Recommended lighting for 10-20 gallon Coral QT Tank

[CJ Monty]

Wondering what would be suitable for this size. I will get what I need but am trying not to break the bank. I am considering a Kessil A160, AI Prime16 HD or some random blackbox on Amazon. For context I have 2 A360x on my 100 gallon 4 foo tank.

What would you guys recommend?

 

[Spare time]

I wouldn't spend much on a QT light. You could do 1 or 2 par38 bulbs or some other cheap one. If you want to match your spectrum, you can do the a80's (1 or 2 depending on the tank size).

 

[Ippyroy]

Wondering what would be suitable for this size. I will get what I need but am trying not to break the bank. I am considering a Kessil A160, AI Prime16 HD or some random blackbox on Amazon. For context I have 2 A360x on my 100 gallon 4 foo tank.

What would you guys recommend?

I'd add a T5 fixture to the DT and use a similar setup on the QT. This would allow the QT to become a frag/grow out tank easily. The a160 or maybe the older a360 we would work IMHO.

 

[Drew1600]

NICREW HyperReef, $79.99, Amazon!

 

[CJ Monty]

NICREW HyperReef, $79.99, Amazon!

I was looking at that. I assume you are talking about the 50 watt version. Do you have experience with it?

 

[CJ Monty]

I'd add a T5 fixture to the DT and use a similar setup on the QT. This would allow the QT to become a frag/grow out tank easily. The a160 or maybe the older a360 we would work IMHO.

Thanks for the input. Looking to see if I can get away with spending less than 200 for the light

 

[CJ Monty]

I wouldn't spend much on a QT light. You could do 1 or 2 par38 bulbs or some other cheap one. If you want to match your spectrum, you can do the a80's (1 or 2 depending on the tank size).

I heard A80s are not that powerful. If I needed 2 for such a small tank I probably would just a stronger light.

 

[Drew1600]

Use the 50W on my Fluval Evo 13.5, love it.
Run 80-100% blues with about 20% whites. Perfect budget light. Add their timer for an extra $10.

 

[Spare time]

I heard A80s are not that powerful. If I needed 2 for such a small tank I probably would just a stronger light.

1 for a 10 gallon or 2 for a 20 gallon.

They are on the weaker side but my thought was that it is the same spectrum as your display lights, meaning that they may adapt to that color better while in QT.

Honestly though, a QT isn't meant to produce strong growth and I don't think that you particularly want that to be the case.


Regardless, there are plenty of budget lights that will get the job done

Here are some common low cost lights that will be fine on a 12 inch tall tank



(I have personal experience with these)




I can't find the hipagero in stock in that many places but that is also a decent light