5 gal reef tank help

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DudeItsADiscus

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 9, 2008
73
0
0
Upstate NY
So I bought a 5 gallon complete set up from walmart. Thought I would like a freshwater set up but now that I see it, I'd love to do a mini reef. The problem is the lighting. It comes with the LED light which I know is way underpowered for a reef. I did some research and found this..
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With this light..
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Anyone have any experience with these? Or any other ideas for lighting? The tank is 16" in length and I haven't been able to find a nice set up. I'm not trying to break the bank either. My boyfriends got a 75 gal reef and I wanted something I could call my own.

p3760173t300x300.jpg

21ubeXhZJrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
lonzoencho said:
The bulbs aren't that efficient but will manage a reef. The Solarmaxx 115 LEDs are a cheap, quality led that could easily sustain a 16" reef


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+1. The light is way too weak for a reef. On my 5.5gal nano reef I went to rapidled and made my own DIY LED fixture. It cost 100 dollars but the results are incredible

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Hey #1 that light is not enough. I tried the same exact light to go the cheap route. Doesnt do well. For around $70-$80 you can get a marineland reef light with a compact flourecent tube. Or a led for a little more. It will fit your tank perfectly and it can grow various soft corals.

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Thanks for all the advice. I did do some more research and found a 5 gal bow front that used the exact bulb I was looking at, he wasn't impressed and went to LED lights. I saw the difference of the bulb compared to the LED's and was amazed. I agree that light won't be efficent enough to sustain a reef. I'm looking into the same light "woofy" is using.
I plan on doing various soft corals.
What are some of your experiences with filtration on a nano/pico tank..
 
DudeItsADiscus said:
Thanks for all the advice. I did do some more research and found a 5 gal bow front that used the exact bulb I was looking at, he wasn't impressed and went to LED lights. I saw the difference of the bulb compared to the LED's and was amazed. I agree that light won't be efficent enough to sustain a reef. I'm looking into the same light "woofy" is using.
I plan on doing various soft corals.
What are some of your experiences with filtration on a nano/pico tank..
Click to expand...

I have an ac50 on my 5.5gal Sps reef. Works really well

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Thats good to know. I expect to have to do water changes on a weekly basis, but its nice to know I dont have to crowd my tank with other mechanical parts.
 
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