Cheapest reef lighting???

[SwimsWithFish]

I Need to find the cheapest reef capable lighting fixture for my 48" long 24" tall 55 gallon tank. I've found several double light t5 HO strips but I don't think that would be enough for corals.... I'm mainly looking for a light to house softies and as cheap as possible please!!!!

 

[slitherbomb]

Softies will thrive under double t5ho fixtures. You could even get 2 for a total of 4 bulbs.

 

[mfdrookie516]

As a disclaimer, I have absolutely no idea about coral lighting requirements... But... if a 4x54w T5HO is sufficient, this would be a good option to look at. I have 5 of their fixtures for my planted tanks and love them... cheap but good quality... external ballasts, and individual reflectors.

 

[slitherbomb]

As a disclaimer, I have absolutely no idea about coral lighting requirements... But... if a 4x54w T5HO is sufficient, this would be a good option to look at. I have 5 of their fixtures for my planted tanks and love them... cheap but good quality... external ballasts, and individual reflectors.

That's not a good option to look at..... It's a GREAT option to look at. I would recommend those fixtures to any person starting off.



Btw, you really don't know coral lighting requirements? Are you solely a freshwater guy?

 

[SwimsWithFish]

I know requirements for softies... My lfs said that t5s are fine as long as they aren't too far from the surface i just wanted to find a cheap fixture and yes I've been a freshwater guy for years and this is my first marine I'll be starting a fowlr and later turning it into a soft reef.

 

[slitherbomb]

I know requirements for softies... My lfs said that t5s are fine as long as they aren't too far from the surface i just wanted to find a cheap fixture and yes I've been a freshwater guy for years and this is my first marine I'll be starting a fowlr and later turning it into a soft reef.

No I'm sorry the coral light requirement was directed towards mfdrookie since I thought he had a reef tank lol.

 

[SwimsWithFish]

Lol