount a single Helix light bar. From the top of the tank to the bottom of the Helix light bar will measure 4.5 inches. The top of the light bar will measure 5.75 inches tall from the top of the...

www.quanta-lights.com

 

[FriendoFish]

Oh I totally missed those when I looked. Thanks!!