Need Advice.

I'm putting together a 55g SW (FOWLR) I need advice on lighting.. but looking to go towards LEDS if possible so what LED lights I would need? Brands? etc.. But also wanting to know a base size for a sump I'd need for the 55g too.

Thanks.

 

Amazon.com: TaoTronics New Design LED Aquarium Coral Reef Tank Blue White 2:1 LED Grow Light 212W: Patio, Lawn & Garden that would work good.

 

If the advice was to get into stamp collecting instead, I'm guessing you'd ignore it?

Since none of us ever take the sage advice above, I'll answer your question. My personal experience is that the AI Sol rocks. For a FOWLER, you could probably use one for the 55 and be very happy, just replace all the optics with 70 degree.

 

I dont think the sol is a very reasonable choice for this tank unless you were to get two of them and hang them long ways with the tank. one over each side. they have a 2ft coverage.

They are awesome lights but if you are only going to do a FOWLR then im not sure youd want to spend that much, but if you ever want to go reef then these lights would be perfect.

As for your question on the sump....the biggest you can fit. I had a 55 gallon with a 20 gallon sump, but had to modify the stand a bit to get it to fit.

 

I will not touch LED lighting until the price comes down. I dont really see the benefit of having an LED light vs a T5HO light ( since you are not doing SPS or anything then you do not need MH). The only real upside LED sellers mention is that you save the money because of reducing energy use and not having to replace bulbs, however with the significant price jump with LED it would take many years of bulbs to equal the money spent on the LED fixture.

For FOWLR tank you could prob even go dual bulb T8 orr T5NO fixture, however a dual bulb T5HO would mroe then suffice and save you a lot of money. If however you wants LEDs because you love how they look, for a nonreef tank the marineland doublebright LED fixtures would work

 

the marineland doublebright was the fixture i was going to recommend as well if you want to go LED over a Fowlr.

 

Thanks for all input, I hope to put it all to go use.. The doublebright is what i was looking for. Thanks!

And as for the sump I do have an extra 20g tank I will make into a sump. Thanks. wasnt sure if it was going to be big enough.

 

Glad we can help, just remember the doublebright will not be enough for any reef corals accept maybe some mushrooms or zoas ( coral experts help me out here kind new myself). If you plan on going reef down the road you might want to consider waiting to buy a light since it will be awhile before you can add any corals and you dont need a light during the cycle. I originally wanted to go FOWLR but couldnt resist corals, very happy I didnt buy a light too early and waste the money by buying 2 fixtures for 1 tank

 

True, I don't plan on getting anything soon until cycling has been done. Thanks again buddy.