Choose my lights

Hi everyone,

I have a 10 (standard 20"x12"10")gallon cycling with 13lbs of LR, and 12lbs sand, power filter with just live rock rubble, and a heater, and 15watt t8 until my lights get here. This is my first SW tank, but ive kept FW for 10 years, and plant tanks.

Im am torn between the following choices...

I would like to be able to keep some sps if i decide to...

The t5 ho i like because they are cheaper.

the 20" version i like because it will fit perfect.
but do i get the 2 or 4 bulb?

the 24" version i like because
i hear the 24" bulbs are better, and more choices.
do i get the 2 or 4 bulb?

the LED i like because it has 2 power supplies, one for blue one for white.
run 2 timers, blue in the am, both on for 6 hours, white off then blue off...
the shimmer effect is always a plus.
and ofcourse the bulbs wont need to be replaced every year.
it is more expensive and more power... is it too much for a 10gallon?

if all of this is crazy, what about 2 par LED bulbs?

im ready to buy, what do you guys vote for?

Thanks for your help in advance.
Danny



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I would do the par 30 bulbs, I have three over my 20 gallon and can grow whatever I want and the light is awsome for the money, plus I they last for 7+ years. you could DIY some leds but for one that small the bulbs sound alot easyer and more rewarding to me.

hope this helps ;D

 

How many should i do? and what configuration? what degree optics?

 

Hi Danny,

We are one of the Par 38 suppliers on the market and sponsor for 3reef. There are also other reputable companies have their own LED spotlight line for reef hooby on the market as well.

First I highly recommend you check out blogs and read. Since its your first SW reef tank you will educate yourself and you will learn more from members who are more experienced on reef tank setups and lighting.

I would recommend you two par 38 bulbs, 27watt (or you can go with 21w) for your setup. Par 38 has life span 4-5 years. 60degree lens will cover your entire tank from 8” – 12” distance.

Good luck and happy reefing.

Anton

 

I agree with EC I haven't read much about them but I do have experience with boost led and Orphek LED and I personally think on a 10 gallon 2 par 30's would be fine but 2 38's would work as well, one thing that really made me love the LED's is their life span, with t5's you waste so much money on bulbs and the led's are more efficient
Just my .02