Lighting for 20 long reef?

[Khuligirl93]

Hello all, I'm in the process of planning a nano reef tank and am a bit confused about lighting. 2 types that I've heard a lot about are the Tao panels and the par38 bulbs. Obviously I would like to keep things as cost effective as possible (under $100 would be nice) and avoid algae outbreaks, but still be able to grow a nice variety of corals.
What have you guys found to be your favorite reef lights?
Once I get all of my supplies I plan to make a build thread I'm super excited for my first SW tank.
Thanks for your advice in advance

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[Bectan01]

I would say the Tao panel is a better choice, you would need 2 x the par 38 to cover the tank where the one Tao would do the job. T5 lighting is cheaper to buy but you need to be replacing bulbs every 6-8 months or so. The LEDs pay for themselves over time and will look good


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[bduni50]

I would say the Tao panel is a better choice, you would need 2 x the par 38 to cover the tank where the one Tao would do the job. T5 lighting is cheaper to buy but you need to be replacing bulbs every 6-8 months or so. The LEDs pay for themselves over time and will look good


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X2
Tao go for around 100.00 on ebay and amazon. Get the 120 watt dimmable panel.


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[Khuligirl93]

Ok, that's what I had originally planned actually but wasn't sure if it'd be too much light on such a shallow tank if lighting for reef tanks is anything like lighting for planted FW tanks, I'd like to stay in the lower light range to avoid complications and algae.
Plus I have no idea how to mount/hang it..
http://m.ebay.com/itm/380986275914?nav=SEARCH
This look right? Only 84 with free shipping


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[Bdonaldson]

Hi there,

I used the one amazon sells in the pic below.



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[bribo12]

It's much different than lighting for plants. Corals require a considerable more amount f light than most plants. Staying in the lower end severely limits your coral choices. Algae will grow if you don't control nutrients properly in a sw tank.


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[Khuligirl93]

Ok so high light + low nutrients does not = algae? Good to know
I got my tank today and will be starting my build thread


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[Un5tab1e]

Ok, that's what I had originally planned actually but wasn't sure if it'd be too much light on such a shallow tank if lighting for reef tanks is anything like lighting for planted FW tanks, I'd like to stay in the lower light range to avoid complications and algae.
Plus I have no idea how to mount/hang it..
http://m.ebay.com/itm/380986275914?nav=SEARCH
This look right? Only 84 with free shipping


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I bought this exact one for my 29g. It looks really good and that seller shipped fast. You'll have to sign for the package though through ups

 

[Khuligirl93]

Ok thanks!


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[Un5tab1e]

here's a couple pics. Camera shows things u don't see with your eyes though.

 

[Khuligirl93]

So does it have 2 different settings? A moon light and a daylight?


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[Un5tab1e]

It has a set of controls for both blue and white. 0-100 percent dials

 

[Un5tab1e]

I'll post a pic of it after work

 

[Un5tab1e]

here's the controls and fans

 

[Khuligirl93]

Awesome! So you can fine tune both of them to get the color combo you like?


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[Un5tab1e]

Yeah..I've been running 40 blue 60 white.

 

[Khuligirl93]

Sweet! I didn't know that about them. And your tank looks great, I look forward to seeing your progress on your thread


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[Un5tab1e]

Thanks...it's going slow but everything seems happy atm

 

[Un5tab1e]

Someone else touched on this in your build thread. I didn't notice those lights are just 120. Same seller has 165 which is what I bought for the same price.

 

[Khuligirl93]

I'll get those. Thanks


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