When I originally set up this tank as a FOLWR, I used this low-intensity LED lighting setup. It had a nice look to it. I have since then added some brighter lighting to keep a little coral.
💡Lesson Learned: Sometimes less is better when it comes to lighting. With my current brighter lighting setup I run it at the lowest setting possible to avoid algae growth. Light and nutrients in the water fuel algae growth. Light is the most limiting factor for algal growth, followed by nitrogen and phosphorus limitations. I always knew this but apparently, I needed to purchase a more intense lighting system to prove it to myself! If you work hard to ensure nutrients in the water are eliminated, such as keeping few or no fish, using very well filtered water to top off, frequent water changes, etc then too much light rarely becomes a problem. This means more maintenance, which I am not interested in as I strive for a very low-maintenance tank.
