I'm drowning in all the lighting options

[Dowtish]

My tank is a bowfront 90, and it is 48x18x27. His 6 foot long 125 is 18" front to back as well and not as tall. A 6 bulb would do the trick, and an 8 bulb is just that much better.

I am very familiar with the tank at AC, a friend of mine and I actually did PAR testing on it, and we were getting readings of 400 at the sandbed in places.

 

[AirAngel]

Chris & Lindsey!
Those tanks are absolutely amazing looking!!!
I have only seen 3 established tanks in person and those look much better.
I hope to someday have a tank that awesome.
Mike

Lindsey- Your photo taking ability has me blown away!!!

 

[Alabamareef]

Dowtish I like the 6 bulb fixture also. But the 72 inch fixture will have 6 36" bulbs on each side. So they call it a 12 bulb fixture. AquaticLife 12 Bulb T5 HO & LED Light Fixture - 72 in. | ThatPetPlace.com

That tank at AC is crazy. They said it was a customers and then I guess they bought it from him. I stop at that store every time I go home, Love it.

 

[gmoney243]

Here my t5 led combo. I need to build a canopy as was stated a diy can look messy and mine def does that. But i will say u should get the lighting you want first time instead of thinking ill buy better lights later its better to buy good stuff first time around i know many here can tell you that. Ive spent a total of $400 on my diy setup for my 180 t5 included and only have a $60/ year bulb cost.

This combo is great it looks better than leds or t5 by themselves. Those using led only have no idea what they are missing by not using t5 and same with t5 missing leds. They both make corals pop differently and together the corals color looks excellent. And its adjustable to whatever look i want without switching bulbs.

I say take some time and enjoy this for what it is a hobby and tinker around with lighting to get whats going to be best for you and your budget.

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[gmoney243]

My build

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81420


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[AirAngel]

The discussion of lamp count and performance is different for each application. Comparing apples to apples?
Here's how I read the specs on the lights from Aquaticlife.
48" 6 lamp cost $443.24 and puts out 328 watts
72" 8 lamp cost $492.49 and puts out 318 watts
72" 12 lamp cost $768.29 puts out 474 watts

Considerin the large price difference ($276) in the 8 and 12 lamp model, and the diff in lamp replacement cost, is the additional wattage really needed??
NOT debating, just askin.

I'm certain I will upgrade to LED in the future but due to budget and short term aestetics. I believe it has to be T5 for now.

 

[Alabamareef]

I had the 8 lamp and it did a good job. I have noticed with a new light system, LED's much better color and growth. I think if it were me and I thought later I'd plan on upgrading I'd do the 8 lamp. If you go with the 12 lamp you'll really not have to upgrade and should be able to get the max from any coral, invert.... In the marine hobby whats another $300.00, lol. :wink:

My vote would be the 8 lamp.

 

[pickupman66]

But i will say u should get the lighting you want first time instead of thinking ill buy better lights later its better to buy good stuff first time around i know many here can tell you that. Ive spent a total of $400 on my diy setup for my 180 t5 included and only have a $60/ year bulb cost.

This! Do it right now. Upgrading down the road is hard. I had mh on this ttank prior but it came that wway.

And to anyone, load up the car and take a road trip and come see me aand my tank. I'm an hour 15 from murfreesboro and 45 from Huntsville. You may even leave with a frag or two in your bag.


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[AirAngel]

Well, I have corals in my tank now that look awfull and a couple I am concerned about. I appreciate all the feedback and information that has been shared.
I am going to order the 8 lamp AquaticLife fixture on Monday. Cost and instant gratification has steered me in this direction.
In a year or two I can move up to LED's. The technology will be advanced further and maybe the cost will be lower.
THANKS again for the advice and the schooling. No pun intended.

Mike

 

[Dana]

What about the beamswork fixtures....

 

[Dana]

I just bought a led fixture from them. I'm happy with it and it was very affordable.

 

[gmoney243]

Well, I have corals in my tank now that look awfull and a couple I am concerned about. I appreciate all the feedback and information that has been shared.
I am going to order the 8 lamp AquaticLife fixture on Monday. Cost and instant gratification has steered me in this direction.
In a year or two I can move up to LED's. The technology will be advanced further and maybe the cost will be lower.
THANKS again for the advice and the schooling. No pun intended.

Mike

Keep in mind what Chris said about the stock bulbs is totally true. They suck and will not make ur corals look like these other guys tanks who are running ati T5 bulbs. Stock bulbs are much to white and corals will look drab trust me ive done the same thing and couldn't believe the difference ati blue+ bulbs make.

