LED Lighting for Nuvo 20

robotrash · 01/28/2019, 07:16 PM

Hey all, I've been out of the hobby for almost 10 years but I'm ready to start up a small saltwater tank. I got the Nuvo 20 and love the shape and size. I think it'll be the perfect tank to get back in with. As for lighting, I've been looking at going black box in order to keep the setup simple and relatively inexpensive in order to focus on the stocking.

I'm looking specifically at the Lightimetunnel 165W with the nice scheduling and multi channel support via Wifi.

I'm curious about whether one of these will be appropriate for this tank (not overkill) and what is the recommended height you all think I should have it at over the water. I was thinking somewhere around 10" based on what I've seen around but I'm not 100% sure.

Thanks for any advice you all can offer!

RobSpeed13 · 01/31/2019, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robotrash

Hey all, I've been out of the hobby for almost 10 years but I'm ready to start up a small saltwater tank. I got the Nuvo 20 and love the shape and size. I think it'll be the perfect tank to get back in with. As for lighting, I've been looking at going black box in order to keep the setup simple and relatively inexpensive in order to focus on the stocking.

I'm looking specifically at the Lightimetunnel 165W with the nice scheduling and multi channel support via Wifi.

I'm curious about whether one of these will be appropriate for this tank (not overkill) and what is the recommended height you all think I should have it at over the water. I was thinking somewhere around 10" based on what I've seen around but I'm not 100% sure.

Thanks for any advice you all can offer!

usually what i see happen is people will go cheap, then wish they upgraded. nothing against the black box. it'll do the job, but you would be better off saving and getting something better. the lens on a black box have a more narrow degree and you'll want the light higher for better spread. most ive read using this light raise it up from 12-18" above the tank for a nice even spread. i have my hydra 26hd 10" above the water for my nuvo 20 and have a nice amount of spread. but then again my lenses are 80deg i believe. think the black boxes were 60. someone else would have to chime in for that one.

will a black box work, yes it will though 10" might be too close to the water surface.

Uncle99 · 01/31/2019, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobSpeed13

usually what i see happen is people will go cheap, then wish they upgraded. nothing against the black box. it'll do the job, but you would be better off saving and getting something better. the lens on a black box have a more narrow degree and you'll want the light higher for better spread. most ive read using this light raise it up from 12-18" above the tank for a nice even spread. i have my hydra 26hd 10" above the water for my nuvo 20 and have a nice amount of spread. but then again my lenses are 80deg i believe. think the black boxes were 60. someone else would have to chime in for that one.

will a black box work, yes it will though 10" might be too close to the water surface.

Agreed, I run CCB's, I need to be 14" for top of water for a DT 18" deep.
Will grow anything.

robotrash · 01/31/2019, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle99

Agreed, I run CCB's, I need to be 14" for top of water for a DT 18" deep.

Will grow anything.

Looks nice! I'll keep that in mind then - thank you! Which boxes are you running?

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Uncle99 · 02/01/2019, 07:19 AM

VISPARSPECTRA 165w x 2 - 150 cdn (so cheaper in US)
Amazon delivered!

robotrash · 02/01/2019, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle99

VISPARSPECTRA 165w x 2 - 150 cdn (so cheaper in US)
Amazon delivered!

Those are the ones I had originally on my list but the automation options on the Lightimetunnels is attractive. Is there any automation options on the vispar?

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Uncle99 · 02/02/2019, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robotrash

Those are the ones I had originally on my list but the automation options on the Lightimetunnels is attractive. Is there any automation options on the vispar?

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Nope, no special effects, no software, just a well made light, super quiet fans, 2 channels with intensity, automatic on/timer....simple but effective.

My fish don't care much for the lighting storm effect...just toys for boys...corals want light!

You can see by the pics they are quite capable of growing corals.

01/28/2019, 07:16 PM	#1
robotrash Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 18	LED Lighting for Nuvo 20 Hey all, I've been out of the hobby for almost 10 years but I'm ready to start up a small saltwater tank. I got the Nuvo 20 and love the shape and size. I think it'll be the perfect tank to get back in with. As for lighting, I've been looking at going black box in order to keep the setup simple and relatively inexpensive in order to focus on the stocking. I'm looking specifically at the Lightimetunnel 165W with the nice scheduling and multi channel support via Wifi. I'm curious about whether one of these will be appropriate for this tank (not overkill) and what is the recommended height you all think I should have it at over the water. I was thinking somewhere around 10" based on what I've seen around but I'm not 100% sure. Thanks for any advice you all can offer!

02/01/2019, 07:19 AM	#5
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	VISPARSPECTRA 165w x 2 - 150 cdn (so cheaper in US) Amazon delivered!