Coralife Aqualite T5

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by brew0688, Feb 3, 2011.

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  1. brew0688

    brew0688 Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2010
    Messages:
    313
    Location:
    Florida
    Hi everyone.

    I've had my first tank up and running for a year now. It's a FOWLR, 29 gallon. I've been using a Coralife Aqualite Compact to light it, which I've loved. It was affordable, and hasn't given me too many issues.

    I'm starting a 75 gallon tank within the next two months. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.

    I'm not in a rush, and I want to make the right decision from the start. All I want in the tank are my fish, an anemone (which I have been promising to my clowns:p) and some soft corals. I'm not getting into clams, or anything that requires a tremendous amount of lighting. I love the shimmer of MH, but they're expensive, and I can't handle them generating heat.

    Would this light be sufficient for my intentions guys? Obviously the 48" model.


    Coralife Lunar Aqualight T5 Lamp High Output Fixture Reviews

    Any other recommendations? I also like the look of this, and it has decent reviews:

    http://www.marinedepot.com/Sunlight...Sunlight_Supply_Inc-SL2111-FILTFIT54U-vi.html

    Thanks in advance.
     
    brew0688, Feb 3, 2011
    brew0688, Feb 3, 2011
    #1

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  2. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2009
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    Location:
    shenzhen Guangdong PRC
    If i where given the choice between those 2 fixtures

    I would choose the slightly more expensive TEK canopy on the 2nd link

    you would need to purchase the legs for it seperately if you do not want to suspend it from the ceiling

    but IMHO the TEK unit has a better reputation across the boards than the Coralife unit

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Feb 3, 2011
    steve wright, Feb 3, 2011
    #2
  3. trijam

    trijam Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2010
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    Location:
    Hamilton, ON Canada
    That would be fine for fish and some softies but anemone need high light maybe look at a 6 bulb unit. Otherwise you may end up with a wandering anemone that could end up stinging your other corals or worse in your powerheads. JMHO;)
     
    trijam, Feb 3, 2011
    trijam, Feb 3, 2011
    #3
  4. tattooedsoul87

    tattooedsoul87 Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2010
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    Location:
    Phx, AZ
    id agree with looking into a 6 bulb as well. i only wanted a fowlr at first so i got a 2 bulb t5 ho fixture then i started getting into soft coral, then i started getting lps and a derasa clam so i had to get another 2 bulb fixture, so now i have 2 fixtures over my tank when i should have just went with a 6 bulb in the beginning because now im getting more interested in sps. you may never get into high light demanding coral, but i noticed alot of people always start out with just wanting softies and then slowly convert. just something to think about so hope this helps
     
    tattooedsoul87, Feb 3, 2011
    tattooedsoul87, Feb 3, 2011
    #4