Lighting a FOWLR

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Fishnthecorner, Dec 25, 2011.

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  1. Fishnthecorner

    Fishnthecorner Flamingo Tongue

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    I have a (4) bulb 48" fixture, that I used to use for plants. I want to light up my future 235 30" deep tank... What bulbs do you guys recommend to light up the fish nicely. (no corals)
     
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 25, 2011
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 25, 2011
    #1

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  2. PierceEye

    PierceEye Aiptasia Anemone

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    What are the dimensions of the new tank?

    What type of fixture is your 48 T5's?

    What is your budget for the new lights?
     
    PierceEye, Dec 25, 2011
    PierceEye, Dec 25, 2011
    #2
  3. schackmel

    schackmel Giant Squid

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    for FOWLR you just need light for you. I used a 2 bulb T5 on my 75g and worked well, Hardest part of FOWLR tank is the algea because lack of clean up crew (depending on fish you have) so just make sure you have new bulbs
     
    schackmel, Dec 25, 2011
    schackmel, Dec 25, 2011
    #3
  4. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

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    if you really want to get into choosing the bulbs, you have to factor in the colors of the fish you will purchase and such. some bulbs ring out warmer colors like reds and yellows whereas other bring out blues and greens.

    but as stated its only a fowlr and lighting is really not that important at all.
     
    chelseagrin, Dec 25, 2011
    chelseagrin, Dec 25, 2011
    #4
  5. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    It doesn't really matter to much. I would just stay away from the color spectrum that promote algae growth.
     
    sticksmith23, Dec 25, 2011
    sticksmith23, Dec 25, 2011
    #5
  6. Fishnthecorner

    Fishnthecorner Flamingo Tongue

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    The dimensions are 48"x48"x30"deep Corner bow front 235gallon
    Not sure what type of fixture, but I am pretty sure it is plenty bright. It's 1' waide, 4' long, four bulbs...
    My budget is whatever it takes to make it look beautiful!
     
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 25, 2011
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 25, 2011
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  7. Fishnthecorner

    Fishnthecorner Flamingo Tongue

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    What color spectrum promotes algae growth?
     
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 25, 2011
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 25, 2011
    #7
  8. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    I think you want to stay about 10,000k, but I will get back to you on that one for sure. I don't want to tell you the wrong thing. ;D
     
    sticksmith23, Dec 25, 2011
    sticksmith23, Dec 25, 2011
    #8
  9. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    You need to know if it's a standard output T5 or T5HO. A lot of T5 plant and FW fixtures are SO. The wattage should be on the bulbs if nowhere else. 48" T5SO=28W; 48" T5HO=54W.

    While that won't really matter for a FOWLR tank, it will determine what bulbs are available. You'll also need the correct wattage for them to work. :)
     
    Mr. Bill, Dec 26, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Dec 26, 2011
    #9
  10. Fishnthecorner

    Fishnthecorner Flamingo Tongue

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    oh ok. Yes, they are 54 watt HO
     
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 26, 2011
    Fishnthecorner, Dec 26, 2011
    #10