Lighting Questions

Ok, well I went the cheap route when I first got my equipment about 5 months ago. I got a cheap T5 4 bulb light off ebay. It seems to work good but I have nothing to compare it to.
But anyways my question is, I do want to eventually upgrade my lights.
I dont want the best most expensive fixture out there. Just a quality fixture that will last me. What would ya'll recommmend?
Ok next question. Right now I have a 55 gallon aquarium but if I wanted to upgrade to a 75 or 90 gallon, how many bulbs should I get? 4-6-8? I would like a fixture that has multiple switches so I could keep some of the lights off until I upgrade my tank.
I would like to be able to keep most corals.

 

I would go with 6-8 54 watt T-5's and use both actinic and 10000K bulbs for the sbest results!

 

ok thanks but what brand on fixture would you go with?

 

I have a 55gal. and just bought a Tek 6 x 54w fixture. It's not the best fixture, but a quality one and not too expensive. The edges hang over the side of the tank, but the bulb area is only about 11" wide, so it fits nicely. Plus, you can use it when you upgrade.

 

Tek fixtures are one of the best cost to performance fixtures out there AFAIK. I'm using 6 T5's over my 75g, If you go to 8 bulbs I think you're going to end up lighting the tank trim and wasting electricity.

I personally prefer getting a canopy and using retrofit bulbs but that's only possible if you have a canopy.

 

I didn't know if I decided to upgrade to a 90 gallon if it would need the 8 bulb light.

 

The 8 lamp fixture would be great on a 90 with one exception, it will hang over the tank a bit, the reflectors won't but the actual fixture body will hang over a little.
The thing about Teks switches is that they are wired goofy at least in my eyes. One switch lights the front and back lamps, and the other switch lights the remaining lamps, so if you have an 8 lamp one switch will control 6 lamps. If that is fine with you go that route BUT remember you would have no way to mimic dawn/dusk if you so choose to.

On an 18" wide tank I would go with at least 7 lamps unless you try cramming 6 Tek reflectors in there (3") but that way might be cumbersome.

Good luck

 

I will be buying a fixture as I don't have a canopy so it won't be a retrofit kit.

 

Well looks like you need to see what type of upgrade you are planning before purchasing, otherwise you could end up with a fixture collecting dust in your storage....

 

I got my lights from buildyouraquarium.com - Aquarium Lights, Metal Halides, T5 HO Solar Metal, Halide Retro, Retro Fits, Power Compacts aquarium lighting,aquarium light,aquarium lights reef aquarium lighting,marine aquarium lighting,metal halide aquarium lighting,saltwa and am running 6 bulb t-5 over a 55 gallon...I am very pleased with the lights the price was 229.99 free shipping....I wouldnt be shy to get another set if needed I am quite pleased with them...no splash screen but you dont need one any ways and it only cuts down the par value...there good light for the buck.....Just have to wipe salt creep off the bulbs and relfectors weekly...no biggie....
Danny