Lighting Decisions for Marine

[TeenReefer]

I have come down to two final lighting fixtures to choose from, the first which is "Current USA Satellite Powercompact Lights" 30" with a 1 x 65 watt strip light & a 460nm Actinic with Current’s Lunar Light.
http://www.petsolutions.com/Current...ompact+Lights-I-42901003-I-C-40001713-C-.aspx
2nd choice is the 1x65W Coralife Aqualight with 50/50
http://hellolights.com/coaq30silist.html
All your experience and knowledge here at AA is greatly valued to me!

Thanks, Teenreefer

Note: Lights to be used for corals like
mushrooms and some polyps.

 

[TeenReefer]

Can anyone give me a 2nd opinion?

 

[noteworthy]

I'm guessing this lighting is for your 29 gallon tank in your signature. What exactly are you looking to keep under the lighting? I'm going to get VHO in about two weeks. It all depends on what you want to keep in your tank.

If you're not going for corals/anems then the lighting is purely for looks. 10,000 k color temp bulbs will give you a bright and crisp white and an added actinic will give a bluish tint. A rather nice combination. The first link lists the the color temp. I didn't see a color temp listed for the 50/50.

HTH

 

[TeenReefer]

Im just looking to keep some mushroom corals and maybe a few polyps/zoos. Just some really hardy corals i can find, nothing spectacular.

 

[noteworthy]

You want 2-3 watts per gallon for mushroom corals polyps/zoos. So 65w on a 29 should be fine.

 

[steve-s]

A single bulb on a 29 gal is not going to be that great believe it or not. Even with the types of corals you want, a single 65w won't get much penetration down to the bottom areas. Most of your coral placement will need to be arranged midway relative to the bulb output.

I have a similar tank size with 2x65w and I wish I had opted for 2x96w. I would opt for this one or similar.....

http://hellolights.com/302xcoaqpcho.html

Cheers
Steve

 

[TeenReefer]

Thanks steve-s, I think i'll wait a while and save up (student) to buy a set up like that. It'll end up being benificial in the long run.

 

[lando]

I agree with Steve. It is a wise decision to save up a bit longer and get the dual bulb model. You will be much happier with it...as will your corals!

 

[TeenReefer]

Ordered a 2x65 watt 50/50 Coralife lamp yester day, should come this week! took me five months to decide on and save for this (student, and gas is expensive for my truck). lol. thanks for the help guys!

 

[lando]

congrats! I am sure you will be very happy with it.