Lighting help with 48" FOWLR

[yogoshio]

So, I know that this should be simple, but I have switched from coral to FOWLR and am up-sizing my tank from a 20 to 50 gallon, and the T5 actinic I have now still really makes the tank pop the right way. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how I could keep the actinic style lighting without breaking the bank. (my aunt is giving me the 50 gallon) it's a 48" tank. It's the old school narrow, deep, and long design. So, any suggestions?

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yogoshio http:///t/388277/lighting-help-with-48-fowlr#post_3423266
So, I know that this should be simple, but I have switched from coral to FOWLR and am up-sizing my tank from a 20 to 50 gallon, and the T5 actinic I have now still really makes the tank pop the right way. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how I could keep the actinic style lighting without breaking the bank. (my aunt is giving me the 50 gallon) it's a 48" tank. It's the old school narrow, deep, and long design. So, any suggestions?
Best bargain I have found is the T5HO linkable unit, for a 48" it will cost $130.00 Has an actinic and a 10K bulb, and should you decide to upgrade later. You only purchase another unit to get double the power of light...linkable up to 3 units and you could keep an anemone under those lights.
Just google linkable units. I have one over my seahorse/reef tank and it is awesome.

 

[btldreef]

Are you using 420nm or 460nm actinics?

 

[yogoshio]

Um, not sure actually. I bought it so long ago and the replacement bulb came with it so I don't know for sure. I understand these things aren't cheap no matter what I get.

 

[btldreef]

T5 bulbs aren't terrible to replace, and for a FOWLR, you're easily going to get a year out of them. Are you not wanting any daylight bulbs? All actinics?
The 420nm does make colors pop more. It has more of a purple hue to it than a 460nm which is the traditional "blue" actinic bulb. You also might want to try some other tints of blue/red/purple sometimes referred to as "reef wave" or "coral wave" or "figi blue" and "figi purple" to get some good colors on your fish to pop.

 

[mr. limpid]

Just to give you a different option I use 48" 2 bulb T8 shop light from Menard's with sunlight 7600K bulbs and paid $10.00 for fixture and $6.75 for 2 bulbs. I have FOWLR 135gal. have had the fixture for a year coralline algae is growing fine. Lighting look good for fish only.

 

[yogoshio]

The problem isn't the bulb itself, its that the size light is changing from 24 to 48 inches. I'm not familiar with this size equipment. And I am looking for a duo--bright white and actinic, or at least something close to what I have now for my 20 gallon.

 

[yogoshio]

Thanks all for the advice, but I just figured out what my equipment is and that the size I'd need is only $90 for a coralife dual t5 set, and I'll add my 28" one to that. Thanks all for the help!