Any suggestions on lighting for a 55?

FishAddict87 · 03/26/2013, 03:56 PM

I have currently just got into corals in my tank and I am planning on keeping mostly softies and some LPS. I have a few corals currently and they seem happy. I have T8's running right now that are 9500K 15W. I have been doing alot of research on lighting because I want something brighter and something that will help the colors pop and help coral growth as well. I really want LEDs but I cant find anything that is reasonably priced. I dont wanna spend more than $400 on a fixture for my tank and alot of LEDs requre you to buy two fixtures. I want one 48" fixture for around the $400 limit. I am considering T5s but I dont want anything that is going to make the electric bill sky rocket. I hope you guys can help with some suggestions. I was looking into DIY leds but they are expensive as well. I kind of want a plug in and enjoy type of thing. Thanks in advance

FishAddict87 · 03/28/2013, 06:15 PM

bump?

Rustafar · 03/28/2013, 06:18 PM

A 48" 4 bulb T5 fixture will do you.

Michigan Mike · 03/28/2013, 07:18 PM

4x54w T5HO or 2x150w halides.
This is my suggestions.
The halides would be awesome if used with a couple T5 (blue & purple) or VHO (actinic).

I suggest a good T5HO fixture like ATI or at least a TEK fixture, you can find them used, also used halides are super cheap to buy used.

FishAddict87 · 03/29/2013, 10:49 AM

Wouldnt halides cause too much heat? and which would be more energy efficient? Halides or T8s? I might just go with a 4 bulb T8 fixture and add a stunner strip or two for the shimmer that leds give. Thanks much for the help

03/26/2013, 03:56 PM	#1
FishAddict87 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NY Posts: 412	Any suggestions on lighting for a 55? I have currently just got into corals in my tank and I am planning on keeping mostly softies and some LPS. I have a few corals currently and they seem happy. I have T8's running right now that are 9500K 15W. I have been doing alot of research on lighting because I want something brighter and something that will help the colors pop and help coral growth as well. I really want LEDs but I cant find anything that is reasonably priced. I dont wanna spend more than $400 on a fixture for my tank and alot of LEDs requre you to buy two fixtures. I want one 48" fixture for around the $400 limit. I am considering T5s but I dont want anything that is going to make the electric bill sky rocket. I hope you guys can help with some suggestions. I was looking into DIY leds but they are expensive as well. I kind of want a plug in and enjoy type of thing. Thanks in advance __________________ 90 gallon Softie LPS Current Tank Info: 90 full reef

03/28/2013, 06:15 PM	#2
FishAddict87 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NY Posts: 412	bump? __________________ 90 gallon Softie LPS Current Tank Info: 90 full reef

03/29/2013, 10:49 AM	#5
FishAddict87 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NY Posts: 412	Wouldnt halides cause too much heat? and which would be more energy efficient? Halides or T8s? I might just go with a 4 bulb T8 fixture and add a stunner strip or two for the shimmer that leds give. Thanks much for the help __________________ 90 gallon Softie LPS Current Tank Info: 90 full reef

03/28/2013, 06:18 PM	#3
Rustafar Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida. Posts: 270	A 48" 4 bulb T5 fixture will do you.

03/28/2013, 07:18 PM	#4
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	4x54w T5HO or 2x150w halides. This is my suggestions. The halides would be awesome if used with a couple T5 (blue & purple) or VHO (actinic). I suggest a good T5HO fixture like ATI or at least a TEK fixture, you can find them used, also used halides are super cheap to buy used.