Lighting Suggestions

Hey all, I am thinking about upgrading my lights from Power Compaqs to something better. I have a 90 gallon, 48x18x24, and am interested in keeping Softies and LPS. Anybody have any suggestions?

 

what do you want to spend? That will help narrow it down.

 

I was looking at maybe $400. I like the idea of LED's but don't need a real extravagant system. What do you think of these, will they get the job done or are they crap? Marineland Reef Capable LED Light - 48 in. to 60 in. | ThatPetPlace.com

Or am I better off going T5?

 

That fixture should be fine for your intended use. Not sure for future expansion to SPS though. You could spend less on a T5HO unit but in the end will spend as much or most likely more after bulb replacement and electricity usage on the T5HO over the life of the LED.

 

for t5 lights you should get either coralife lunar fixture or aquatic Life t5 and lunar fixture

 

I have a brand new Coralife Lunar fixture (4 t5 - 2 moon light) sitting on my build which is not complete yet so I can't comment on how it's working but it's a nice piece. It sits about 2.5" from the top of the tank so I'm already thinking I may have to build a canopy (or at least a faux 3 sided one) so I don't get blasted with light while sitting on my couch...

 

I am still in the process of convincing my wife to let me change out the lights and the future cost argument is the one I am banking on. That's why I was hoping to find a less expensive LED fixture.

 

I would stay clear of the MarineLand fixture that you mentioned above if considering LED's. I have read some negative reviews about the PAR / lumen level with that fixture. It might be ok with softies, but I am not sure how LPS would survive with that fixture in you 90 gallon (I'm assuming it's a traditional 24 inch high tank). If you are a DIY person, you might consider doing a rapidled build. You can buy the 48 Ultra Premium LED kit for around $150 or so more than the marineland fixture mentioned ($385 for the kit, and another $100-$150 or so for the heatsinks + fans). This would allow you to keep softies, LPS, and some SPS.
For T5 lighting, the aquaticlife is a great fixture if you are also wanting lunar lights, otherwise, I'd consider the TEK fixture. Make sure if going with T5, to buy some good bulbs (ATI / Geismann bulbs are great choices). If you really are only considering a softy / LPS tank, then a 4 bulb fixture will be fine (you "may" be able to keep some SPS at the top of the tank). If you choose a 6 bulb fixture, you open your option up for SPS as well.
Hope this helps.