Lighting Question...

EmilyXLC · Jul 28, 2012

Hi all!

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with this light...

Amazon.com: Coralife 08606 Lunar Aqualight High Output T5 Quad Lamp Fixture, 36-Inch: Pet Supplies

I want to eventually have a reef tank, so I was wondering how this light would hold up. I'm just going to stick with beginner corals, I'm not looking to have anything that's too intense. Let me know what you think! : )

numsie · Jul 28, 2012

Hi Emily, I have been going round and round looking at all the types of light fixtures for my 45g reef for weeks now without breaking the bank. Right now I am using power compacts but I wanted something more powerful without going to metal halide because of the heat and cost. What I have learned and I am no expert is this. Low cost fixtures, you get what you pay for and they come with cheap bulbs. The bulbs they come with should be replace by good bulbs in a few months, so now the cost goes up again and you have to replace the bulbs yearly. I have decided to go with a new LED fixture called the Maxspect Razor which I will have next week. I am getting the 27" at a cost of $489.00 and they will give me all the lighting I need and over time I should break even because the bulbs are good for 50000 hours. The LED's run cooler so no need for the chiller I would need if I got the t5s or metal halide. I'll keep you posted on how the fixture is working.

MarineDepot · Jul 28, 2012

The nice thing with the Coralife Aqualight fixtures is that you get your money's worth. The 36 inch version uses 36 inch, 39w T5HO light bulbs which are readily available, and the first set of bulbs are included. There are multiple plugs for different timers to create that dawn to dusk effect, and it includes built-in moonlights. You can definitely keep a wide variety of beginner corals with a four lamp T5HO unit. The feedback we get is most are pretty satisfied with this light.

Dan

EmilyXLC · Jul 29, 2012

Thank you, guys! I think I may end up ordering one of these bad boys when it's time for lights!

Pappy · Jul 29, 2012

I would go with a DIY led fixture from rapid led. It's the best option for any lights IMO and the most reasonable. Not having to replace bulbs every 6 months, less heat, and far better efficiency and color!

Rockadile · Jul 29, 2012

that or for around the same price and not having to put it together get some AI sols with a controller

Pappy · Jul 29, 2012

Rockadile said:
that or for around the same price and not having to put it together get some AI sols with a controller

BUT not full spectrum and very small footprint and coverage

Reef Breeders · Jul 29, 2012

Pappy said:
BUT not full spectrum and very small footprint and coverage

There are plenty of full spectrum units out there for low prices, you just have to find them. DIY is the best if you know what you are doing, and what you want

fyrfytr · Jul 30, 2012

So with a DIY set from rapidled...just need the heatsinc, leds, and a controler and you are good to go? (save for the soldering and setting them on the heatsinc)?