I have a max budget of about $120 for a light for my 30" wide 56 gallon tank. I might do plants down the road. I am looking at led or t5 and I would like to get something that is easy on the power $$ and will look better than the cheapo bulb that came with the tank.
looking for a good light
- Thread starter bigemike
- Start date
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Talvari
Aquarium Advice FINatic
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- Sep 7, 2011
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- 732
Try looking at fishneedit.com. Alot of people reccommended that site for the T5 light fixtures. I just picked up a 48" fixture for under $90.
At first glance, I doubt those fixtures would be suitable for growing most freshwater plants. 1W LEDs are generally just not very powerful - especially at depths over 12" or so. The PAR ratings I have seen around the net for most 1W LEDs are abysmal. On a 56 gallon tank, if you want an LED fixture, your best bet would be to build one... you are not going to find a COTS fixture that suits your budget and is suitable for growing plants.
T5HO would be your best lighting solution with that budget, imo. As Talvari pointed out, fishneedit make a decent fixture for about the best price you can find.
T5HO would be your best lighting solution with that budget, imo. As Talvari pointed out, fishneedit make a decent fixture for about the best price you can find.
