Lighting for 55 gallon fish tank

Madmax65 · Mar 24, 2013

i am trying to picking a lighting system for my 55 gallon fish tank. I have 2 Perfecto Fluorescent Light Strip - Black - 24 in. on it now with Reef sun light in it. I was thinking going with an AquaticLife Dual Lamp T5 HO Marine Light Fixtures. I am going to put soft coral in the tank in like 2 to 3 month from now. if anyone has lighting system that is good for soft coral or is the AquaticLife Dual Lamp T5 HO Marine Light Fixtures good lighting system use. thanks

PaulKreider · Mar 24, 2013

I have two DIY led units above my 55gal, great for if you ever want to move out of the softies, got them from rapidled.

Mike J. · Mar 24, 2013

Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO Aquarium T-5 HO Light Fixtures
Personally, I'd go with a four lamp T5HO on a 55gal. tank. Mines been running for almost five years without a single issue.

Madmax65 · Mar 25, 2013

Ok cool but a dual T5 will work

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

Qube · Mar 26, 2013

I'd have to agree with Mike J, a 2 bulb fixture isn't going to have the power to get the light deep enough in the tank to be beneficial for anything photosynthetic. I quality 4 bulb fixture, like the one he listed, will be your best bet. When shopping, one of the main things you want to look for is that the fixture contains individual reflectors for the bulbs. This will really focus that light into the tank, rather than getting lost in the fixture and spread outside the tank. Just my opinion though...

Mike J. · Mar 26, 2013

Thank you; didn't want to argue. My concern was that eventually he'll want to get more advanced corals and a 2 bulb then won't cut it.

Qube said:
I'd have to agree with Mike J, a 2 bulb fixture isn't going to have the power to get the light deep enough in the tank to be beneficial for anything photosynthetic. I quality 4 bulb fixture, like the one he listed, will be your best bet. When shopping, one of the main things you want to look for is that the fixture contains individual reflectors for the bulbs. This will really focus that light into the tank, rather than getting lost in the fixture and spread outside the tank. Just my opinion though...

tidus10 · Mar 26, 2013

Mike J. said:
Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO Aquarium T-5 HO Light Fixtures
Personally, I'd go with a four lamp T5HO on a 55gal. tank. Mines been running for almost five years without a single issue.

+1, my buddy had a 4 bulb fixture on his tank and id never run anything less. nice front to back and powerful enough to get down to the bottom

ReeferBob · Mar 26, 2013

Lighting all depends on your budget.

Madmax65 · Mar 26, 2013

That is the problem I do not have 400 dollar for a 4 light one the dual one is 126 and I am going to have just soft coral only

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

SeahorseKeeper · Mar 27, 2013

Honestly, I would just save up for a fixture that is a little better suited for the tank. Down the road you may want to keep more light demanding corals and will have to upgrade the lighting to be able to keep them. I would also look at your local reef clubs to see if you can get a good deal. There are always people getting out of the hobby and selling light systems pretty cheap.

canadian reefer · Mar 28, 2013

If I were you I'd invest in the 4 bulb. Just to be safe and you can also add a wider variety of corals. That's what I did and it was the best decision I ever made

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP