need 90 gallon lighting recommendations!

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by zackscott20, Nov 12, 2011.

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  1. zackscott20

    zackscott20 Fire Shrimp

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    Me and my friend "stoney waters" are each thinking of getting 90 gallon reef ready aquariums from our lfs. Good deals goin on. Me and him can't decide on lighting. We may possibly put build threads also. But we need recommendations for the lighting.

    Would 6-bulb T5 be good enough? or LEDs? or metal Halides? or maybe something else?

    We just need your help. Thanks!;)
     
    zackscott20, Nov 12, 2011
    zackscott20, Nov 12, 2011
    #1

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  2. ComputerJohn

    ComputerJohn Panda Puffer

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    What are you planning on keeping in coral? I have an Aqua Medic 8x54w T5 fixture with I can grow anything. MH can grow anything as well, but your going to have heat and higher electrical bill. LED are nice, but IMO are still unproven and are very expensive.

    Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using Tapatalk
     
    ComputerJohn, Nov 12, 2011
    ComputerJohn, Nov 12, 2011
    #2
  3. zackscott20

    zackscott20 Fire Shrimp

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    I plan on keeping soft corals, in the meantime i was looking at aquatraders.com , and there lights seem reasonably priced, any opinions on there odyssea lights?
     
    zackscott20, Nov 12, 2011
    zackscott20, Nov 12, 2011
    #3
  4. ComputerJohn

    ComputerJohn Panda Puffer

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    On lighting I wouldn't go cheap to save a few bucks. I would check out the for sale section here. There were a few 48" fixtures for sale.

    Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using Tapatalk
     
    ComputerJohn, Nov 13, 2011
    ComputerJohn, Nov 13, 2011
    #4
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  5. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1 to ^

    You can also look on craigslist or ebay and find some excellent deals on good T5, MH, and T5/MH combos as many SW hobbyists are turning to LEDs.
     
    Mr. Bill, Nov 13, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Nov 13, 2011
    #5
  6. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I found a tek 4 bulb with legs on craigslist for 200 dollars. I will probably just pull the actinics and use 4 ati blue plus bulbs or something similar once I decide to put coral in the tank.
     
    Mobalized, Nov 13, 2011
    Mobalized, Nov 13, 2011
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  7. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

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    Im sure you'd be fine with a 6 bulb fixture. Look at TEK or ATI ones. they are good fixtures and powerful too.
     
    SnooknRedz, Nov 13, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Nov 13, 2011
    #7
  8. zackscott20

    zackscott20 Fire Shrimp

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    It won't let me view the for sale section ???
     
    zackscott20, Nov 13, 2011
    zackscott20, Nov 13, 2011
    #8
  9. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

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    your too new still, its only opened for those who have been around here for a little, im not sure the exact specs on what u need, its some number of posts and/or length of membership here. but with time you will just keep active here,
     
    SnooknRedz, Nov 13, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Nov 13, 2011
    #9
  10. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    You could really go with any one of those lighting types and get great results. The biggest difference is going to be start up cost and maintenance cost. T5 will be the cheapest to start up with followed by halide then LED. Maintenance cost will be cheapest for LED then t5 and lastly halide. Lighting is an investment that will effect the outcome of your tank over the long term, so be sure to research a lot before you buy. Is there a price range you were looking at?

    Michael Rice
    Marine Engineers Aquarium Blog
    Sent from Tapatalk so excuse my poor English
     
    mikejrice, Nov 13, 2011
    mikejrice, Nov 13, 2011
    #10
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