Recommendations on lights for a 6 gallon?

SauceyReef · Mar 10, 2023

I am setting up a mixed reef 6 gallon! Any suggestions on a type of light, or brand?

I was thinking this Nicrew 30W LED, but not sure if I should go with something more customizable. The tank will be a mixed reef, so want to be sure to have sufficient light for some encrusting LPS/SPS + softies.

Rtaylor · Mar 10, 2023

The light will likely be fine. You may want to evaluate your plan of sps/lps/and softies in a 6 gallon tank. Softies in particular can take up a lot of space. Just saying you might want to prioritize what you really want for space reasons.

SauceyReef · Mar 10, 2023

Pretty cool video I found showing 4 different nano lights on one tank!

Rtaylor said:
The light will likely be fine. You may want to evaluate your plan of sps/lps/and softies in a 6 gallon tank. Softies in particular can take up a lot of space. Just saying you might want to prioritize what you really want for space reasons.

You are correct - I am taking my sweet time with this setup in all aspects! I think I am experienced enough with nanos to pull off a mixed reef like this one from WWC's - his is only a 3 gallon and look at that coral diversity!

SauceyReef · Mar 10, 2023

I am thinking of just getting a ABI 12W Tuna Blue par38 and light mount as my favorite nano bowls are using this!

KK's Reef · Mar 10, 2023

If you're going with a mixed reef, I'm assuming that includes sps. That said, you will want to go with something like a Kessil A360x. I know this might seem like overkill, but your acros will thank you for it.

I have a 360x over a 4 gallon pico and I'm upgrading to a G6 for higher PAR.

WD, SC OP, Lady in Pink and Vivid Sublime are growing under the Kessils, but I'm thinking the G6 might pull out better colors.

SauceyReef · Mar 10, 2023

KK's Reef said:
If you're going with a mixed reef, I'm assuming that includes sps. That said, you will want to go with something like a Kessil A360x. I know this might seem like overkill, but your acros will thank you for it.

I have a 360x over a 4 gallon pico and I'm upgrading to a G6 for higher PAR.

WD, SC OP, Lady in Pink and Vivid Sublime are growing under the Kessils, but I'm thinking the G6 might pull out better colors.

I feel like the A360x is a bit to fancy for this setup. Just going to be a 5 gallon aquarium bowl. Maybe if I had more money it would be a consideration! I was thinking Kessil A80 as an option. Check the video I posted above - it should be sufficient to grow the SPS I was looking for - nothing fancy. I wasn't even thinking of adding an acro, maybe 1 or 2. Was more so thinking some encrusting SPS like montis, Leptoseris, or Cyphstrea.

But I think I am going to with the ABI 12W Tuna Blue par38 as the Aquarium Bowl setups I am mimicking are using those (also it is far more affordable). With a nice fixture its only around $60-$80

Natalia's 5 Year Old Pico Reef Bowl - March 2021 Featured Reef Aquarium

Congratulations to community member natalia_la_loca and her 1.75 gallon pico reef bowl for being selected for our March 2021 Reef Profile! This fascinating low maintenance reef bowl has now reached its 5th anniversary, an impressive milestone for any reef tank, especially one this unique. In this...

www.nano-reef.com

KK's Reef · Mar 10, 2023

SauceyReef said:
I feel like the A360x is a bit to fancy for this setup. Just going to be a 5 gallon aquarium bowl. Maybe if I had more money it would be a consideration! I was thinking Kessil A80 as an option. Check the video I posted above - it should be sufficient to grow the SPS I was looking for - nothing fancy. I wasn't even thinking of adding an acro, maybe 1 or 2. Was more so thinking some encrusting SPS like montis, Leptoseris, or Cyphstrea.

But I think I am going to with the ABI 12W Tuna Blue par38 as the Aquarium Bowl setups I am mimicking are using those (also it is far more affordable). With a nice fixture its only around $60-$80

Natalia's 5 Year Old Pico Reef Bowl - March 2021 Featured Reef Aquarium

Congratulations to community member natalia_la_loca and her 1.75 gallon pico reef bowl for being selected for our March 2021 Reef Profile! This fascinating low maintenance reef bowl has now reached its 5th anniversary, an impressive milestone for any reef tank, especially one this unique. In this...

www.nano-reef.com

The A80 was my first light and it worked great for zoas, LPS, rainbow montis, and cyphastrea. I didn't upgrade until I got into acros.

SauceyReef · Mar 10, 2023

KK's Reef said:
The A80 was my first light and it worked great for zoas, LPS, rainbow montis, and cyphastrea. I didn't upgrade until I got into acros.

Oh good to know! For my budget sake I am thinking the Tuna Blue I mentioned above or the Kessil A80. I can see if you are going for mainly acros how you would want to upgrade to a very powerful light.