Lights for 90gal?

Anyone know of any good T5 lighting systems that will support corals in the 200-250 dollar range. I know it's not much to work with but as I'm only 13 and mowing lawns for money... Well, I'm on a budget.

 

Best advice i can give here, is to research. Look for a fixture with individual reflectors, and in a 90 id go 6 bulb. Look at TEK fixtures. There like 300 and change, but your gonna have a nice light.

Also remember your gonna wanna put new bulbs in it. ATI bulb are great. But at 20 bux a pop thats over 120 in bulbs a year. (your gonna have to replace em annually as they lose intensity. so your looking at 450 ish to start it up.

 

check your local reef forums for some used lighting options can get a nice fixture on the cheap and follow the advice above if you plan on having SPS, LPS. if you just want softies a 4 bulb would be fine.

 

Thanks, you guys were a lot of help;D

 

A good 4 bulb system will take care of you, just make sure is has individual reflectors or at least ones that are formed and go half way around the bulbs.

 

For the money you should just go LEDs. You don’t have to change the bulb every year, thats money saved in your pocket and it’s easier on the elec bill in turn making the parent happier. Win win in my book. Then ask them to up your allowance because you are thinking of ways to save them money

 

That being said what are some good brands of bulbs (I know ATI are)? And where is the best site to purchase them from? Also I was looking at TEK fixtures(very nice and mostly in my price range), and could I effectively use a 36", 6 bulb fixture running at 39 watts each instead of he 48", which is like $80 more

 

It thought about the whole LED thing (and actually i like he look a little bit more) but from what I'm reading they don't support corals as well and are REALLY expensive
(sorry that was totally off topic but felt compelled to say it)

 

You will get better coral growth from led. and more expensive to inital purchase. but more energy efficent, and you wont spend 100$ a year on bulbs.

get these 2X1PCS Free shipping New Dimmable 120w led aquarium light for marine coral reef | eBay

ton of people on here are starting to use these with reports of great coral growth! they are dimming. 2 would be perfect for a 90 gal. just save up another $100 and you will be set for life on lights.

 

++ 1 agreed