Lighting Question???

[MrGillz]

I want to upgrade the lighting on 3 of my tanks from generic lights that are cheap or outdated to some nice new canopy lights (55gal, 60gal, 125gal so 2 48" and 1 72". 48" will fit on 75gal too when I upgrade!). I want nice ones but dont want to spend metal halide prices on em (unless I find a super deal?). Ive seen some nice ones with moon lights and timers that are reasonable but most say reef lights. They mostly have 10000k or 12000k and actinic blue bulbs? Are these ideal for a non-planted flowerhorn tank? Promote algae growth? If not what should I be looking for???

 

[wreck]

check out aquatic life fixtures, i have a 24" 4-t5, with led moonlights and i personally love it. one of the led lights burnt out and i called them and no questions asked they sent new ones in the mail.

as for bulbs, i would look into the coralife colormax bulbs.

 

[FishingOut]

I use standard t5 shop light ballasts they work fine for a good full spectrum lighting im looking for. I have a 48" on my 90 gal community tank which is holding 1 coralife antinic and 1 12k daylight bulb. It brings out more red in the front of the aquarium and blues towards the back. I painted the fixture black and it blends flush and looks nice. This has worked for me so ive never been inclined to upgrade to a to a real canopy, But for a full color spectrum 10k or 12k daylights and antinic bulb combo has impressed me.

 

[MrGillz]

Thank you for the input! So the 12000k and actinic are a good combo for most fish set ups?