Lighting Confusion!!

[amyandbrandon2]

I have a 55 gallon tank. Its 48 inches long. Right now it just has the standard 2 - All-Glass 24" flourescent hoods w/lamps.
I'm really really really confused with lighting...I don't have a canopy, and I would really rather not have anything hanging from my ceiling (if that makes any sense).
I would like to keep Zoas, Toadstools, and maybe some brain...I don't know if they all do this, but I would also like to be able to see everything at night ( i didn't know if there was a type of bulb for the "moon light" or not)
What lighting system does anyone reccomend?

 

[anadliv]

I have a 150 halide clamp on coralife, you could do two of those but thats not reayl cost affective 300 each. YOu could also do a sunpod 48" for 500.00 this light will sit on tank edges and has moon lights

 

[patandlace]

For the corals you listed a 48" 260 watt Power Compact light would do. They have legs so that the fixture can sit on top of the tank. A lot of these fixtures have a few "moon lights" attached to it. They don't light up the whole tank but more or less simulate the moon.

 

[amyandbrandon2]

Originally Posted by patandlace
http:///forum/post/2451507
For the corals you listed a 48" 260 watt Power Compact light would do. They have legs so that the fixture can sit on top of the tank. A lot of these fixtures have a few "moon lights" attached to it. They don't light up the whole tank but more or less simulate the moon.
Does anyone have this type of light?
I've read some reviews, and they got a pretty good bashing

 

[harris28]

Originally Posted by patandlace
http:///forum/post/2451507
For the corals you listed a 48" 260 watt Power Compact light would do. They have legs so that the fixture can sit on top of the tank. A lot of these fixtures have a few "moon lights" attached to it. They don't light up the whole tank but more or less simulate the moon.
I agree.. However if you plan to ever have more corals I would look into more light just so you don't waste money later by having to upgrade to keep up with your obsession. Look into T5 lighting. look at a 4-5 bulb fixture and some come with LED moon lights. Like stated above the don't make it bright blue but illuminates enough to make your coral stand out at night and allows you to see some stuff.

 

[perfectdark]

Im not a fan of any lighting that coralife makes....
If I read the post correctly you have 2-24" flourescent lights over a 55 gal tank? So your looking at about 40 or so watts of light? not sure if that is correct or not.
If by chance it is your lighting is not going to do anything for the corals you have right now.
IMO look at Nova Extreme light hoods, Current USA is the manufacturer. They sell a HO-T5 light strip, 4, 6 and 8 (i think) bulb fixtures. They have many different models and prices. At bare minimum T5-HO 4 bulb fixture, 48" long bulbs 54 watts ea will do nicley for your set up. Some have contoured reflectors over each bulb, there is a pro set that has true individual reflectors over each bulb (better option IMO). And if you can swing the money the 6 bulb fixture is the way to go.
If money is not an option, aquatinics or TEK lights would be the Mercedes of HO-T5 lighting and they offer the best hardware available. But, you definatly pay for it... so depending on your budget..
MH Is an option but remember they run very hot and in most cases a chiller is needed. Good luck.

 

[harris28]

I have the aquactinics Tx5 on my 75 and love the light. I added 4 LED moon lights to the fixture and can simulate a 24 hour lighting condition.

 

[amyandbrandon2]

Originally Posted by PerfectDark
http:///forum/post/2451584
Im not a fan of any lighting that coralife makes....
If I read the post correctly you have 2-24" flourescent lights over a 55 gal tank? So your looking at about 40 or so watts of light? not sure if that is correct or not.
If by chance it is your lighting is not going to do anything for the corals you have right now.
IMO look at Nova Extreme light hoods, Current USA is the manufacturer. They sell a HO-T5 light strip, 4, 6 and 8 (i think) bulb fixtures. They have many different models and prices. At bare minimum T5-HO 4 bulb fixture, 48" long bulbs 54 watts ea will do nicley for your set up. Some have contoured reflectors over each bulb, there is a pro set that has true individual reflectors over each bulb (better option IMO). And if you can swing the money the 6 bulb fixture is the way to go.
If money is not an option, aquatinics or TEK lights would be the Mercedes of HO-T5 lighting and they offer the best hardware available. But, you definatly pay for it... so depending on your budget..
MH Is an option but remember they run very hot and in most cases a chiller is needed. Good luck.

I don't have any coral at this moment in time, just trying to find some lighting for my tank! I just have to decide what I want and tell my fiancee! hehe...

I decide everything for the tank, and he buys it...lol
To bad this phase wont last forever....

 

[moprint]

I have the Nova Extreme Pro on my 55 and like it alot. If you go with t-5 lighting make sure you get the Pro model as it has better reflectors then the regular Exterme.

