Lighting Options (changing my tank)

need4reef · 02/16/2011, 06:10 PM

Hi All,

I am changing my 155G from Reef to FOWLR. I will be getting rid of the 750 watts of MH lighting and chiller.

What kind of lighting are you guys using these days on a FOWLR tank that size?

I am looking at T5 fixtures, and they are expensive.

Thanks in advance!

N4R

Reefnut2010 · 02/16/2011, 07:00 PM

T5s is your best bet on a FOWLR tank.

need4reef · 02/16/2011, 07:45 PM

Thanks!

I am looking at LED kits as well.

In looking into this more, it seems like I would not need to have a T5 fixture for the entire length of my tank. I have read that some are using fixture lengths of 48'' for a 72'' tank. Anyone have any photos of this kind of setup?

Acrotrdco · 02/16/2011, 08:07 PM

What's the dimension of your tank?

need4reef · 02/16/2011, 08:16 PM

Roughly 72 across x 22 tall x 18 deep, bowfront.

I am well versed in reef lighting, but have never done FOWLR before.

I really don't want to spend $500 on lighting and I have an electronics background, so there has to be an alternative to a 72'' long T5.

need4reef · 02/18/2011, 07:56 PM

/\
l

EllisJuan · 02/19/2011, 01:30 AM

It really depends on if you like the shimmer effect. The T5s will be the cheapest and get the job done fine. If you want the shimmer you could always buy a few Par38 LED bulbs or even 3 150w MH...

need4reef · 02/19/2011, 07:06 AM

Thanks for the input EllisJuan.

I do like the shimmer. I am looking to get away from MH all together.

I have been looking at a few LED DIY threads. I maybe going with LED.

I can finally get rin of my chiller!

Acrotrdco · 02/19/2011, 11:46 AM

Yeah try DIY LED fixture, I'm sure you'd like it.

I've tried to DIY mine when I started my project, but ended up didn't have the time.

TheFishMan65 · 02/19/2011, 01:56 PM

For a FOWLR figure 72 LEDs. Low end pricing $300 in LEDs. $150 for drivers. U channel for HD will add a few more $$.

need4reef · 02/20/2011, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFishMan65

For a FOWLR figure 72 LEDs. Low end pricing $300 in LEDs. $150 for drivers. U channel for HD will add a few more $$.

Thanks for the info!

What is the U channel and HD?

TheFishMan65 · 02/20/2011, 02:21 PM

In the hardware section you can get different patterns for 8 foot lenths of aluminum. Bar, L shaped or U shaped, or square. The U is the best for heat exchange wih LEDs.

02/16/2011, 06:10 PM	#1
need4reef Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 301	Lighting Options (changing my tank) Hi All, I am changing my 155G from Reef to FOWLR. I will be getting rid of the 750 watts of MH lighting and chiller. What kind of lighting are you guys using these days on a FOWLR tank that size? I am looking at T5 fixtures, and they are expensive. Thanks in advance! N4R

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02/16/2011, 07:00 PM	#2
Reefnut2010 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Gabriel Valley, Ca Posts: 427	T5s is your best bet on a FOWLR tank.

02/16/2011, 07:45 PM	#3
need4reef Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 301	Thanks! I am looking at LED kits as well. In looking into this more, it seems like I would not need to have a T5 fixture for the entire length of my tank. I have read that some are using fixture lengths of 48'' for a 72'' tank. Anyone have any photos of this kind of setup?

02/16/2011, 08:07 PM	#4
Acrotrdco Moved On Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 708	What's the dimension of your tank?

02/16/2011, 08:16 PM	#5
need4reef Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 301	Roughly 72 across x 22 tall x 18 deep, bowfront. I am well versed in reef lighting, but have never done FOWLR before. I really don't want to spend $500 on lighting and I have an electronics background, so there has to be an alternative to a 72'' long T5.

02/18/2011, 07:56 PM	#6
need4reef Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 301	/\ l

02/19/2011, 01:30 AM	#7
EllisJuan Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 1,366	It really depends on if you like the shimmer effect. The T5s will be the cheapest and get the job done fine. If you want the shimmer you could always buy a few Par38 LED bulbs or even 3 150w MH...

02/19/2011, 07:06 AM	#8
need4reef Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 301	Thanks for the input EllisJuan. I do like the shimmer. I am looking to get away from MH all together. I have been looking at a few LED DIY threads. I maybe going with LED. I can finally get rin of my chiller!

02/19/2011, 11:46 AM	#9
Acrotrdco Moved On Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 708	Yeah try DIY LED fixture, I'm sure you'd like it. I've tried to DIY mine when I started my project, but ended up didn't have the time.

02/19/2011, 01:56 PM	#10
TheFishMan65 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,618	For a FOWLR figure 72 LEDs. Low end pricing $300 in LEDs. $150 for drivers. U channel for HD will add a few more $$.

02/20/2011, 02:21 PM	#12
TheFishMan65 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,618	In the hardware section you can get different patterns for 8 foot lenths of aluminum. Bar, L shaped or U shaped, or square. The U is the best for heat exchange wih LEDs.