adeqaute lighting for a reef aquarium?

[reefer newby]

I am trying to get a reef tank going. I bought a used aquarium setup that came with a coralife compact aqua lunar light. I put all new bulbs in it. It is a 10,000k with blue actinic lights. Will this light do for my 55 gal tank?

 

[mcarroll]

If it's four bulbs at least in a 48" fixture, it should do the trick.

Be wary of putting too much cash into that however, as a DIY LED rig for that tank only costs around $120 and will probably last around 5 years or more...consuming only about 60 watts. The T5 fixture can cost that much every 6 months in bulbs and power usage.

-Matt

 

[mattvisocky2003]

Agreed with Matt.

-Matt

 

[Gladfelter]

Just to throw a third Matt in there...Agreed

Matt

 

[reefer newby]

Wow. Just what I needed to know. My fixture is a four ft long with four bulbs , but I don't want to replace them every six months. What kind of LEDs will I need for my 55 gal . colors , power , etc. I am completely ignorant when it comes to what lighting I need. But I am a very good at diy stuff. Can you tell me exactly what I need to order . I do want to switch to the LEDs. How far from the water surface will they need to be? I really appreciate the help.

 

[reefer newby]

And where do I get the individual LEDs ?

 

[mattvisocky2003]

The first Matt has a link in his post that gives you everything you need.

 

[Gladfelter]

Wow. Just what I needed to know. My fixture is a four ft long with four bulbs , but I don't want to replace them every six months. What kind of LEDs will I need for my 55 gal . colors , power , etc. I am completely ignorant when it comes to what lighting I need. But I am a very good at diy stuff. Can you tell me exactly what I need to order . I do want to switch to the LEDs. How far from the water surface will they need to be? I really appreciate the help.

That's why I went with Led replacing Metal Halides is even worse. Plus you will save on your electric bill

 

[mcarroll]

With that link I posted, you'll need 12" of clearance to the water. And the main build featured in that thread is for a 55 gallon tank.

Lots of example systems there for ideas too. I've built three of these so far, so ask if you have more questions!

-Matt

 

[mattvisocky2003]

How deep do your DIY's penetrate?

 

[reefer newby]

I assume this is not something you can get at Lowes ?

 

[NanaReefer]

Totally disagree with replacing T5 lamps every 6 months. I've been replacing my ATI's once a year (tax return time lol) for the past 4 years. Never had an issue with the growth or color of my corals/clam


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

 

[mcarroll]

How deep do your DIY's penetrate?

From 12" they are good for at least 24"-30" of water depth, so they carry serious intensity.

-Matt