Is this lighting ok for a std 55 gal?

[vwbortoni]

I have a standard 55 gal tank and currently only have Flourecent lights. I would like to upgrade them so that I can have corals in the future.
Is this a good set up? It's not too expensive and I could maybe convince the wife
Anyway here are the specs from the place that sells it:
Coralife Aqualight Deluxe Series 48"
The Coralife Aqualight Deluxe Series 48" is a sleek and streamlined fixture designed to enhance and complement any saltwater, reef or freshwater aquarium. The Coralife Aqualight Deluxe Series 48" has a compact and low-profile syle and is suitable for applications where space is limited. The Coralife Aqualight Deluxe Series 48" is equipped with a modern aluminum housing and a highly-polished aluminum reflector for optimal lighting, it also features a protective acrylic lens cover which allows easy acces to the lamps. Two Coralife 50/50 compact fluorescent lamps are included, these lamps combine Actinic blue 03 (50%) and 10,000K (50%) phosphors to enhance both color and clarity in your aquarium. These full-spectrum lamps provide the tank's inhabitants with the proper light required for essential biochemical reactions. The Coralife Aqualight Deluxe Series 48" also features a built-in electronic ballast.
48" Double Lamp Fixture
Two 65 Watt 50/50 Lamps
Sleek Aluminum Housing
Highly-polished Reflector
Acrylic Lens Cover
On/Off Switch
130 Watt
pic:

 

[sailfin]

That would not be enough lighting over a 55g tank for corals. 130W/55g = 2.36 W/gal. Coralife makes a new one that has moon lights and a lot more wattage. Check into that one instead. If you're going to try all corals you will have to get metal halides. I hope I helped some.

 

[johnny5]

You may want a little more than that. A 2x96w fixture would be the minimum for keeping soft corals.
The CSL and Current USA/Orbit lights are pretty good. Im not a fan of the aqualights.
Note: Make sure you get true 03 actinic bulbs no matter the fixture. The blue blubs that are shipped with the fixtures are fake blue blubs and are inferior.

 

[vwbortoni]

Cool... are the fans in these units enough to keep them cool? I don't want to have to get a chiller after getting the 4x65W lights. Anyone have experience with these.
Also, you guys think that Current USA/Orbit lights are better than the aqualights? The two models I'm comparing both have 4X65W is there a difference?
Thanks!

Lighting is tricky for newbies.

 

[wocka]

If you're going to try all corals you will have to get metal halides.
thats not true. not every reef tank and person has 500-1000 to get metal halides. i think there a ripoff

 

[flatzboy]

I have been growing sps, lps, soft coral, all anenomes, and even clams in my 20g high. I have 2x55 watt light and I have not lost a coraL YET.

 

[diddley]

unless orbit has changed their bulbs, custom sealife used the fake blue bulbs. aqualights are 03's and look white until you turn them on. why buy a fixture when you are going to immediately change the bulbs? waste o' cash.

 

[sailfin]

Originally posted by wocka
thats not true. not every reef tank and person has 500-1000 to get metal halides. i think there a ripoff
It does depend on the size of the tank. Sorry for not mentioning that. BTW, they are not a ripoff. If you had them and then compared them to the PC lights you would see a great difference in the color and size of your corals. This is independant of tank size. Not knocking your opinion by any means, but halides do help and not hurt.