T5 lighting for 55 gallon

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012.

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  1. swizzle555

    swizzle555 Astrea Snail

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    I have a 55 gallon fowlr tank right now. What light would you recommend to start a reef? It is 48" long and looking for good lights. I am hoping to be able to grow soft coral and some lps.
     
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    #1

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  2. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

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    A quality 4 bulb t-5 would be best for that tank. With it you would be able to grow just about anything.
     
    skurious, Mar 3, 2012
    skurious, Mar 3, 2012
    #2
  3. swizzle555

    swizzle555 Astrea Snail

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    Thanks
     
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    #3
  4. swizzle555

    swizzle555 Astrea Snail

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    Should i buy online or in store
     
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    #4
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    That would depend on how you feel about your LFS. Probably would be cheaper online.
     
    2in10, Mar 3, 2012
    2in10, Mar 3, 2012
    #5
  6. swizzle555

    swizzle555 Astrea Snail

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    Ok what brand do you recomend
     
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    swizzle555, Mar 3, 2012
    #6

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  7. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    ATI, TEK, AquaticLife, Current, Coralife in that order
     
    2in10, Mar 3, 2012
    2in10, Mar 3, 2012
    #7
    1 person likes this.
  8. Deftones2015

    Deftones2015 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I like the Tek lights, most bang for your buck in my opinion. They are fairly cheap and work well. I had a 6 bulb tek light over my 75 sps tank for a year and had great growth. I would go with a 4 bulb tek light personally. It also has options, you can hang the light from the ceiling with the hanging kit or buy the legs to sit it on top of the tank.
     
    Deftones2015, Mar 3, 2012
    Deftones2015, Mar 3, 2012
    #8
  9. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    I got a sundail for sale. It has older ATI bulbs in it now but it can be yours for $150
     
    ingtar_shinowa, Mar 3, 2012
    ingtar_shinowa, Mar 3, 2012
    #9
    1 person likes this.
  10. Travis45

    Travis45 Scooter Blennie

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    I'm definitely love my ATI but it can be a PIA to dial the lights in for the reef. Its pretty powerful and finding the right height that is the sweet spot for your tank, drives me nuts. Other then that, the ATI is a nice fixture. The other fixtures 2in10 mentioned as well will all be suitable too.
     
    Travis45, Mar 3, 2012
    Travis45, Mar 3, 2012
    #10
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