Light for 180 gallon

[12 Volt Man]

the only problem with going with one of the coralife Aqualight normal T5 lights is that although they are bright, they are extremely narrow.

on a 24x24 tank, you will probably need 4 36" ones positioned beside each other.

I used these lights for many years (still have a few) and they seem to light a 12" width perfectly, but after that you get dark areas big time in the front and back. they are only about 3" wide..on a 24" width tank, one single narrow strip won't be enough to look good IMO.

one advantage with the T8 Allglass strip is that the bulbs are spaced apart so you get good coverage from a single strip.

hope this helps

 

[dbcb314]

Very helpful 12volt. I was/am worried about the width front to back when choose a light. REally don't wanna have to buy 4, at least not initially.

thanks for the responses everyone. keep them coming with yoru experiences

 

[fox3]

We have a 210 which is the same footprint as the 180 and use AH Supply fixtures in the canopy.

http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm

These kits are bright. I have two 96W 10,000k down the center of the tank and two 96W 10,000k + actinic combo along the rear of the tank.

Mainly use the combo and they provide plenty of light even set up at the rear and only use the center lights when viewing or showing the tank to visitors.