 

[dangalla]

Originally Posted by amyandbrandon2
http:///forum/post/2451564
Does anyone have this type of light?
I've read some reviews, and they got a pretty good bashing

i have that type, but not brand.
i got mine off of a popular site (where people bid on things and the highest wins or you can just buy it now) for 150 shipped, comes with 2 65 watt 420 acitnic, 2 65 watt 10k and 24 blue l.e.d. moon lamps
so far it is great, and i would reccomend it (mine is the gold one)

 

[amyandbrandon2]

Originally Posted by dangalla
http:///forum/post/2451683
i have that type, but not brand.
i got mine off of a popular site (where people bid on things and the highest wins or you can just buy it now) for 150 shipped, comes with 2 65 watt 420 acitnic, 2 65 watt 10k and 24 blue l.e.d. moon lamps
so far it is great, and i would reccomend it (mine is the gold one)
LOL I think I know what website that is...

So you really like that light? What coral fo you currently have under those lights? Any restrictions with that light?
Like i said I want hardy coral, and before I get into the "harder" coral I will have upgraded to a bigger tank. I would really rather not spend more than $400.00 on lighting...though...

 

[amyandbrandon2]

I found this type of light.....is it any good? Is this even what I would need, or is it crap?
AQUARIUM LIGHT 48" REEF ODYSSEA 260WT POWER COMPACT LED
New units have two cooling fans on top for optimal performance, mounting legs, 8-LED Blue Moon lights (4-Duals), and 3 power cords for timer use. This unit comes with 4 - 65 Watt bulbs - (2) 12,000K daylights and (2) 03 true actinics.
ITEM FEATURES
• Modern sleek design, black as in picture.
• Approx Dimensions are: @ 48" long, 8" wide, 2 3/4" tall very sleek and compact. Fits standard pin bulb for easy replacements.
• 2- BUILT IN FANS FOR COOLING ON TOP (NEW!!!!!!!!)
• 1-PAIR OF FLIPABLE LIGHT LEGS SET DIRECTLY OVER YOUR EXISTING AQUARIUM (NEW!!!!!!)
• BLUEMOON LED LIGHTS TO SIMULATE REEF CONDITIONS A MUST (NEW!!!!)
• LIGHT BULBS COVERED WITH ACRYLIC SHIELD
• THREE ON AND OFF SWITCHES- 1 FOR DAYLIGHTS, 1 FOR ACTINICS, AND 1 FOR MOONLIGHTS
• LOW SHIPPING AND HANDLING
• COOL RUNNING UNIT
• REFLECTORS FOR MORE REFRACTION INCLUDED

 

[amyandbrandon2]

Here's another light...Its 100.00 more than the other one...but I think this one might be better!
48'' long X 9'' wide and 2.5'' tall
T5 HO Aquarium Light w/ Moonlights
4 X 54 Watt T5 HO
2-10k (sunlight bulbs) INCLUDED
2- actinic bulbs included –( Blue bulbs) INCLUDED
8- 1 watt Blue LED's included (moonlights!)
(We also have 6500k bulbs - let us know if you are interested and we can set up a special

[hr]
for you)
MADE IN USA
5 YEAR WARRANTY
Ballast is highly efficient Electronic ballast w/ 5 year warranty
LIGHT IS PLUG AND PLAY READY TO GO UPON ARRIVAL
2'' tall legs are included as well to give a better distance between light and water. Light can just rest on top of tank if that is where you prefer it to lay.
Light is very well ventilated and it is T5- the coolest running high output light in the industry.
Reflectors are the best in the industry- German Polished Independent Reflectors- This will triple the intensity of the light.
There are 3 Chords and 3 switches with this light
1- chord turns on 2 T5's
1- chord turns on other 2 T5's
1- chord turns on the Moonlights
There chords can be used with timers so the lights can come on in a pattern that you prefer and that is most beneficial to your aquarium.
Light is glossy black in color
Would i need the 6500k bulbs if I were to purchase this light?

 

[amyandbrandon2]

Or...how about this one?
48" SOLAR T5 SILVER AQUARIUM HOOD 4 x 54W WITH MOONLIGHTS
FREE LEGS
Two Cords for bulbs and one cord for moons lights
Mounted moonlights with independent cord and dimmer
Two independent light switches, controls bulbs 2/2
Four 54 Watt T5 HO bulbs, two 10K, two Blue Actinic
Work Horse 5 ballast with a five year warranty
Individual German mirror polished aluminum reflectors for each bulb
Color: Silver
Dimensions: 48" x 8 1/4 inch x 2 5/8"

 

[teresaq]

do a google on Dual Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures. I used this on my 55 gal, and keep zoos, leathers, shrooms, xenia and kenyas

 

[spiderwoman]

