Led for classroom 18 gallon bow

[Coach v]

I recently reset up my 18 bow in my 2nd grade classroom. I really would like to keep anemones in it. It currently does not have an operating light. I am looking for a recommendation for an led fixture in the $100-150 range?

 

[ihavecrabs]

OceanRevive has a few models, I think their T247 is new at 169.99 on amazon but there are always people selling these on the forum marketplace. As long as you are handy with a soldering iron, these seem to be a good solution as many people have had excellent success with them.

The only downside is the unit is 16x10 and I believe your aquarium is like ~20" x 14" which means you'll get a lot of light on the glass which means more frequent glass cleaning (not a big deal to some people).

For such a small tank, I hope you have considered an auto top-off unit to ensure salinty doesn't swing. Inverts like anemones are quite sensitive to swings in salinity.

Good luck with your search!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

How wide is the aquarium? I know there are a couple of nano lights that can clip on the back side of the aquarium but some may be too wide and overshoot the edges. I think this light has good reviews and does a pretty good job: https://www.amazon.com/LED-Aquarium-Light-Hipargero-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q

 

[hart24601]

A couple of these 23W guys isn't too expensive, you have to find a fixture though ($35 each), you would probably be ok with just 1 really:

https://www.amazon.com/ABI-Coral-Optimized-Spectrum-PAR38/dp/B073V5V5JP?th=1

They are sweet as they have UV and violet

 

[Coach v]

Tank is approx 20" wide by 12" deep by 18"tall

 

[Finhead]

I would go with a basic black box, very cheap and lots of light. But Anemones really shouldn't be put in a tank till it's mature.

 

[Coach v]

Tank itself is not mature, but the rocks and sand are from my 120 fowlr that has been setup well over a year. I currently do not have an auto top-off, but it is something I plan on doing in the future. Right now, I manually top-off daily, minus the weekends.

I am leaning towards black box led, but have interest in the Kissel A80 or A160 (used). Would one of these units be suitable grow anemones?

 

[Coach v]

I am still undecided on what to do in regards to lighting my tank. I have some concerns that a blackbox led will be to big for my 20" wide tank.

Would a single Kessil A160 be enough to grow anemones?

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I am still undecided on what to do in regards to lighting my tank. I have some concerns that a blackbox led will be to big for my 20" wide tank.

Would a single Kessil A160 be enough to grow anemones?

Yeah that would definitely be enough. A used a160 or a used AI Prime HD should fall about into your price range and should get the job done.

 

[Coach v]

Thanks! I am leaning towards the kessil 160.

I assume if I am looking at AI Prime, I would want the "HD" version? I see the non-hd come up used once in a while.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

Thanks! I am leaning towards the kessil 160.

I assume if I am looking at AI Prime, I would want the "HD" version? I see the non-hd come up used once in a while.

I think they'd both get the job done. I know the HD versions can be controlled via a phone app. I'm not sure whether or not the Non-HD versions require a separate controller.