Lighting for softies - sooo confused

[Mariette]

it seems that the more I research lighting, the more confused I get. Is there a simple answer to this question? Or at least an idea which way i should go...looking for lighting options for softies and mushrooms. It gets complicated when you consider how far the lights will be mounted, the tank’s height, whether there’s a lid/what kind. And bla bla bla. Soooo lost

 

[Crabs McJones]

Unfortunately there isn't a simple answer. Everyone has something that works best for them, part of the journey is finding out what your "best" is
Can you give us a little more info? We'd love to help you find the right path to get to your best Tank size, corals, maybe a full tank shot?

 

[Mariette]

Unfortunately there isn't a simple answer. Everyone has something that works best for them, part of the journey is finding out what your "best" is
Can you give us a little more info? We'd love to help you find the right path to get to your best Tank size, corals, maybe a full tank shot?

I was afraid of that lol.

I’m upgrading from a 55g to 110g. Currently have no corals. I’ve got 2 fish and 10 inverts. All reef safe.

New tank will be 110g. 5 feet long. Want to keep softies and mushrooms.

Current setup is a disaster. My 2 remaining fish are in qt (they’ve survived Velvet and copper and are currently in observation and awaiting their new home). DT running fallow w all the new live rock purchased in preparation for the upgrade.

Seems like a good time to research because I’m getting a new tank. I’ve got LEDs on my 55g and they’ve been great. Customizable colours. Programable on/off. Blues. They’re great! But I’ve never kept any corals under them.

 

[Midrats]

Soft corals often can take as much light and flow as you can throw at them, mushrooms typically prefer much less.

 

[Crabs McJones]

What sort of budget are we looking to work with?

 

[Mariette]

Soft corals often can take as much light and flow as you can throw at them, mushrooms typically prefer much less.

There will be caves and overhangs so that works I’m more worried about not providing enough lighting.

 

[Mariette]

What sort of budget are we looking to work with?

I’m in Canada so the pricing is different here. As I should have known, budgeting in this hobby is more about loose guidelines than strict rules lol. Would like to keep it at the $500 mark but can go higher. Will just have to wait to do so.

 

[Midrats]

What LEDs do you currently have?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Check out the AI Prime HD's I think 3 or 4 over that tank would look snazzy and be able to handle softies and LPS corals

 

[Mariette]

What LEDs do you currently have?

Coralife LED Aqualight-S
I spent about $250 on them.

 

[Mariette]

Check out the AI Prime HD's I think 3 or 4 over that tank would look snazzy and be able to handle softies and LPS corals

Ooohhh those look awesome. About $300 each here. Maybe I can start w 1 or 2 plus my current lights.

 

[Midrats]

If LEDs aren't set in stone, ATI has some more than capable T5 fixtures in your price range. You won't get a controller for $500 but that's not necessary anyway. All you need are a couple of lamp timers, and the bulb combination can be tailored to your needs. Your stuff will grow like weeds!

 

[Mariette]

If LEDs aren't set in stone, ATI has some more than capable T5 fixtures in your price range. You won't get a controller for $500 but that's not necessary anyway. All you need are a couple of lamp timers, and the bulb combination can be tailored to your needs. Your stuff will grow like weeds!

Not set in stone. And I have lots of timers sitting around. Hmmmm maybe worth looking into. Thx