Confused on Lighting

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
R

Rythic

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 3, 2009
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Moore
I currently have http://www.marinedepot.com/Coralife_48_Inch_Aqualight_With_2_65W_Actinic_2_65W_10_000K_Lamp_Straight_Pin_Base_%28with_fans%29_48_Inch_Power_Compact_Light_Fixtures-Coralife-ES53124-FILTFIPCFE-ES53106-vi.html as my lighting but I was told that isn't adequate for a reef tank and need something like http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+21461&pcatid=21461 or MH. Is this person right? If so why are the lights with lower wattage better or am I missing something? Thanks for the guidance. 55g tank
 
I think the second is probably better, but the first should work fine for low light corals (mushrooms, etc).

I run a 175 watt MH on my 20 gallon tank (which some think is overkill). I love it, as it allows me to keep any type of coral without question (well next to size).
 
geronimo69;4764996; said:
I think the second is probably better, but the first should work fine for low light corals (mushrooms, etc).

I run a 175 watt MH on my 20 gallon tank (which some think is overkill). I love it, as it allows me to keep any type of coral without question (well next to size).
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I agree the 2nd is proly better. They are both in the same ballpark though.

Whether you need better lighting than what you have will depend on the types of corals you want to keep.

For the most part, you should be able to keep not only low light corals, but many medium light needing corals as well with you current setup. Just make sure you change your bulbs at least every 9 months as they go bad after that(they will still be on and working, but projecting a red spectrum light that is no good for anything other than algae.)
 
get the 2nd one if you want higher lighting cuz its a T5 HO the first one doesnt say what kind. T5HO is really bright.
 
The one you have at the moment looks like T5 Power Compact bulbs, the only real difference between the two units is the colour output of the bulbs. Your not going to gain much by replacing them with straight t5's.
 
Power compacts are antiqauted technology, but still work well for softies and most lps. But like hoops already said, its all in what you want to keep.
 
Well could someone recommend good lighting for a 55g. I don't mind upgrading to better lighting that way I won't have to question if my lighting is good enough. So is MH the way to go? If so, any recommendations on brands. Thanks for all your input btw! =)
 
MH is nice and bright, but I live in Texas and wont run them because of the heat issues. Any you lucky guys who live in mild summer climates have it good *cough* FLESHY *cough*.

Reefkoi has some nice LED units for 300 a pop that are getting good reviews. I have t5s and like them, but like someone previously said, T5ho isnt going to be a gigantic increase in par compared to PCs.
 
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