Other Lighting Options

I got my tank setup on the stand today and turned on the strip light that came with the tank and was not impressed with the light. What would you recommend for a 75G FOWLR? I would rather not spend more than $200 for the fixture. I was looking at a Coralife fixture but I would like to hear some feedback first before I decide.

 

Most people go with led set ups but I have a t5ho fixture and does me just fine and the bulbs are cheap ish.

If its a FOWLR I think t5 would be the cheapest option, I think mines coralife but I'm not sure, I got mine from my buddy so il have to look

 

A pretty decent one (t5's + moon leds) can be had new off ebay for pretty cheap.

Check it out, lots of options to choose from

 

IMO any 48" strip light fixture with a good bulb would be just fine. Corallife makes a good one

 

Hey guys I was looking on ebay and found this fixture for 180. Not sure if it is cool to post the link so here are the specs. Seemed like a good deal and the seller has great feedback. Let me know your thoughts.


Package include:

1 x 48" T5 HO Quad Aquarium Lighting fixture with built-in timer.
3 x 54W T5 HO 12000K bulb. (6700K bulb is also available upon request)
3 x 54W T5 HO Actinic bulb. (6700K bulb is also available upon request)
10 x Dual LED moon lights.
Acrylic Anti-splash Guard
4 x Mounting brackets.
Features:
Compact design contains everything you need for a perfect aquarium lighting set up.
324W power output in total.
Built-in timer controls lights setting schedule easily.
Individual power cord controls T5 bulb, Actinic bulb, and LED lights respectively.
Equipped with high efficiency aluminum reflector, non-corrosive powder coated aluminum housing.
Dual LED moon lights provide good performance during night.
Dimensions: 47.5" x 12.5" x 2.5".

 

The quad T5HO is actually suitable for reef lighting. If you think you might want to add corals in the future, or if you just want it because it's a good deal, by all means get it.

FWIW, there's a pretty good selection of bulbs with different color spectrums available for the strip light that you have, so it's not totally useless. Just the stock bulbs leave a lot to be desired IMHO.

 

Doing a little more searching on the net I cam across an Aquatop SkyLED. Anyone heard anything good/bad on these. The fixture contains 462 LEDs and runs about 120. Here are the specs on the light. Let me know your thoughts. Right now I am torn between this one and the one I found on eBay. Kind of leaning toward the led because of the power savings as well as being able to have the shimmering effect in the tank.

462 bright white, blue, red LEDs
Total lumens 16632
Dimensions - 48"L x 3.5"W x 2"H
30% energy savings
Power 28W
Extendable bracket - 51" max length
Non-corrosive powder coated aluminum housing
Acrylic splash guard
Reflector
110V - 60Hz

The white LEDs are rated at 14k
The blue LEDs are rated at 460nm
The red LEDs are rated at 640nm-660nm

Each unit has three ON/OFF switches to independently control the LEDs.