LED Lighting for 10 gallon Nano Reef

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aerobimmer

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Nov 4, 2009
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I am considering a Beamswork Ultra Reef Quad LED Clamp-on Light Fixture 15" 3W x 20 (TR) for use on either a 5 or a 10 gallon tank. The specs from the web site (Aquatraders.com) are as follows:

Fixture Size: 14.75" x 9.25" x 1.15"LEDs Count: 20
2700 Lumens
Super energy efficient 3 watts high output LED
12x 10,000K LED
8x Actinic 460nm LED
Use 60 watts

Is this too much light for a 5 or 10 gallon tank?

I've used MH lighting in the past on larger tanks and am familiar with the tried and true formula of light between four watts and six watts per gallon for low light coral and as much as ten watts per gallon (or more) for light loving coral.

Obviously LEDs use some other guidelines...

Any help is much appreciated.
 

greech

AC Moderators
May 13, 2009
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Tallahassee, FL
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Graham
No its not too much but understand that acclimation to the light may be needed for new additions. PAR is really the best measure for reef lighting and watts per gallon is pretty much out the window. My concerns about the fixture are the quality of the chips (guessing they are Bridgelux), quality and thickness of the heatsink (or if there is one at all), quality of the drivers. The description indicates that it does not come with fans and that they are optional. That tells me the heatsink may be poor and that active cooling is needed to preserve the chips. Equally important is the inability to dim the LEDs which can be very helpful for acclimation, adjustments if certain corals are getting too much or not enough light, and color. All-in-all it is what one would expect from a $99 fixture that tries to be more than it should be. I fear you would end up buying another light not long after buying this one.

I would consider a 18" strip from build my LED for $40 more and then add the $14 dimmer. The 14K or Actinic reef will give you a nice color and if you decide to add to it, you can add another strip later (perhaps add another kelvin). These are very well built and get great reviews. You can also order your own custom spectrum if you choose...

http://www.buildmyled.com/14000k-reef-spectrum/

If you wanted to step it up a bit, for $275 you could get a light that would allow you to do just about anything you wanted in terns of spectrum and intensity as well as grow anything you wanted to keep. This fixture could also light upwards of a 29 gallon if you decided to upgrade.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/le...er-blue-led-module-w-power-supply-ai2001.html

Another option is a dimmable PAR 38 bulb that screws into any standard light bulb socket.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Orphek_P...Reef_Aquariums-Orphek-UG1531-FILTBULD-vi.html
 

aerobimmer

AC Members
Nov 4, 2009
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greech - thanks for the info and quick reply! I'll check out the links you suggested. As you say, I will probably end up with another light at some point but am trying to keep the initial investment on the low side...
 
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