lighing question

[MRICKEN1012]

I'm setting up a 50g breeder. I was thinking about leds...I've been out of the hobby for over a year and know nothing about them.


Can anyone fill me in? I see they don't go by watts so how do I know what I need for my tank?

I saw a marineland double led fixture for about 120 bucks? Will this be ok for sps?

 

[ChrisB]

Quite a few led threads here check um out. Some one just did a huge write up on a few.

I'm using 215 1wat LEDs over my
72gal is that gives you an idea. Though im thinking about adding 1-2 more 36w strips lol I'd think 150-200 led wats would be good on a 50.

 

[tlo25]

There really is no wattage rule for LEDs, what's more important is coverage. Get a unit with some good leds (3watt) with some optics and penetration wont be an issue. Coverage is the important part and every unit is different. I have noticed that most units will cover a 24"x24" square, more if you have a shallower tank and you hang it higher. Since led lighting is usually so narrow if you don't have enough coverage, you will get shadows at the ends of the tank.

 

[ChrisB]

Great way to put that.