Saltwater Aquarium Lighting

[aquamark]

I want to set up a new SW mini reef aquarium. I'm not using standard materials like acyrlic or glass. In my design, the lighting will placed above the reef. I will use either PC, CFL, or LED lighting. My question is: What is the maximum distance from the water surface to place my lights? The overall exhibit depth is less than 15" and the surface area will be less than 3 sq ft.

[devonjohnsgard]

Jan 20, 2014 12:27:22 GMT -5 aquamark said:

I want to set up a new SW mini reef aquarium. I'm not using standard materials like acyrlic or glass. In my design, the lighting will placed above the reef. I will use either PC, CFL, or LED lighting. My question is: What is the maximum distance from the water surface to place my lights? The overall exhibit depth is less than 15" and the surface area will be less than 3 sq ft.

Welcome to the forum! Your question all depends on what type of light you are thinking. Since you are thinking a mini reef set-up. I would highly recommend making the switch to LEDs. The cost is very reasonable for smaller aquariums and there are many advantages to LEDs. You can really dial them in for some great color and power consumption. Most of the time, LEDs can pay for them self by less power being used. If this is something you are interest in, I would recommend sticking to more quality brands. LEDs would mount about 5 inches above the water. Here is what I would recommend. I'm not sure how many gallons you are looking to light, but a mini LED might be just what you are looking for. They have moon lighting too.

www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDLights.html#mini

[Carl]

Welcome to the forum!!

Could you give some more specifics?

I assume by "The overall exhibit depth is less than 15" you mean the depth of the water, correct?

A agree with Devon, although I am thinking you may need an Ocean Blue 1500 with a 24 x 24 light spread and good penetration to 20 inches or two of the AquaRay Mini 500 LEDs

The maximum distance I would go is 10 inches, but I would prefer 8 inches or less

Here are some references:
For the AquaRay LED:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDLights.html

General Information:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Lighting.html
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2012/03/pur-vs-par-in-aquarium-lighting.html

Carl