4 foot lighting for soft corals

[ZoaLuke]

Hey, I've got a 4 foot saltwater tank that needs a light in order for the setup to be complete. At this stage, I'm only planning on growing soft corals such as zoanthids and was wondering what sort of light options you guys would recommend. I'd like the light to be powerful enough to facilitate growth for the soft coral but do only wish to spend up to a few hundred on the light (living in Australia). What sort of light options would you guys recommend and would you go for LEDs or a T5 fixture?
Thanks heaps!

 

[mike550]

Hey, I've got a 4 foot saltwater tank that needs a light in order for the setup to be complete. At this stage, I'm only planning on growing soft corals such as zoanthids and was wondering what sort of light options you guys would recommend. I'd like the light to be powerful enough to facilitate growth for the soft coral but do only wish to spend up to a few hundred on the light (living in Australia). What sort of light options would you guys recommend and would you go for LEDs or a T5 fixture?
Thanks heaps!

Im using a ReefBreeders Photon V2+ 32 on my 48” and it has plenty of power. Not sure what the cost is in Australia but definitely less expensive than many brands.

 

[dedragon]

for just softies i would go with a cheaper lighting solution, either 2-3 Orphek OR3 bars (wait for a sale they always go for like 15-20% off), 2 maxspect jump leds, nicrew (100w x 2), noopsyche k7 x 2, Smat farms g5 led (still need more testing on this one but for soft corals pretty assured it will work)

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

I have 4 Kessil A360w on a aquaticlife T5 mount with 3 blue + and one coral + bulb. Bulbs last pretty long and my kessils are all second hand so the cost was reasonable. I would go with a similar set up in case you decide to explore softies that like more par in the future; it'll be on less expense down the line.

 

[DeniseAndy]

IF you can get T5s, that is all you will need. In fact, I grow sps with T5s. So, they are a good light. LEDs I am not familiar with, but I am sure others can chime in on that. 4ft tank, 36"/39w T5s and depending on depth maybe 4-6 total.

 

[dedragon]

Problem is they said a budget of a few hundred dollars so im thinking most t5 or hybrid solutions are probably over budget for them.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I am not sure of costs in Australia. Here, easily get a T5 set under that.

 

[dedragon]

By a few i think they mean around $300 not positive still waiting on them but it is like 4am there lol. Im not sure it it is the case but i did also guess they meant a few hundred aud not usd so it could be even less, again not sure so i put more budget ended lights up. I do personally use a t5 fixture specifically this one in 6x 36"

Broken Tank | CoralVue

CoralVue is one of North America's largest distributors of marine and freshwater aquaria products and represents a wide range of industry-leading brands including Reef Octopus, Abyzz, Fauna Marin, IceCap, and more. CoralVue also manufactures the HYDROS Control, which is the fastest-growing...

www.coralvue.com

 

[msjboy]

You can also buy Led t5 bulbs (I think only one company makes them) for reef tanks for your standard t5 fixture

 

[Jekyl]

Hey, I've got a 4 foot saltwater tank that needs a light in order for the setup to be complete. At this stage, I'm only planning on growing soft corals such as zoanthids and was wondering what sort of light options you guys would recommend. I'd like the light to be powerful enough to facilitate growth for the soft coral but do only wish to spend up to a few hundred on the light (living in Australia). What sort of light options would you guys recommend and would you go for LEDs or a T5 fixture?
Thanks heaps!

T5

 

[dedragon]

You can also buy Led t5 bulbs (I think only one company makes them) for reef tanks for your standard t5 fixture

I dont think anyone makes reliable ones just yet, a couple of companies have tried but im not sure if they all just didnt work well or were unpopular for some reason

 

[ZoaLuke]

By a few i think they mean around $300 not positive still waiting on them but it is like 4am there lol. Im not sure it it is the case but i did also guess they meant a few hundred aud not usd so it could be even less, again not sure so i put more budget ended lights up. I do personally use a t5 fixture specifically this one in 6x 36"

Broken Tank | CoralVue

CoralVue is one of North America's largest distributors of marine and freshwater aquaria products and represents a wide range of industry-leading brands including Reef Octopus, Abyzz, Fauna Marin, IceCap, and more. CoralVue also manufactures the HYDROS Control, which is the fastest-growing...

www.coralvue.com

I decided to up my budget to $500 AUD to spend on the light after seeing some of the possible options as well.

 

[Cell]

MicMol Aqua Air 48" will grow softies and LPS just fine.

 

[dedragon]

checked orphek prices for australia and they are like 50 usd higher there, thats some bs. Illumagic seems to be big there so maybe you could even get used vitamini strips.
Dont really know your websites out there but did find this, 36" 4 bulb t5 it is more than fine and really cheap, maybe later add an led strip if you want more actinic pop or par but at $169 (i think it is in aud) its a pretty good price. Though there may be other t5 options out there i havent found at comparable prices, even ones used for horticulture grow lights are fine as well

Ocean Free T5 Quad Tube Unit 90cm (4 x 39W)

Designed for open top aquariums, these Quad T5 units are made from corrosion resistant aluminum and tilt for easy access. Includes adjustable mounting brackets and dual switch. Light tubes not included. 90cm (4 x 39W)

www.aquaticsupplies.com.au

 

[moulton1853]

I have a Current Marine Loop Pro. works great with my softies and LPS In my 4ft tank. Love that the pumps and lights are all programmable without another piece of equipment.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

I love T5's and Kessil(s) combo for any coral.