Lighting for nano tanks

[CFicken]

So I just started my first nano. I put a kessil A80 on it and did a par reading. It’s pretty depressing lol. What is everyone running on their nanos???


I’ve got a nuvo 20 concept abyss peninsula.


Thanks

 

[BadPanda]

I use to have two Primes on my Nuvo 20 mixed reef. Par wise I wouldn't know since I never had the time to rent a par meter. I do know that it was enough to grow a clam. It really depends on what you'll be using it for and your budget. What corals are you planning on keeping? I always go a overboard with equipment general. One you can't increase an equipment that's maxed out and two for longevity. Also keep in mind that single puck style lights have a tendency to shadow depending on rockwork. Also you look like you're new so welcome to R2R and enjoy your reef tank.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

I’ve run LEDs and t5s on my IM 20 and 14.
I like the t5s more than the LEDs because it’s just so darn easy, but the LED I was happiest with was a reefbreeders photon v2.
The V2 had much better color, shimmer and the fixture was a lot sleeker.
I’ve also tried the coral box moon LED. I’m not sure if I don’t like the light, or if it doesn’t like me. But I wish I had tried something else.

 

[CFicken]

I use to have two Primes on my Nuvo 20 mixed reef. Par wise I wouldn't know since I never had the time to rent a par meter. I do know that it was enough to grow a clam. It really depends on what you'll be using it for and your budget. What corals are you planning on keeping? I always go a overboard with equipment general. One you can't increase an equipment that's maxed out and two for longevity. Also keep in mind that single puck style lights have a tendency to shadow depending on rockwork. Also you look like you're new so welcome to R2R and enjoy your reef tank.

Well my husband is talking a Radion I thought maybe that was over kill. I think I’m wanting a mixed reef. They are so beautiful! I know I’m not getting shadows I measured straight under the light at the highest point and only got 100 par with max intensity.

 

[KorD]

Running a viparspectra 165w over a 29 gal. I could not be more happy.. works great for my LPS, softies and nems. Also love how the timer works with both blues and whites separately.

 

[BadPanda]

Well my husband is talking a Radion I thought maybe that was over kill. I think I’m wanting a mixed reef. They are so beautiful! I know I’m not getting shadows I measured straight under the light at the highest point and only got 100 par with max intensity.

That's really low. You can get away with soft corals and a handful of LPS with your current light. The radion is overkill but, I have read some threads that are having great success with them. On the bright side of Radions, you can use on a bigger tank when you upgrade.

 

[hart24601]

These are popular with the pico crowd. Price is Right to run a couple of needed.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/test-results-abi-23w-tuna-blue-led.608613/

 

[CFicken]

That's really low. You can get away with soft corals and a handful of LPS with your current light. The radion is overkill but, I have read some threads that are having great success with them. On the bright side of Radions, you can use on a bigger tank when you upgrade.

No upgrading for me... I’m actually downgrading. We have a 130 water box currently.

 

[spartanman22]

I’m looking at adding a small AIO nano and am currently looking at the following lights: Radion XR30, Kessil A360x, Noopsyche, and Aqamai LRM. All seem to be good solid controllable units. Really going to come down to aesthetics and which one I think will look the nicest over the tank.

I’ve run several LEDs and reef lighting throughout my time. I think most modern LEDs are capable of sustaining the photosynthetic needs of our corals. Often times it just comes down to personal preferences.

 

[Steve Erekson]

Agrobrite 4x24w T5 with 2 Reefbrite 50/50 strips over a 20 long

 

[BestMomEver]

I just traded my A80 for an A160 (used) and some frags. I’m much happier with the 160. See if someone you know has a used one.

 

[ReeferReefer]

I agree, a used A160 or A360 would gork great.

 

[smilinteddy]

I'm running two used AI hydra 26 hds that I got a good deal on. I'm thinking of renting a par meter to take some readings as I'm curious to see what they are putting out.

Tank is a IM nuvo 30L aio.

 

[CFicken]

I went ahead and bought an ai prime. Seems pretty good, I’m getting around 260 par reading at the very top of my rocks and around 90 on the sand bed. I tried setting it pretty similar to what’s on our big tank but the boss will have to get the kinks works out. That’s his job [emoji23]

 

[KTTX]

Agrobrite 4x24w T5 with 2 Reefbrite 50/50 strips over a 20 long

What par do you get with this? Does Reefbrite put out good PAR?

 

[SeaTheDifference]

Simple questions. 2 kessil 80's on a Spec. X controller. Heavy mixed reef BioCube 29. What is your ramp up duration and your peak durations. The preset doesn't seem to be enough for me.

 

[SeaTheDifference]

Simple questions. 2 kessil 80's on a Spec. X controller. Heavy mixed reef BioCube 29. What is your ramp up duration and your peak durations. The preset doesn't seem to be enough for me.

Here is a pic of the setup

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Generally two led's are better than one, Kessils 160 and 360 are being sold on the cheap, two AI Prime HD's would be nice, I have one over a IM Lagoon 25 so yeah I need another one.