LPS Light for 5 Gallon QT

[William Norman]

Hello Lighting Experts,

I have a 12"x12" 5 Gallon QT Tank that I use for corals and inverts. I have been using a green element led which has been fine for softies and euphyllia, but my chalices and favias have had bleaching issues, even with 10 days of ramp up. Using my senseye I have found that it has hot spots, so I moved the light to one side of the tank and had them on the other so it was receiving indirect light. The Par was showing 75-80. But now they are losing color. Everything else is still doing well.

I am restricted on what I can put on the tank because my better half doesn't like the big bulky lights. Otherwise I would go with a SB PAR38 or their Nano light. She thinks they look industrial. (I have their Sb Boxlights on DT which work great)

I have researched small T5s but haven't found any with good reviews. I have been watching CL and ebay for a used Kessil A80 or some other hockey puck light.

Any other ideas.

I am trying to keep it around under $100.

Thank you

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I’d you’re bleaching coral with 80 par , I’m not sure it’s the lights.

It could be poor spectrum yes I suppose.

Many folks are having very good luck with the par 38 bulbs.

And I was surprised to see that this aquatic life Light was so good.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/upgrading-my-lighting.361299/#post-4474207

 

[William Norman]

I’d you’re bleaching coral with 80 par , I’m not sure it’s the lights.

It could be poor spectrum yes I suppose.

Many folks are having very good luck with the par 38 bulbs.

And I was surprised to see that this aquatic life Light was so good.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/upgrading-my-lighting.361299/#post-4474207

Salty - I was bleaching I think due to hot spots. When I checked with the senseye. The PAR varied from 125 to 250 within an inch to left or right under the led. - I never thought about trying a defuser. If I just attach it to the under side of the led it might kill the hot spots.

The aquatic life doesn't seem to make a 12" light.

 

[Clydezilla]

Fluval Sea Nano Marine and Reef Performance LED Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNRZBE4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fTAmBb1KV535W

Found this. I have a 5g ref as well. Saw this and was will seeing if anyone has any experience with it.