Enough light?

aysnow · 03/30/2011, 08:18 AM

Currently have a 75 gallon aquarium setup with about 100lbs of lr. I would like to grow all types of coral so my question is how much lighting do I need. My current setup is 4 55watt power compacts and 2 55watt actinic. I would really like to run LEDs but the price scares me. Also thinking about MH but the heat they give off is also a concern. Any and all advice is much appreciated

Thanks Brad

nanojg · 03/30/2011, 08:22 AM

IMO water quality and flow are more important than light for most corals. I would switch out the pc's next time they are due for new bulbs. You can go MH, LED, t5 they will all work great. What is your budget?

DIY LEDs will be the cheapest route in the long run and allow for more flexability than other light sources.

aysnow · 03/30/2011, 08:33 AM

my budget is very flexible but that docent mean I want to spend alot if I don't have to lol.
I know LEDs are still fairly new and very expensive. I priced out LEDs and it would cost me around $1200 for the setup I need. As fat as DIY led I never really considered it, due to knowing nothing about them and afraid I would spend the money and end up making a shitty fixture :-/. I'm going to replace all my bulbs Friday and see how that works. I'm just looking for opinions on what's best for the size tank.

Thanks Brad

nanojg · 03/30/2011, 08:44 AM

DIY Leds are very easy, i did them with no previous soldering or electrical experience. You could retrofit your existing pc fixtures with leds for under $500. How much do new bulbs cost? You will save that every year for the next 5 years at least.

You could also get a nice t5 fixture for 500 or less.

IMO PC's are a waste of money. I dont like the color or the output. Have you bought the bulbs yet?

aysnow · 03/30/2011, 08:51 AM

Nah not yet. I priced bulbs and it's going to be over $250 for all.

mike_cmu04 · 03/30/2011, 09:00 AM

48 led's over your tank will be way more light than what you will have and will cost under $500. That is the route i would go.

aysnow · 03/30/2011, 09:07 AM

Thanks mike. Any brand/model you recommend?

robsk · 03/30/2011, 10:50 AM

I also run a 75 gallon tank. I use 2 x 175w in my canopy. That tank is 18 inches in depth and the 175's work fine and generate less heat than higher watts. Of course, add a fan or two so that air can flow. IMO, halides are the way to go (at least for the moment) when trying to do various corals.

03/30/2011, 08:18 AM	#1
aysnow Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 174	Enough light? Currently have a 75 gallon aquarium setup with about 100lbs of lr. I would like to grow all types of coral so my question is how much lighting do I need. My current setup is 4 55watt power compacts and 2 55watt actinic. I would really like to run LEDs but the price scares me. Also thinking about MH but the heat they give off is also a concern. Any and all advice is much appreciated Thanks Brad

03/30/2011, 09:00 AM	#6
mike_cmu04 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shepherd, Mi Posts: 2,348	48 led's over your tank will be way more light than what you will have and will cost under $500. That is the route i would go. __________________ 92 Gallon corner tank, 2-radion gen 2 led lights, 2 mp40's Current Tank Info: 92 Gallon Corner Tank

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03/30/2011, 08:22 AM	#2
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	IMO water quality and flow are more important than light for most corals. I would switch out the pc's next time they are due for new bulbs. You can go MH, LED, t5 they will all work great. What is your budget? DIY LEDs will be the cheapest route in the long run and allow for more flexability than other light sources.

03/30/2011, 08:33 AM	#3
aysnow Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 174	my budget is very flexible but that docent mean I want to spend alot if I don't have to lol. I know LEDs are still fairly new and very expensive. I priced out LEDs and it would cost me around $1200 for the setup I need. As fat as DIY led I never really considered it, due to knowing nothing about them and afraid I would spend the money and end up making a shitty fixture :-/. I'm going to replace all my bulbs Friday and see how that works. I'm just looking for opinions on what's best for the size tank. Thanks Brad

03/30/2011, 08:44 AM	#4
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	DIY Leds are very easy, i did them with no previous soldering or electrical experience. You could retrofit your existing pc fixtures with leds for under $500. How much do new bulbs cost? You will save that every year for the next 5 years at least. You could also get a nice t5 fixture for 500 or less. IMO PC's are a waste of money. I dont like the color or the output. Have you bought the bulbs yet?

03/30/2011, 08:51 AM	#5
aysnow Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 174	Nah not yet. I priced bulbs and it's going to be over $250 for all.

03/30/2011, 09:07 AM	#7
aysnow Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 174	Thanks mike. Any brand/model you recommend?

03/30/2011, 10:50 AM	#8
robsk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 132	I also run a 75 gallon tank. I use 2 x 175w in my canopy. That tank is 18 inches in depth and the 175's work fine and generate less heat than higher watts. Of course, add a fan or two so that air can flow. IMO, halides are the way to go (at least for the moment) when trying to do various corals.