Lighting system

[mantowashisname]

Currently I am using an aquatic life t5 4 bulb lifting system. I have had a lot of trouble with the timer and replacement timer sent to me from aquatic life. I pretty much have no control over the lights unless the system is set to "auto" and runs through the pre determined cycle. I am thinking of switching to an LED system and would like to know if any one has any recommendations/suggestions. The tank is a 48" long 55g tank. Thanks in advance! Can't wait for some input.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[melosu58]

New Dimmable 120W Aquarium Coral Reef Fish Tank White Blue LED Grow Light US | eBay

165W Dimmable Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light Marine Reef Coral Fish Tank Lamp | eBay

I am getting ready to order 3 of one of these. They were recommended by a reputable person here on the site. I`m kind of leaning toward the second one. I have had VHO`s for 15 yrs now. Switching to LED`s this week.

 

[mr_X]

That's what I'm using. been using them for a few years now....

 

[melosu58]

Doug, That is the blue and white one, right?

 

[mr_X]

Yes. I actually have a multicolored one coming in the mail, if you'd like me to take side by side pics before you pull the trigger.....

 

[melosu58]

That would be great. It would give the OP here a look see also.

 

[mr_X]

Ok..Here's the best I could do.
The first pic is both fixtures at 100%. A blue and white unit with 120 degree optics on the right, and a multicolored unit (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=251495773757&view=all&tid=1602062830015). As you can see, the new unit is definitely more potent. Both fixtures have 3 watt LEDs, but the blue and white fixture is supposed to be set to run at 2 watts each, and the new one does not say this, so it may very well be ran at 3 watts per diode.

Picture 2 is Just the blue channel on both units at 100%

Just the white channel here (as you can see there are some blues and reds and greens in the white channel on the new unit)

And finally, the units the way I like to view the tank...just about a 20k look with the naked eye-

As you can see the camera is not perfectly true to life, but at least you have some idea. FYI, I've been using the straight blues and whites for while and have grown acropora under them just fine. If you go with the multicolored unit, TURN IT WAY DOWN in the beginning.

 

[melosu58]

Thanks Doug, Something to think about.