Lighting for my 60 G FOWLR

[Bnortz]

What kind of T5 lighting would be best for my 60 G FOWLR? I've looked into fixtures, retrokits, etc. I'm still unsure on what I want to have but defiantly wanna go T5 as I will eventually be adding corals. I just finished a DIY Canopy that would be suitable for mounting lights and a fixture. Give me some input.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[mr_X]

is this a 48" tank? [FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]48 3/8 x 12 7/8 x 23 7/8?
if so, get a 6 lamp nova extreme pro. they are on sale here for $359.00 plus 9 dollar shipping.
Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures

this also looks pretty good, and has moonlights-
http://www.aquacave.com/aqua-medic-...ture-with-ledbrmoonlights-48-6-x-54w-978.html
[/FONT]

 

[Bnortz]

yeah it's the 48 3/8 x 12 7/8 x 23 7/8. can't afford something that much. what would be good for something between $100-$200

 

[mr_X]

you are going to end up buying twice if you choose a lesser fixture.
you can buy one of these, but then you still have to change out the bulbs, and they will be 20 bucks a piece.
Hydrofarm 4 Lamp 6500K 4' T5 Fluorescent Grow Light - Plantlighting Hydroponics

 

[MK7]

Hello, I have a question about lighting too. This might help you Ben if what I was told was correct, but, I was told by my local fish store and I don't have much trust in them. I am new to this and am trying to learn all I can. I purchased a T5 HO 108 watt link light at my fish store for my FOWLR. They said when I am ready to upgrade I can just buy another fixture to link into that one. Like I said I am new and would love any input..Thanks Missy

 

[MK7]

Oh!! My question to Mr. X do you know what link light I would need or should I have not gone this way? Thanks Missy

 

[mr_X]

i don't know the fixture. i think maybe he meant to purchase an identical second fixture and plug them into the same timer.

 

[MK7]

This fixure has two bulbs and a plug to add another fixture, to add more light it is called a link fixture. Have you heard of those? It cost me $180.00 and they said when I was ready to upgrade I could buy another fixture for about the same price and just plug it into this light fixture? I don't know I am totally new to this. Missy

 

[MK7]

It has a plug to link fixtures

 

[rush]

If you are going to have corals eventually do nto cheap out now as you will have to buy new ones again. Spend the $400 for Tek lights and keep them for life.

that is including the bulbs, with legs about 500

well worth it

 

[mr_X]

i see hydroponics fixtures daisy chained, but this is a first for aquarium lighting for me. if that's the case then yes, it seems ok. i'm just wondering about the daylights/actinics. can they be put on separate timers?

 

[Bnortz]

Yeah im eventually gonna have corals within a year or so. I don't want a fixture cause ill probably size up in tank sometime. Could I go with a ice cap ballast then buy the bulbs and end caps? I was thinking that would help me now and in the long run. And for now is it fine if i just use my CF light from a smaller tank if i have 60 lbs. of LR and im gonna get some clowns nxt weekend. (and yes in case you were wondering my water is cycled)

 

[mr_X]

sure it's ok. live rock really doesn't need any light to be effective.
and yes, you can DIY lighting.

 

[melosu58]

Moved to the General hardware and equipment discussion forum.