Lighting question...

[Justin0329]

I have a 55gal FOWLER and I'm considering going to reef in the future. I understand lighting, calcium, and many factors play a part in a successful reef aquarium. My question is in regards to lighting. I know some corals require more/better lighting while some aren't quite as "picky". However, I am wondering what would be appropriate lighting in general. I don't have specific corals in mind just yet however I am curious about the lighting I already have. Its a 4 bulb (2x 10,000k and 2x actinic) 216watt T5. It also has 4 moonlight LED's even thought they provide nothing but cosmetics. However, Is this a good light to start with and then upgrade later as needed? Thanks to all!

 

[AquaRick]

Yeah that's a decent light to start out with. You can grow some shrooms and some zoas with that. If you want to upgrade later, you can get another 4 bulb fixture. With that you can grow anything you want.

 

[carey]

Do you have the brand of the fixture you have? A good fixture will have individual reflectors for each bulb. Also, the age and quality of the bulbs play a huge part. I have a fish needit 4 bulb light that cant hold a candle to the 4 bulb individually reflected fixture I have on my 90g which also has higher end bulbs that are about 8 months old. That 90g fixture is still rocking even with aged bulbs.

 

[Justin0329]

Honestly, I cant remember the brand and it's not labeled either. However, I replaced the bulbs about 3 weeks ago. They are good for a while at this point. Each bulb in the fixture have their own reflector so I presume it's a decent fixture.

 

[carey]

Sounds good then. You should be able to keep a nice assortment of corals with that. What bulbs did you go with as replacements? The bulbs can make a huge difference. I have a brand new fixture over my 20g tank and yet the corals are loving the older bulbs in my 90g over the brand new bulbs on the 20g. LOL

 

[joy13]

You should be able to get lower light sps to grow in the tank with good bulbs. bulbs and individual reflectors make a world of difference when it comes to T5. I have 4 T5's over my 55 and I actually use it to grow out frags of sps for my other tank.