still not sure what lighting to get

vsecret

vsecret

Member
i would like to get a new lighting system, the ones that dont sit directly on the tank, but above it. I have a 55g and it came wit the plastic double hood with cheapo lights. I would like to get a new lighting system, and get rid of my plastic hood - i have to have some sort of cover because my cat likes to swim....so i was thinking a glass top.
any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated!
i've seen so many different systems i dont know how to determin what i'd need
i would like in the next year to add some corals and anemone
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
I really love my Tek T5 unit. But if you need a canopy I would go with a T5 retro if it was my tank. Glass tops really limit oxygen exchange and get creep on them very quickly.
 
vsecret

vsecret

Member
also should i get a canopy that has internal fans? I live in Maine so its rarely very hot up here, so i dont want to have to invest in a chiller for 2 months out of the year because of the heat and lights, when the rest of the year i have to use a heater because of the cold weather.
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
Originally Posted by vsecret
http:///forum/post/3071694
so should i not get metal halide lights?
so there a need for moon lights?
That is up to you. I prefer T5's. And moon lights are not necessary, they are for looks only. I have my tank dark at night to give the fish a good rest.
. I would have fans because there is a possibility in those two months for your water to get too warm. My tank temp went up to 85 yesterday and mine is an open top. It was about 80 in my house. Today I am AC'ing.
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
If you get enough bulbs you can have anything. There are fantastic reef tanks that have T5's only. For my 90 gal. I have 4' 8 bulb set up and boy does it put off some light.
 
fanker

fanker

Active Member
with the tek 4 bulb u can keep what u want, but no fans. if u want fans u can get the nova ex pro but it will be an over do. i never had a problem with heat with my tek though
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
Originally Posted by fanker
http:///forum/post/3071758
with the tek 4 bulb u can keep what u want, but no fans. if u want fans u can get the nova ex pro but it will be an over do. i never had a problem with heat with my tek though
I never had problem either when I had the 3' 6 bulb Tek but my tank is only 17" tall so I guess it may heat up faster with the bigger light system.
 
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