Help me understand LED light vs Gallons

[SovangW]

I am going to make a 15g cube tank to start off my Nano Reef. I do not understand these LED lighting systems. All I can get from what I read is that they are very effective. I used to have a planted tank setup, I knew that wattage per gallon needed to be calculated in comparison to what plants I had...

My question is: How do I determine what LED lighting system I need for my tank?

15" 3/16 X 15" 3/16 X 15" 3/16 will be the dimensions if that makes any difference to the lighting.

Thank You All

 

[d2mini]

I would just go by what the manufacturer says (if going with off the shelf lighting).
For instance, Ecotech specifies that each radion is good for a 24x24x24 area.

 

[kbuser92]

Listen to Dennis, lol. +1

 

[Northstar24]

For a tank that size, I would look into the Kessil units or Par38's

'Watts per gallon' is a very ineffective way of measuring things, all lighting is not created equal

Take a look at this sticky

https://www.livingreefs.com/lighting-101-a-t41427.html