Help with Lights
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=62415
Printed Date: July 15 2026 at 11:08pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Help with Lights
Posted By: 80cent
Subject: Help with Lights
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 7:44am
|
I am new to the forum. I've been lurking for a while, but there are a few things I could really use some help with. I have never done a salt water tank before, but as I am finally finishing my basement, I'm going to have one really soon. The issue is that I currently have 46 gallon bowfront-- something I thought was huge-- and I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with that or get something in the 90-120 gallon range. First, if I did stick with that 46 gallon tank, what would you recommend as far as lights go? I've been loving the floating canopies I've seen around, but I'm not clear on the pros/cons between T5s or LEDs. What about something like this: (http://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Aqualight-Aquarium-Lighting-Fixture/dp/B000F5M2JW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3K4SH4FN4DHT4&coliid=I1EIQ01PEHGBU)-- would that work? Second question. If I did get a larger tank (90-120 gal,) what would you suggest at that point? Thanks!
|
Replies:
Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 8:35am
|
If you start with LEDs they will move over to the larger tank. You'll just need to add additional units to get the coverage. There are a lot of people changing over to LEDs and lots updating them to get the latest features. This brings a lot of high-end LEDs to the forum classified at a reduced price. They are popular enough to hold their value well so I don't expect to see the price be a "steal" at this point. One issue with buying someone's used ones is matching them later when you set up the bigger tank. Fat ------------- February 4: Winter Banquet at the Living Planet Aquarium Tickets: http://utahreefs.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=36 |
Posted By: ClownFishAddict
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 9:24am
A 46 bow front will need more light (depending on what you have in there) to grow any corals than the Coralife Aqualight fixture you were looking at. if you keep a watchful eye here on the board you can find lights that will work for you used and cheaper than buying new. as for LED's I recommend them as they last for a long time and have proven to be a great lighting solution to the reef tank hobby. ------------- http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61789&title=ok-here-it-goes-my-redneck-120-rimless-build" rel="nofollow"> 
|
80cent wrote:Posted By: 80cent
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 11:17am
| Thanks for the feedback guys. Follow up question-- how do I know how much light I need? I don't know what types of coral I'll be growing, but I'm wondering if there's a general rule for wattage or light spectrum required for a certain tank size. Thanks again! |
Posted By: chris.rogers
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 11:52am
|
General overview: T5 Pro - little heat, cost effective power bill, with "enough" bulbs you can grow just about any SPS or even have clams. Cons - Bulb replacement cost. Once a year, $20 per bulb. (Or $15 if you get them on sale.) Some configuration control over color, but not a whole lot. LEDs Pro - On the whole, the cheapest of all setups to run (in terms of power bill), LEDs last several years before needing to be replaced, crazy amount of color configuration. Con - Not every LED fixture is the same, so it can be tough to judge how good yours is compared to another. It's usually best to get a fixture with a known LED, either a Cree or Philips Luxeon. DIY is cheapest but can be tough if you're nervous about electronics. Still a lot of anecdotal evidence as to how many LEDs, how bright, etc... For what it's worth I have a DIY LED setup over my 12 gallon and I love how much light it puts out. I used Philips Luxeon LEDs from www.stevesleds.com ------------- Ils sont fous, ces Romains! |
Posted By: chris.rogers
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 11:53am
|
If you're looking for a general rule of thumb, a good place to start would be to examine some of the commercially available LED setups that are targeted for a tank your size. Just be sure to compare total wattage per LED; some people get a lot of LEDs and put less power in them and some people get fewer LEDs and put a lot more power in them. ------------- Ils sont fous, ces Romains! |