We have this one on our 55g and we love it!
48 inch 4x65 Watt Current USA PowerCompact Orbit Fixture
Description
Welcome to Orbit, the 24-hour lighting revolution. For those who are ready, our SunPaq™ Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic come together with our Lunar Light in one sleek, fan-cooled fixture. With individual bulb wattages from 40 to 130 watts, Orbit offers the leading technologies in an integrated system that works around the clock. That`s one small step to take for a gigantic leap in performance.
* The most complete 24-hour lighting system
* Highest output of any lighting system
* 4 lamps in 2
* European look
* Lunar lights every 12"
* First-Ever 130 watt Lamp 48" Orbit Extreme
* Includes Docking Mounts
* Parabolic Reflector
Exquisite Features
A breakthrough in aquatic lighting technology, the Orbit incorporates both daytime and nighttime lighting sources for the ultimate 24-hour lighting solution. Built-in Moon White Lunar Lights (every 12") cast a crisp moon glow for optimum nocturnal simulation and nighttime viewing. The pro-grade Orbit has all of the features that advanced hobbyists demand and their friends will marvel at.
Dual SunPaq™ Enhanced
Industry-first breakthrough technology from Current creates the ultimate lighting spectrum by blending two color temperatures into one lamp. We incorporated a proprietary blend of phosphors from Nichia, the world`s leading phosphor manufacturer. We didn`t stop there, the SunPaq lamps feature the industry`s only 18-Karat gold plated pins for maximum conductivity and corrosion resistance as well as Philips brand filaments. A German parabolic reflector, coupled with our revolutionary dual phosphor SunPaq lamps, produces stunning output—the highest in the industry.
European Design
Sleek, contoured European design, great for any application, enhances the appearance of your aquarium both inside and out. Docking mounts are included for suspension above your aquarium, making feeding convenient and completing the ultra-modern look.
Superior Driving System
High power factor electronic driving system unleashes the power of the SunPaq lamps while preserving and extending lamp life. The patented circuitry inside each ballast ensures consistent high performance and low energy consumption. A 3.15" high-CFM fan quietly cools the ballast and lamps for peak performance. Maximum thermal reduction is achieved by strategic placement of the ballast in relation to the lamps allowing the fans to perform efficiently and quietly.
* Dimensions: 48.25" L x 8.25" W x 4.5" H
* Daylight 6,700k/10,000k: 2 x 65 watt
* Actinic 420nm/460nm: 2 x 65 watt
* No. of Lunar Lights: 4
* Fan: Yes (1)
* No. of Switches: 2
* Total watts: 260
* Total amps: 1.6
* Configuration: C

 

[patandlace]

Originally Posted by amyandbrandon2
http:///forum/post/2452261
I found this type of light.....is it any good? Is this even what I would need, or is it crap?
AQUARIUM LIGHT 48" REEF ODYSSEA 260WT POWER COMPACT LED
New units have two cooling fans on top for optimal performance, mounting legs, 8-LED Blue Moon lights (4-Duals), and 3 power cords for timer use. This unit comes with 4 - 65 Watt bulbs - (2) 12,000K daylights and (2) 03 true actinics.
ITEM FEATURES
• Modern sleek design, black as in picture.
• Approx Dimensions are: @ 48" long, 8" wide, 2 3/4" tall very sleek and compact. Fits standard pin bulb for easy replacements.
• 2- BUILT IN FANS FOR COOLING ON TOP (NEW!!!!!!!!)
• 1-PAIR OF FLIPABLE LIGHT LEGS SET DIRECTLY OVER YOUR EXISTING AQUARIUM (NEW!!!!!!)
• BLUEMOON LED LIGHTS TO SIMULATE REEF CONDITIONS A MUST (NEW!!!!)
• LIGHT BULBS COVERED WITH ACRYLIC SHIELD
• THREE ON AND OFF SWITCHES- 1 FOR DAYLIGHTS, 1 FOR ACTINICS, AND 1 FOR MOONLIGHTS
• LOW SHIPPING AND HANDLING
• COOL RUNNING UNIT
• REFLECTORS FOR MORE REFRACTION INCLUDED
I have this light and am happy with it. I've had it for about 2 years and I'm able to keep soft corals and some LPS corals. However if you plan on getting SPS corals, Clams or anemones in the future you will need a stronger light. In this case I would recommend getting A T5 fixture with individual reflectors or a metal halide fixture to avoid having to upgrade in the future.

 

[perfectdark]

If you have the extra $$ stay away from Power compact flourescent lighting. Go T5-HO you cannot go wrong with them and you will be able to keep pretty much what ever you want under them.

 

[dangalla]

Originally Posted by PerfectDark
http:///forum/post/2452536
If you have the extra $$ stay away from Power compact flourescent lighting. Go T5-HO you cannot go wrong with them and you will be able to keep pretty much what ever you want under them.
everyone says that but i have never seen an explination as to why, do you know why or are you just jumping on the bus

 

[spiderwoman]

The store owner recommended what we got over T5.