Lighting ideas for shallow propagation system?

MartinM · Jul 28, 2023

In the space-starved country that is Japan, I'm planning a tiered system to hold the tons of Zoanthids I've found myself with, and to propagate more. I plan on getting a custom stand made to hold multiple 120x60x12cm frag tanks (10cm water depth). Yes, it's really shallow, but that's 1) because it'll only be Zoanthids and 2) because I want to maximize how many I can have in a ~2m tall rack. I'm aiming for ~200 PAR across the entire area.

The challenge I'm finding myself with in the design phase is lighting. Since the depth is so shallow, I'm wanting maximum spread with minimal mounting height. In fact, I'm hoping to mount only ~20cm above the aquarium. There are tons of LED strip options (ReefBrite, Giesemann, AI, ReefBreeders, Quantum, VolxJapan, ADA, GEX, and lots of black boxes on Amazon) and of course, T5's. The problem is that for some reason, most manufacturers haven't indicated the optics on their bars. I'm obviously trying to get the widest angle possible. Plus, I'm not sure what T5 spread is either!

So, suggestions are welcome, thanks!

JaaxReef · Jul 28, 2023

MartinM said:
In the space-starved country that is Japan, I'm planning a tiered system to hold the tons of Zoanthids I've found myself with, and to propagate more. I plan on getting a custom stand made to hold multiple 120x60x12cm frag tanks (10cm water depth). Yes, it's really shallow, but that's 1) because it'll only be Zoanthids and 2) because I want to maximize how many I can have in a ~2m tall rack. I'm aiming for ~200 PAR across the entire area.

The challenge I'm finding myself with in the design phase is lighting. Since the depth is so shallow, I'm wanting maximum spread with minimal mounting height. In fact, I'm hoping to mount only ~10cm above the aquarium. There are tons of LED strip options (ReefBrite, Giesemann, AI, ReefBreeders, Quantum, VolxJapan, ADA, GEX, and lots of black boxes on Amazon) and of course, T5's. The problem is that for some reason, most manufacturers haven't indicated the optics on their bars. I'm obviously trying to get the widest angle possible. Plus, I'm not sure what T5 spread is either!

So, suggestions are welcome, thanks!

At that water height, you won’t need much par to get things going. Maybe even just a cheap Amazon 2 bulb T5 fixture, or a single Quanta bar at the right height to cover the 24” depth. Even if the spread isn’t wide, with water that shallow you can probably lift most strip lights or fixtures up until you get good coverage without light spilling out of the tank.

MartinM · Jul 28, 2023

JaaxReef said:
At that water height, you won’t need much par to get things going. Maybe even just a cheap Amazon 2 bulb T5 fixture, or a single Quanta bar at the right height to cover the 24” depth. Even if the spread isn’t wide, with water that shallow you can probably lift most strip lights or fixtures up until you get good coverage without light spilling out of the tank.

Right, except like I mentioned, there is not much vertical space (20cm above tank, 22 cm above the surface). Hence the challenge. but I agree that some basic T5 fixtures are probably my best bet. Or these. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prism-ii-led-light-fixture-marine-aquamaxx.html

JaaxReef · Jul 28, 2023

Yeah, I think Josh Pork Sandwich grows zoas in a similar setup with little vertical space and uses a lot of T5. The only issue could potentially be heat, depending on how warm the room is already.

YOYOYOReefer · Jul 28, 2023

Seems small enough you could light It from the side with t5 and uses sloped floors on each tray

MartinM · Jul 28, 2023

Actually I’ll probably only have 12cm vertical space.

Sides will get natural sunlight but good idea

MartinM · Jul 28, 2023

JaaxReef said:
Yeah, I think Josh Pork Sandwich grows zoas in a similar setup with little vertical space and uses a lot of T5. The only issue could potentially be heat, depending on how warm the room is already.

Nothing a few fans can’t take care of, thanks

Hooz · Jul 28, 2023

AI Blades and the Fluval Marine 3.0 strips advertise 120 degree spread. You could easily cover the 24" width of your tank with 2 strips at the 5" or so mounting height. And, with water that shallow, PAR shouldn't be a problem.

rtparty · Jul 28, 2023

AI Blades. Little to no hot spots even when tank mounted

RedoubtReef · Jul 28, 2023

T5s all the way. If you move into SPS, I'd look at the Reefbrite hallde/LED combo.

MartinM · Jul 28, 2023

Hooz said:
AI Blades and the Fluval Marine 3.0 strips advertise 120 degree spread. You could easily cover the 24" width of your tank with 2 strips at the 5" or so mounting height. And, with water that shallow, PAR shouldn't be a problem.

Huh I saw 90 degrees for the blade But good to know, and I'll check out the fluval thanks.

oreo54 · Jul 28, 2023

MartinM said:
Right, except like I mentioned, there is not much vertical space (20cm above tank, 22 cm above the surface). Hence the challenge. but I agree that some basic T5 fixtures are probably my best bet. Or these. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prism-ii-led-light-fixture-marine-aquamaxx.html

Most small 1/2w led strip lights have about 120 degree on diode lenses. There are a few exceptions.
A cheap Beamswork 48" da- fspec in err " marine configuration ( mostly white some blue, no red,green, approx 10000k or greater) will push 100 par at like 5" (4 plus riser).
You would want 2 for more even coverage at 60cm anyways.
I'm m suggesting the concept not the part. light btw.

Another light fitting the concept .

48" 50/50 Lumi Lite Pro Marine LED - Reef Brite

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

Another example.

Finnex 24/7 SE Marine?

Anyone have details on this light? I know the PAR and LUX, but it seems a bit of red, and I would like to see the light on an actual tank. Google brings absolutely nothing except a video showing off a few Finnex fixtures, and not really on the tank shots, just the light themselves and the legs...

www.reef2reef.com

Hi Beverly,
Sorry for the late response. These numbers are the light at MAX. The PAR value is 40 and Lumen value is 1530. Hope this help.
Howard

This is at 19 inches above the sub.

rtparty · Jul 28, 2023

MartinM said:
Huh I saw 90 degrees for the blade But good to know, and I'll check out the fluval thanks.

The Blade is 95° technically but they don’t react like other LEDs that use lenses to focus the light. For example, Orphek bars need to be mounted 22” over the tank to reduce the hotspots. Most AI fixtures need 14” over the water.

The Blades range from tank mounted to 8” above the water with little to no hot spots.