If ur spending $500 now for fixture then need to spend $160+ just to get bulbs that will make corals pop. You can buy some decently cheap led prefab units for about the same if ur planning to go led later. Not to mention the yearly $160+ bulb replacement cost

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[gmoney243]

check these out. they get high reviews and are well priced. theres a huge thread on RC people showing off their tanks with them and discussing the units and how much they all seem to like them.

reefbreeders

you would need 3 units at $179 each = $537

just saying since you keep saying you want LEDs later you could get them now and they will look much better than those stock bulbs

 

[AirAngel]

check these out. they get high reviews and are well priced. theres a huge thread on RC people showing off their tanks with them and discussing the units and how much they all seem to like them.

reefbreeders

you would need 3 units at $179 each = $537

just saying since you keep saying you want LEDs later you could get them now and they will look much better than those stock bulbs

No one had pointed out an decent LED fixture at this price point. What angle lens would you recommend?
The contollable fixtures come in 24" length. Would 2 of these be adequate??

The Aquatic life fixture is made in the USA. Do you know where these are made? Not a great concern but a little. The Chinese own us now.

Mike

 

[AirAngel]

He answered the phone and spent some time explaining. Will share some details later when I have time.
Gotta run to Nasteyville right now.

 

[fragmatic]

My advice is to hook up with some people in your area and view their tanks, in their homes. You will gain much more than seeing what lights they have and how their tanks look.

Secondly, If you are looking at AquaticLife lamps sets, don't fail to look at their LED sets. You can do very well with them. I use one on my 90 and LOVE it! It is the 54 watt 36" unit. Everyone keeps saying that isn't enough LED wattage.. but they are WRONG! Wattage in LEDs is not the same and is a poor judgement for LED effectiveness. Wattage is a measure of power usage and has NOTHING to do with light production. PAR from LEDs is not all that accurate either, there are plenty of health and growing aspects that even PAR doesn't measure. LED's are getting it done in ways we do not fully understand yet.

There is one thing I suggest you do consider no matter what you do. Technology in LED manufacturing is on the move, the best is yet to come. So, think about the fact we may all soon wish we had waited to buy the newer LEDs in a few months no matter what we use for lights presently. I expect some very efficient, high growth rates, and wowing color enhancements soon. Too many companies are doing expensive R&D and there are too many $$$$ of market share for this not to happen. We will all benefit from it, we are destined for some great advances in lighting for our tanks!

 

[AirAngel]

Technology in LED manufacturing is on the move, the best is yet to come. So, think about the fact we may all soon wish we had waited to buy the newer LEDs in a few months no matter what we use for lights presently. I expect some very efficient, high growth rates, and wowing color enhancements soon. Too many companies are doing expensive R&D and there are too many $$$$ of market share for this not to happen. We will all benefit from it, we are destined for some great advances in lighting for our tanks!

I completely agree. In the past I have collected flashlights. The LED's suct in the begining. There are LED flashlights on the market with outstanding performance. I dont know about market shares, but the military has been a big driver in this technology. They keep the newer performers off the market as well as other technology (think GPS). The advances we all seek may allready be there! I still have LED flashlights that only the military had @ onetime.
I have one running on a single CR123 that will illuminate a treeline 50 yrds away like daylight, well almost.

 

[fragmatic]

I completely agree. In the past I have collected flashlights. The LED's suct in the begining. There are LED flashlights on the market with outstanding performance. I dont know about market shares, but the military has been a big driver in this technology. They keep the newer performers off the market as well as other technology (think GPS). The advances we all seek may allready be there! I still have LED flashlights that only the military had @ onetime.
I have one running on a single CR123 that will illuminate a treeline 50 yrds away like daylight, well almost.

I have a flash light in my hands, well I put it down to type this, that I left on last Monday evening, and left it at a remote setting. I had used it off and on last July while we did an extensive camping/hiking trip in Colorado for a whole month and had not replaced the batteries. I retrieved it Thursday evening, and the LEDs were still firing. They weren't very bright but they were still on. This thing runs on three AAA batteries. Now granted, it is not powered by three 3 watt crees, but it gets the job done. Talk about the right flash light to have in your backpack while hiking, this is the one. It uses 16 LEDs and no reflector, old technology, by current specs.

 

[Alabamareef]

Whatever you choose post some photos of now and a few months down the road. Personally with the 8 bulb fixture I think you do fine with LPS and some SPS. The higher light SPS I'd be careful with. Maybe try a frag from a friend and see how it does. I think you'll enjoy that light. Good luck.

 

[AirAngel]

Can I change my mind??

I looked into Reefbreeders. I couldn't find a negative post on several sites.
2 year warranty with US support. He'll fix them his self if needed. He answered the phone on Sat. Has perfect Ebay feedback.That impressed me and lends credit to support. Is a site supporter.
About 2 week delivery (waiting on shipment).
I'm gonna order and eagerly anticipate!! :bigsmile: