Lighting for a 55g tank?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Ladderman155, Apr 20, 2011.

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  1. Ladderman155

    Ladderman155 Astrea Snail

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    Hey guys i finally got the ok from the wife to start a salt tank and was wondering what the best lighting for a reef tank was? I have 2 24" lights.. I rather do it right the first time then do it twice.
     
    Ladderman155, Apr 20, 2011
    Ladderman155, Apr 20, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    How many bulbs in each light? Are they power compact, T8, T12, T5 or T5HO?

    What are your planned corals?
     
    2in10, Apr 20, 2011
    2in10, Apr 20, 2011
    #2
  3. morninwood

    morninwood Bristle Worm

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    It all depends on:
    What you want to grow.
    Price range
    open top or canopy

    Im currently running Hagan T5HoGlos x2 bulb which is fine for most zoa, mushrooms, xenia and some moderate light corals. This costs around 200 for the whole setup. Im planning to add 2-4 more lights to grow some high light corals.

    The best I heard was still 400w halide lights which you might want a canopy for.

    Leds are still overpriced.

    Im guessing the 2x24" lights you currently have came with the tank.
     
    morninwood, Apr 20, 2011
    morninwood, Apr 20, 2011
    #3
  4. Ladderman155

    Ladderman155 Astrea Snail

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    Yeah they came with the tank and i know that when i want to grow corals im going to need to upgrade so i was looking to start now.
     
    Ladderman155, Apr 20, 2011
    Ladderman155, Apr 20, 2011
    #4
  5. benbabcock

    benbabcock Bubble Tip Anemone

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    name some coral you like and how much your willing to spend on the lights that will keep em healthy, id be glad to suggest something!
     
    benbabcock, Apr 20, 2011
    benbabcock, Apr 20, 2011
    #5
  6. Jgut3

    Jgut3 Fire Worm

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    I'd recommend a T5HOx4 or T5HOx6. You wont bust the bank on those two. I have a t5ho 54w x4 with moonlights. Also each light has it own reflector. it works great got it on ebay for $160. Steal lol check around and dont buy junk.
     
    Jgut3, Apr 20, 2011
    Jgut3, Apr 20, 2011
    #6

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  7. xxredxpandaxx

    xxredxpandaxx Coral Banded Shrimp

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    If you have the money I would say LEDS!!!! I love mine but they set me back like $400, only because I built them. If I didn't I don't even want to know what it would have cost me =P check out rapidled.com
     
    xxredxpandaxx, Apr 20, 2011
    xxredxpandaxx, Apr 20, 2011
    #7
  8. Ladderman155

    Ladderman155 Astrea Snail

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    Yeah i was looking for stuff on ebay... I dont want to buy junk trust me!!
     
    Ladderman155, Apr 21, 2011
    Ladderman155, Apr 21, 2011
    #8
  9. Servillius

    Servillius Montipora Digitata

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    Lighting choice includes much that is a matter of taste. I have a 57g tank lit by two Aqua Illumination Sol LED modules and I couldn't be happier with my lights. They look awesome, are easy to program, are cool, and last.

    That said, there are a lot of good choices and picking the best requires first deciding what you like so that you can focus on what "the best" of that type is. On a canopied tank, I think I would get a high quality t5 fixture with as many bulbs as I could squeeze in. In an open top tank, I would either pendant metal halides or LED's.

    Tell us a little about what you want in a light and what you want in a tank and it may be easier to provide input.
     
    Servillius, Apr 21, 2011
    Servillius, Apr 21, 2011
    #9
  10. Jgut3

    Jgut3 Fire Worm

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    Yeah there is a lot of crap on there but if you know what you want you can easily find a great fixture.
     
    Jgut3, Apr 21, 2011
    Jgut3, Apr 21, 2011
    #10
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