lighting question

[GsxrD]

Ok guys I'm looking for lighting advice. I currently have a 55G FOWLR I'm considering growing corals and realize I need to upgrade my lighting. The issue is I have a pretty tight budget. I've found this light and was wondering it was strong enough for anenome. If you guys have any recommendations for under 200 that would be awesome. I would like to house anenome, some clams and prob some soft corals. Still doing research on what I would stock the tank with but I figure I would start with the light source.

Amazon.com: New 48" 216W T5 Aquarium Light Fixture Reef Fish Tank Light: Kitchen & Dining

 

[carey]

Doesnt look horrible, you could keep a nice assortment of corals with that I think. But I don't thnk it would be enough for an anenome. :-( They need establihsed tanks, pristine water and intense lighting.

Just my opinion though.

 

[Gti_Leo]

well i would advise agains it mainly because 55gs are rather tall and that fixture isn't using single bulb reflectors. its not a bad fixture but there are cheaper ones on ebay that use SLRs, but coem without the moonlights.

48" 4Ft 4 Lamp T5 HO Grow Light 44 6500K Bulbs Veg | eBay

 

[carey]

well i would advise agains it mainly because 55gs are rather tall and that fixture isn't using single bulb reflectors. its not a bad fixture but there are cheaper ones on ebay that use SLRs, but coem without the moonlights.

48" 4Ft 4 Lamp T5 HO Grow Light 44 6500K Bulbs Veg | eBay

Good link! Those are nice, I'd replace the bulbs of course...and no legs only hanging kit.....But still a nice pull!

 

[GsxrD]

Thanks for the link when I get home I will check. The tank is established and the water is pristine. But I'm trying to figure out this lighting

 

[Gti_Leo]

i bought the 24" version and i made my own feet and repainted it black. it came out good

 

[GsxrD]

I looked at the link and the unit looks really good i'll probably be going this root and adding a strip of blue led for moon-lighting. Unless you guys have any other recommendation

 

[Gti_Leo]

you don't need moonlights, they are just a sales gimmick

 

[kdogg85]

Check on ebay at current usa's refurb section. I have their 12 bulbs(6 rows of 2 bulbs) and it puts out the par. This isn't one of the things to skimp on, that may work for a while, and then the internals start to give out and you have to replace them, which isn't cheap if it's a ballast. I had an odysea fixture and never had any trouble, but quite a few other have had problems. Not trying to scare you, but something to think about.

 

[Gti_Leo]

balasts are not as expensive as you think they are, you can get an advanced centium for like $25 or go with workhorse for roughtly the same price.

if you go with icecapp, they over charge a 54watt lamp to 80watts which is good to penetrate the water lot deeper (over 30")