Lighting for a 55g reef

The tank is not set up yet. As you can see in my signature, I'm still in the process.

What do you think of this light? It's the Coralife Luner Aqualights Compact Florescent Strip Lights. It uses high output t-5's.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12109

 

It uses power compact bulbs, which usally are t5 sized bulbs but really arent the same thing. those bulbs need changing out every 6-8 months. get a true t5ho unit. this one is perfect for your 4' wide 55g tank. you can also add ebay lunar lights afterwards for cheap.

Aquarium Lighting for Freshwater and Reef Systems: Nova Extreme Compact SLR T-5 Fixtures

48" x 8" Saltwater; 216 watt, CD-36005
$264.99 $211.99


there's another thread that shows before and after pics with this unit.. I'll see if I can find it.

 

in this thread fish_newb had a power compact fixture for his tank, and upgrade to nova slr 4x54w t5 unit.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/plenty-light-60-gallon-83618.html

stock t5 bulbs will last you up to a 12months. but if money is available soon, buy 2 ati-blue plus bulbs and 2 12k-14k bulbs... ATI, Geissman, UVL have the best t5 bulbs.

if you like a bluer tank, use 3 ati blue+ bulbs and maybe a fiji purple or aquablue.

bulbs are at ReefGeek > Aquarium Supplies for Marine, Reef, and Saltwater Aquariums

 

You should also look at the nova extreme pros from marine depot I got a really good deal on a 48" 6 bulb fixture for 330 just an idea.

 

abk?

Cool. Thanks. I see it is recommended by lots of people. This is quite a bit less expensive too. Is this sufficient for soft corals and polyps? Do I need a special lid for this or does it have legs to rest on the tank?

 

Sorry. This is a really great fixture. Though it is certainly out of my reach as far as cost.

 

I like the look of the white light, but actinic lighting for dawn/dusk.

Does this light you first recommended have separate power cords for almost all-day lighting.(Day lighting + Dawn/Dusk)

By this i Mean independent power control.

 

from what I see the 4 bulb model has 2 switches and 2 power cords. so you can go buy to $5 brink 15amp timers from walmart to run dual light cycles. call dr fostersmith to confirm before buying. but it says so under the "more information tab"

 

you'll be able to grow softies/polyps and lps. sps coral if you can get them high up in the tank. single light reflectors help.

 

I read up on it. The 216w has 3 cords. and 4 bulbs (2-54w, 10,000k + 2-54w 460 nm actinics). When I can afford it I'll change these out for ATI, Giesman, Kz, GE, and/or UVL brand bulbs.