Lighting options

[rob92]

I'm looking at lights for my 55 gallon that I'll be getting for Christmas (shhh I'm not suppose to know I'm getting it). Lol. I have two lights in mind but I just want to get everyone's opinion. For the beginning it will be FOWLR but later down the road I would like to get coral. Also which corals would be good for each light.

Orbit Marine LED Strip Light - 48 in. to 60 in.

48 in. AquaticLife Dual Lamp T5 HO Marine Fixture - 2 x 54W

 

[aslmx]

I can't speak for either of those lights but look in to ocean revive and reef radiance. They both have good reputations and prices. I'd go ahead and get lighting that will grow anything that way if you want to try it you won't have to worry about lighting.

 

[fpv930]

I don't know much about the Orbit Marine LED. I am still a big fan of T-5 lighting. The Aquaticlife fixture should be good. But... the lamps that come with it are probably sub par. You should replace them in about 3 months or so. I like the Giesmann bulbs or ATI bulbs. Finally, if your going to invest in T-5 lights. Check out Sun Systems Tek light fixtures. They make a 4 bulb unit that would go great on your 55. You would be able to grow most coral with a fixture like that and quality bulbs.

I have included a couple of links. One for the light and one of a review. However, these fixtures do not come with bulbs. Once in a while you can find them used on either this forum or the RC forum.

Sun Systems T5 HO Tek Light Review - YouTube
Tek-Light T5 Aquarium Lighting by Sunlight Supply

 

[Ron Reefman]

The Orbit Marine looks too much like a Marineland fixture which is junk. Whatever light you get, get one from somebody that other people have been buying from. Don't go looking at stuff nobody has ever heard of. I have 2 tanks with OceanRevive and 2 with EverGrow and I'd recommend either. Really well made fixtures at really good prices.