what kind of light to use

Somker · 08/04/2012, 08:53 AM

hey every one i was wondering what type of light to use. i was considering either 4 or 6 bulb t5ho, but im undecided. i do want to do corals down the road haven't decided what type of corals to use. iv also been looking into building an led light. was wondering if any one had any suggestions as to what to use for lighting.

Dave Thebrewguy · 08/04/2012, 10:18 AM

What size tank?

jerpa · 08/04/2012, 11:52 AM

Without knowing the size of your tank I can't recommend anything specific. What I will say is that MH, T5, and LED can all effectively grow all kinds of coral. They all do have aesthetic differences though. I would first go see as many tanks as you can running different kinds of lighting. Once you've decided what you think looks best we can direct you to fixtures that will match the critters your trying to keep. As long as you give us your tank dimensions that is.

Holyhands22 · 08/04/2012, 01:02 PM

instead of creating a new thread i just decided to post my question here. I have a 30 gal. 30 1/4x 12 1/2x 18 3/4 I have a basic flourescent bulb now i want to do mushrooms, star polyps, and a carpet anenome for my Black Onyx true Percua cLown. Is there any specific lights i should use. Ive been researching T5 HO. Is there something different/better i should use instead.

Somker · 08/04/2012, 07:10 PM

My fault sorry. tanks 36*18*24. 2 corner overflows and a sump under the tank. im thinking soft corals. maybe hard corals depending on the difficulty. possibly some anenomies. and a couple clown fish. dont no yet. its all up in the air. really need to decide on a light then move on.

Somker · 08/07/2012, 08:07 AM

can any one shed light on power compact florescent. aside from the bulbs are really expensive.

alton · 08/07/2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somker

can any one shed light on power compact florescent. aside from the bulbs are really expensive.

Lamps are made in China and last about 8 months, reflectors suck, and the biggest reason is they are expensive like you stated.

Mmiller40gt · 08/07/2012, 12:03 PM

Metal halide all the way. Still the proven results leader. Plus used setup are cheap these days

Somker · 08/07/2012, 03:27 PM

kk then i will pass on the CFL light. im thinking 4 t5hos and 2 halides. tanks 36 wide.

Somker · 08/07/2012, 08:10 PM

my local store has a t5 ho with 2 led bulbs and 2 halide lights made by iced cap. the halide ballasts need to be replaced. there 250 watt fixtures. he wants 100 for the fixture only thing is its 48 inch long would this work on my 36 inch tank. or should i pass.

08/04/2012, 08:53 AM	#1
Somker Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 55	what kind of light to use hey every one i was wondering what type of light to use. i was considering either 4 or 6 bulb t5ho, but im undecided. i do want to do corals down the road haven't decided what type of corals to use. iv also been looking into building an led light. was wondering if any one had any suggestions as to what to use for lighting.

08/04/2012, 11:52 AM	#3
jerpa Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,174	Without knowing the size of your tank I can't recommend anything specific. What I will say is that MH, T5, and LED can all effectively grow all kinds of coral. They all do have aesthetic differences though. I would first go see as many tanks as you can running different kinds of lighting. Once you've decided what you think looks best we can direct you to fixtures that will match the critters your trying to keep. As long as you give us your tank dimensions that is. __________________ Jer Current Tank Info: 40b basement sump, 40b refugium, 30g frag

08/04/2012, 10:18 AM	#2
Dave Thebrewguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 489	What size tank?

08/04/2012, 01:02 PM	#4
Holyhands22 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Baltimore,md Posts: 152	instead of creating a new thread i just decided to post my question here. I have a 30 gal. 30 1/4x 12 1/2x 18 3/4 I have a basic flourescent bulb now i want to do mushrooms, star polyps, and a carpet anenome for my Black Onyx true Percua cLown. Is there any specific lights i should use. Ive been researching T5 HO. Is there something different/better i should use instead.

08/04/2012, 07:10 PM	#5
Somker Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 55	My fault sorry. tanks 361824. 2 corner overflows and a sump under the tank. im thinking soft corals. maybe hard corals depending on the difficulty. possibly some anenomies. and a couple clown fish. dont no yet. its all up in the air. really need to decide on a light then move on.

08/07/2012, 08:07 AM	#6
Somker Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 55	can any one shed light on power compact florescent. aside from the bulbs are really expensive.

08/07/2012, 12:03 PM	#8
Mmiller40gt arrogant reefer Join Date: May 2012 Location: N Texas Posts: 687	Metal halide all the way. Still the proven results leader. Plus used setup are cheap these days

08/07/2012, 03:27 PM	#9
Somker Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 55	kk then i will pass on the CFL light. im thinking 4 t5hos and 2 halides. tanks 36 wide.

08/07/2012, 08:10 PM	#10
Somker Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 55	my local store has a t5 ho with 2 led bulbs and 2 halide lights made by iced cap. the halide ballasts need to be replaced. there 250 watt fixtures. he wants 100 for the fixture only thing is its 48 inch long would this work on my 36 inch tank. or should i pass.