Lighting for 55 gallon mix reef

[colincardella]

Hello, I bought one reefled 50 light for my 55 gallon mixed reef. I was recommended to by two by my local fish store. But I only bought one because of the price. Before I bought the second I wanted to know if they were good for 55 gallon tanks.

Thanks for any response or help!

 

[ZombieEngineer]

If price is a concern, check craigslist or Facebook marketplace for used radion xr15, ai prime, or ai hydra.

You definitely need 2 lights because lights like the one you purchased can only spread about 2ft. You will get a weird spotlight effect where the outer foot of your tank looks completely dark.

I personally am not a huge fan of the red sea lights. Their app kinda sucks and the light doesn't really get the full spectrum daylight look if you want that look. It can only really do a washed out blue look.

 

[colincardella]

Thanks for your response! Personally I really liked the look. I just wanna make sure that my coral will be okay. Because originally I had a 36-48 inch strip light. I was told that strip lights do not have good surface penetration.

 

[Reefer_punk]

I would recommend 2 rx15 radions
, they can be used ones. Or a mitrax unit, also a great unit!

 

[colincardella]

I would recommend 2 rx15 radions
, they can be used ones. Or a mitrax unit, also a great unit!

I already have the one reefled 50 should I just get on rx15 radion?

 

[colincardella]

If price is a concern, check craigslist or Facebook marketplace for used radion xr15, ai prime, or ai hydra.

You definitely need 2 lights because lights like the one you purchased can only spread about 2ft. You will get a weird spotlight effect where the outer foot of your tank looks completely dark.

I personally am not a huge fan of the red sea lights. Their app kinda sucks and the light doesn't really get the full spectrum daylight look if you want that look. It can only really do a washed out blue look.

Thanks for your response! Personally I really liked the look. I just wanna make sure that my coral will be okay. Because originally I had a 36-48 inch strip light. I was told that strip lights do not have good surface penetration.

 

[ZombieEngineer]

Thanks for your response! Personally I really liked the look. I just wanna make sure that my coral will be okay. Because originally I had a 36-48 inch strip light. I was told that strip lights do not have good surface penetration.

They will be okay in the center 18-24 inches. The outside 2ft you will not be able to grow any photosynthetic coral. Not enough PAR without a second fixture.

 

[ZombieEngineer]

I already have the one reefled 50 should I just get on rx15 radion?

It will look weird if you mix and match. If you want radions, return the reefled 50 and get two radions. If you like the reeled 50, get another of that rather than mix one of each.

 

[Reefer_punk]

I already have the one reefled 50 should I just get on rx15 radion?

That is a possibility. Or otherwise add another reefled. That is maybe more pleasant on the eyes, the designs aren't alike

 

[colincardella]

They will be okay in the center 18-24 inches. The outside 2ft you will not be able to grow any photosynthetic coral. Not enough PAR without a second fixture.

Thank you a lot for the second response. I was planning on getting a second one. I was just checking to see if the were to small for a 55 gallon.