Light Fixture

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by DestinX, May 9, 2012.

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  1. DestinX

    DestinX Plankton

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    So I'm thinking about buying a light fixture to finish off the aquarium before I buy live rock and add some fish, however, I want a fixture that I can (down the road) upgrade to coral-worthy lighting.

    Does anyone have any good brands? Any good websites or resources I can check out?

    It's the last puzzle in starting my first tank and I'm trying to best to be patient :D

    Thanks

    (edit: It's a 75gallon tank (saltwater))
     
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
    #1

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  2. Moby Duck

    Moby Duck Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Everyone says metal hallides or led. I have a 4 bulb t5ho set up and will be trying my hand at corals shortly.

    It also greatly depends on the coral you chose like plants for FW some are high lighting and some are not so high.
     
    Moby Duck, May 9, 2012
    Moby Duck, May 9, 2012
    #2
  3. DestinX

    DestinX Plankton

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    Well, it's going to be awhile before I add Corals so the type doesn't necessarily concern me. I seem to be getting a lot of feedback for T5 for my FOWLR tank.
     
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
    #3
  4. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I would go with a 4 bulb T5HO unit with individual reflectors or formed reflectors at a minimum or LED.

    Any brand that meets the requirements I mentioned for the T5HO will do fine.
     
    2in10, May 9, 2012
    2in10, May 9, 2012
    #4
  5. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

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    What size tank are you putting this over? 2in10 is correct, the 4 bulb setup should let you keep most corals as long as the tanks not too deep. For deeper tanks (24"+) MH is the most cost effective solution.
    I prefer pendents myself as they are easier to move from 1 tank to another and I can add or subtract them as needed for larger or smaller setups.
     
    Telgar, May 9, 2012
    Telgar, May 9, 2012
    #5
  6. DestinX

    DestinX Plankton

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    The dimensions of the tank are 48"x24"x12".

    Do you know any good websites to order this fixture. It seems that 4 T5HO would be good for my tank.
     
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
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  7. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

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    try Ebay, in most cases you will want to upgrade the bulbs but since your just starting out the stock bulbs should get you through the first 6 months without any issues.

    your looking for at least a 4 x 54watt fixture

    EBAY 48" light fixtures
     
    Telgar, May 9, 2012
    Telgar, May 9, 2012
    #7
  8. DestinX

    DestinX Plankton

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    Would you recommend a glass hood or is there any problem with just having an open top aquarium
     
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
    DestinX, May 9, 2012
    #8
  9. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

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    I prefer an open top, glass hoods can potentially cause air exchange issues if you dont have enough water surface agitation.
    check out this thread for a great solution to prevent jumpers - you can get DIY kits from BRS and MarineDepot these days
     
    Telgar, May 9, 2012
    Telgar, May 9, 2012
    #9