What length light for 55g?

My tank for is 48.5 inches wide, should I purchase the 48" lights? Are these any good?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~48_Inch_4x65_Watt_AquaticLife_PowerCompact_CF_Light_Fixture_w__4_Lunar_LEDs_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Lighting_Light_Fixtures_Power_Compact_48_Inch_Fixtures~vendor~AquaticLife~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~AK01051~idCategory~FILTFIPCFE.html

Local stores don't have anything in stock so looks like I'm buying online!

 

what do you want to keep. powercompacts your be keeping only soft corals

 

I started out with them when I only wanted fish only, but then I found corals go T5's and get it over with. you won't regret it!

these are great for corals and also fish, plus you have more of a selection getting the lights that you want in the sizes and color temps.

Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures

and yes 48" fixtures have legs that will fit a 48.5 tank...you either turn the legs inside out outside. you'll understand when you get them.

 

I've got to disagree with you on that. I have pc's and t6's and I can keep torch,pavona,frogspawn,button palys, xenia, shrooms, leathers, a wide range there, just not acro's, monti's and clams. there are some of those though that I could keep, if I wanted to. pretty much it comes down to placement and water quality oh and keeping fresh bulbs in your personal stash ;D


note...buy timers for each plug! you and your inhabitants will be very happy you did!

 

ok and some lps.
i always considered xenia, zoos, shrooms, leathers soft corals is this technically not right?

 

You want 48" yes.

Go T5 - they'll serve you through future upgrades.

I have the SunDial 48" T5 HO on my 55gallon. Built in timers, LED moonlights, ONE powercord. They're awesome. Not much more expensive either.

 

I consider what you listed there as softies too... don't know if it's technically correct though.

 

Here are my two choices. They are high end units, but very much worth the money.

The ATIs are probably better quality than the TEKs, but the price is up there. High end bulbs are included.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/Powermodule_Fixtures/48_inch__4x54W_Powermodule_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI[/URL]

The TEKs are high end units that are in the affordable range. High end bulbs are included.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/Powermodule_Fixtures/48_inch__4x54W_Powermodule_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI[/URL]

Now cuttingras has a good one to list as well. IMO, the unit is not as good as the TEKs or ATI, but they are a SOLID unit. She picked the light fixture from current that I would have picked. It is the 6x54W with individual reflectors. The 4x54 Nova Extreme does not come with individuals which is why I would immediately bypass them for the 6x.

Now WRT PCs and what you can keep. You can look at my signature and see what I keep. I have PCs. I have had them for 10 months. I wish I didn't. It is possible to keep some corals, but you will be limited and you will have limited overall success comparitively. PCs just don't have the intensity and penetration that the T5s do.

Just to give you an idea of that which I am saving up for with my 90g...this is what I am going to get.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

nope you got that right.;D though I did read somewhere a few days ago that xenia is a hard coral. I haven't been able to find that one again.

 

I'm the same way