Floodlights - what wattage?

[Abyss]

Hi,

I'm wanting to install some floodlights above my tank.

Tank is 9ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft.

I have there around my house, full RGB floodlights, they are amazing:

8.95US $ 16% OFF|Miboxer 10W 20W 30W 50W 100W RGB+CCT LED Flood Light AC86 265V RF Remote / WiFi Control IP65 Waterproof LED Floodlight|Floodlights| - AliExpress

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Unfortunately the way I have installed them outdoors means I can't easily remove and try above my tank.

Lights would be around 4-6" from water surface above glass sliders. They would he inside a hood with ventilation holes.

So what wattage do your recommend given tank size and how many floodlights?

Thanks.

 

[M1A1]

Are these just for general lighting or do you need them to grow plants or coral?

 

[fishdance]

I would borrow a small 2.5 foot deep tank that can be raised - lowered under your existing lights if you don't want to buy some trial lights.

I've got 50 watt LED floodlights on a 2m deep tank if that helps. No plants, some shade zones and I can increase intensity with additional lights close by - turn on or off (remotely) as I need.

 

[Crazylegs78]

I use 25w RGB floods in my fishroom on everything from 40B's to a 210g. On full brightness they are plenty for viewing fish in the 210g that's 30" deep. I would think 25-50w would be good for you, depending on if you want to grow plants or not. You should also get the adjustable brightness version if you can.

 

[Abyss]

Are these just for general lighting or do you need them to grow plants or coral?

Just fish. I have monsters in there right now (Silver arrowana, Silver Dollars, Giraffe Catfish and the like). Plan is to go coldwater fancy golfish when they all die out in 10-15 years (I have had all these fish since 2017, and haven't bought any fish for 4 years).

 

[Abyss]

I use 25w RGB floods in my fishroom on everything from 40B's to a 210g. On full brightness they are plenty for viewing fish in the 210g that's 30" deep. I would think 25-50w would be good for you, depending on if you want to grow plants or not. You should also get the adjustable brightness version if you can.

Thanks, yes. The lights I linked to (the ones I have around my house) are fully adjustable in brightness and colour. They are absolutely fantastic, a local store stock them locally to me at good prices. They do them in 10, 20, 30, 50w. I have the 20w outside, they do seem very bright, I think that would be enough - there are no plants now, but in the very distant future, I'd probably go for something low key like anubias - so 20W would probably be best for me.

 

[M1A1]

That sounds reasonable. You can always upgrade or add more if needed down the road.