What light does a tank look best under?

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DirtyPanda

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Jan 18, 2012
Messages
10
Hi all,

I've recently started my own saltwater FOWLR and thanks to the advice of many, it is going well so far. My tank is a 55 open top and right now there is no lighting. The tank is not placed in any direct sunlight however the natural lighting of the room has been enough to grow coralline algae all over my rocks.

I just recently added a few feather dusters and a collector's urchin (Short Purple Spine Pincushion) to my tank and I love how they look, the problem is that I know they would look so much better under the proper light. I have no intention of growing any corals in the near future, but I do want a simple inexpensive light that would help the colors and life in my tank pop more.

Would t5's be better than simple t8 shoplight?
Or maybe LEDs?
Should I use red and blue bulbs or do they look best under white?
Also, could I get away with a fixture that does not cover the entire length of my aquarium (i.e. A 2ft fixture instead of a 4ft). As stated, I simply want a light for the aesthetics.

Thank you!
 
What is your budget?
Max$/Min$ and desired price?
What corals/fish are on your wish list?

Also, check regional forum for nearby SW friends and you might be able to actually see a light you choose on one of their tanks b4 investing. Lighting can be very expensive.


(Friend of Bill W., One day at a time)
 
Right now in my tank i have a couple 4 stripe damsels
A blue (devil?) damsel
And Flame Angel
Inverts I have are assorted hermits
4 hawaiian feather dusters
1 shortspine purple pincushion urchin

As far as budget it would be as low as possible! Haha $50 would be ideal but I do understand lights can run in the $100++ range for decent lights
As I have stated, I really just want the look of good lights, not necessarily the ability to grow corals of any kind
Thank you!
 
There is http://www.buildmyled.com
They offer several type lights. You could contact them for advise on what type of light would be best for your aquarium. They have a FAQ page that might help. This link has their phone # http://www.buildmyled.com/contact-us/

I think they will run much higher than what your budget will allow. However, they can guide you as to what lighting is best for your tank.

I'm using mobile so I don't see whole web pages. But, it looks like there is saltwater lighting and 2 types of reef lighting from the mobile pages.

A lot of freshwater people buy from them.

I got a finnex planted plus cheap at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_2_7?k=finnex+planted+plus&sprefix=finnex+

But, I think you need brighter lighting and perhaps a different spectrum for your tank.

I hope you get more answers. Good luck!


(Friend of Bill W., One day at a time)
 
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