Need help lighting my aquarium!!!

[saradomin]

I have a 125 gallon Aqueon aquarium that needs some light fixtures. I will not be keeping any plants. I don't want dim or cold-colored light. I cannot purchase anything that is online specific. Don't ask why.

I have looked at a few so far.

Marineland single bright

Coralife T5 No and Ho

National Geographic Led (no timer model)

Marineland Advanced LED

How are these lights? Can I remove the legs on a T5 fixture and lay it flat on the glass covers without overheating?

 

[saradomin]

How do I avoid the light from leaking around the sides of the fixtures?

 

[saradomin]

Anything you want share?

 

[m8r8j]

i have the marineland double bright its awesome


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[mudbuttjones]

i have the marineland double bright its awesome


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I have one as well on a 90g. Its great. I paid only $100 for it on amazon. Penetrates the deep tank very well. There are better options out there but I can personally vouch for the doublebright

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[saradomin]

Are they brighter than a dual T5 HO of the same size?

 

[mudbuttjones]

They were brighter than a single T8 setup. But you have to factor in bulb age and how dirty my glass tops were.

I did a comparison on my old 75g



And it on my 90g currently


I dunno I think its somewhere in the ballpark of 3000-4000 lumens. The dual fluorescent T5's very well could be brighter, but I don't know. I went led for power consumption and not having to deal with replacement bulbs

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[saradomin]

Thanks for the pictures. I'm worried about the LEDs producing a bluish color. I know my Marineland Hidden LED does. Nice setup btw.

 

[mudbuttjones]

Thanks. It's not too blue. More of a bright white.

The florescents seemed a little more warm or yellow.

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[saradomin]

I decided to get either the Marineland Single Bright or the Coralife/Aqueon dual T5 NO. I don't know which one will give me better color or more light.