Lighting suggestions for a 20L Frag tank??

JMSKI333 · Apr 30, 2011

Hey guys,

Looking to start up a frag tank and hook it into my display tank system to eliminate some frag racks. I choose a 20L because i already had a stand for one and i didn't want to have to upgrade my skimmer. Frag tank will be mostly LPS but i don't want to be limited to just that.

My Question is, what lighting are you guys using on your 20L? I'm thinking LED, but t5 is an option too, trying to keep it under $300. Tank dimensions 24" x 12" x 12"

Suggestions? thanks!

swannyson7 · Apr 30, 2011

I'd go for T5s considering that you plan on using it for LPS, plus that will be cheaper. The LPS in my tank didn't react too well to LEDs due to the intensity. All of my LPS will bleach unless it's shaded

JMSKI333 · Apr 30, 2011

LED wood really bleach them? That stinks. I was hoping that maybe there was a fixture designed for a 20L.

Does anyone else have any experience with this?

swannyson7 · Apr 30, 2011

If you did a DIY kit you could customize it, but just be careful doing it. If you go LED, plan on a very slow light acclimation. A dimmable driver would be helpful so that you can start with low lighting and ramp it up

nixer · Apr 30, 2011

i would think you could do perhaps a evolution strip or even a reefbrite, but either option might have to be mounted high above the tank

reefpeeper · Apr 30, 2011

I had a 120 evolution over my 20 long and i thought it worked great.

JMSKI333 · May 1, 2011

reefpeeper said:
I had a 120 evolution over my 20 long and i thought it worked great.

how high do you have to have it? i dont want it to look ridiculously high.

Would 4x bulb t5 be the best option?

swannyson7 · May 1, 2011

A 4 bulb T5 would be perfect IMO. Just out of curiosity, what type of LPS do you plan on keeping? If you're going for Acans and chalices, I'd stick with the T5s because most of them tend to prefer lower lighting IME

JMSKI333 · May 1, 2011

Mostly chalices and acans actually. But i would probably have some acro's and monti's up top. Like i said i didn't want to be limited. But maybe a 20L isn't and ideal tank for variety.

I guess i'm thinking of going with a 4x24w ATI Sunpower since i have a 6x54w ATI Sunpower over my 90g. Maybe keep the bulbs similiar so i could just transfer corals with very little difference in conditions. You've been helpful swannyson

swannyson7 · May 1, 2011

With 4x24w T5s, you should be fine putting some SPS up top. Having a similar set-up to your DT is probably your best bet so that you don't have to go through extensive light acclimation to prevent bleaching/browning.