For Macro Algae Tank Would This Light Work?

PolypPocket

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This?

https://a.co/d/0fxMCBhy
Or this:

https://a.co/d/0gV4omce
or this?

https://a.co/d/046b3yEQ
Details: planned is a 6 gallon tank with a variety of pretty macro algae and Xenia. I’m looking for something a little closer to “daylight” and not deep blue because the macros look better with whiter light.

Honestly something with bluish white (not yellow) and red tones is ideal for looks IMO. Supposedly 10,000k is best according to what I’ve read. But I don’t need tons of wattage since it’s a small cube. I don’t understand what par means lol, but I guess I want a CRI of over 90? I am having trouble finding the right thing. Right now I have a light that’s 6000 k and is way too yellow, I hate it.

There’s only one red algae in it currently so it’s not urgent, but I’d like to find something that will really show off the colors AND be good for the algae’s needs once I get them.

Thank you!
 
Both second & third links are complete system and should attach easily. Both lights would also work well with your Xenia

Your first link is a bulb only.
 
Last edited:
Both second & third links are complete system and should attach easily. Both lights would also work well with your Xenia

Your first link is a bulb only.
I have a lamp I can use with the bulb if it’s a better light.
 
This?

https://a.co/d/0fxMCBhy
Or this:

https://a.co/d/0gV4omce
or this?

https://a.co/d/046b3yEQ
Details: planned is a 6 gallon tank with a variety of pretty macro algae and Xenia. I’m looking for something a little closer to “daylight” and not deep blue because the macros look better with whiter light.

Honestly something with bluish white (not yellow) and red tones is ideal for looks IMO. Supposedly 10,000k is best according to what I’ve read. But I don’t need tons of wattage since it’s a small cube. I don’t understand what par means lol, but I guess I want a CRI of over 90? I am having trouble finding the right thing. Right now I have a light that’s 6000 k and is way too yellow, I hate it.

There’s only one red algae in it currently so it’s not urgent, but I’d like to find something that will really show off the colors AND be good for the algae’s needs once I get them.

Thank you!
The bulb is narrow lensed. Would need to be about 20" off the water line to light face.
Also though they don't specify how they make 10000k it is likely just a royal blue led plus a light coating of a green/yellow phosphor.

If you want or will be able to do bulbs there are a lot of RGB smart bulbs that will work. The cri generally won't be earth shaking but your regular colors will be highlighted and frankly exaggerated.


You look to be keeping to a particular price point which is fine.


This light costs roughly 3x what you probably care to spend but it shows what is arguably what you want. Notice no whites so no yellow.. :)
Ideally red would be 660nm but no matter.
Not sure what is going on w/ the Chinese but not including a basic timer is .. odd..
No channel adjustments. 5 steps of dimming. No ramp function AFAICT.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 230432.png
Screenshot 2026-07-05 230432.png
 
This?

https://a.co/d/0fxMCBhy
Or this:

https://a.co/d/0gV4omce
or this?

https://a.co/d/046b3yEQ
Details: planned is a 6 gallon tank with a variety of pretty macro algae and Xenia. I’m looking for something a little closer to “daylight” and not deep blue because the macros look better with whiter light.

Honestly something with bluish white (not yellow) and red tones is ideal for looks IMO. Supposedly 10,000k is best according to what I’ve read. But I don’t need tons of wattage since it’s a small cube. I don’t understand what par means lol, but I guess I want a CRI of over 90? I am having trouble finding the right thing. Right now I have a light that’s 6000 k and is way too yellow, I hate it.

There’s only one red algae in it currently so it’s not urgent, but I’d like to find something that will really show off the colors AND be good for the algae’s needs once I get them.

Thank you!
The bulb is narrow lensed. Would need to be about 20" off the water line to light face.
Also though they don't specify how they make 10000k it is likely just a royal blue led plus a light coating of a green/yellow phosphor.

If you want or will be able to do bulbs there are a lot of RGB smart bulbs that will work. The cri generally won't be earth shaking but your regular colors will be highlighted and frankly exaggerated.


You look to be keeping to a particular price point which is fine.


This light costs roughly 3x what you probably care to spend but it shows what is arguably what you want. Notice no whites so no yellow.. :)
Ideally red would be 660nm but no matter.
Not sure what is going on w/ the Chinese but not including a basic timer is .. odd..
No channel adjustments. 5 steps of dimming. No ramp function AFAICT.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 230432.png
Screenshot 2026-07-05 230432.png
Thank you so much!
 
Personally I would try to find a used reef light of 35 or 50 watts over any of these choices. The 2 links are for low cost low wattage freshwater lights, I'm skeptical they would work. If it doesn't work then it can't really be used for any other purpose. If you get a used reef light, you can always use it for a different project later on.
 

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