Lighting Suggestions

[Ian Baxter]

Okay, so my AI Sol blues (2) just took a dump on me this evening. Can anyone give some recommendations on replacement lights for my 120g FOWLR tank. It’s 6ft long tank and they would be mounted under a hood. I really don’t want to pay $1300 for the Hydra FiftyTwos.

Thanks!

 

[redfishbluefish]

You're looking at a FOWLR....light only needed to give the fish a pretty look. I'd consider two Basic SBReef fixtures a shot. Less that $300 and you're looking pretty. If you want to go wild, add three!

 

[Ian Baxter]

You're looking at a FOWLR....light only needed to give the fish a pretty look. I'd consider two Basic SBReef fixtures a shot. Less that $300 and you're looking pretty. If you want to go wild, add three!

Is this the one your talking about?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Is this the one your talking about?

Actually not the one I was thinking about.....not sure how a 32 inch fixture would light a six foot tank.

I actually was thinking about the original 16 inch (55 LED, 165W) Basic fixtures, which I see they don't make any more.

Although, looking at their site, they now have a "new" 18 inch Basic fixture, replacing their "old" one:

My thought was two or three of these fixtures....not using their legged mounting system, but suspending.

 

[Dana Riddle]

Just a general comment - some LEDs are not suitable for use in hoods unless they are well vented. Heat issues.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Just a general comment - some LEDs are not suitable for use in hoods unless they are well vented. Heat issues.

Totally agree....but when it's an open top hood (canopy), and the fans vent unobstructed out the top, all is fine:

I don't think to mention that when I post about mounting in a canopy because none of my canopies have tops.

 

[jda]

Just get a 4 foot strip light with T5s in it (or a pair of 3 foot ones)... buy some 50/50 bulbs and use them for 2-3 years or until they burn out.

If you want some LEDs, just get some used ones, or older models.

 

[Dana Riddle]

Totally agree....but when it's an open top hood (canopy), and the fans vent unobstructed out the top, all is fine:

I don't think to mention that when I post about mounting in a canopy because none of my canopies have tops.

That's about as well-vented as you can get!

 

[Ian Baxter]

Just get a 4 foot strip light with T5s in it (or a pair of 3 foot ones)... buy some 50/50 bulbs and use them for 2-3 years or until they burn out.

If you want some LEDs, just get some used ones, or older models.

Yeah, I think I’ll do that. Then save up for some nice LEDs. Thanks.

 

[Ian Baxter]

Actually not the one I was thinking about.....not sure how a 32 inch fixture would light a six foot tank.

I actually was thinking about the original 16 inch (55 LED, 165W) Basic fixtures, which I see they don't make any more.

Although, looking at their site, they now have a "new" 18 inch Basic fixture, replacing their "old" one:

My thought was two or three of these fixtures....not using their legged mounting system, but suspending.

I meant two of them. But the smaller 16” looks nice. I really like your set up. My hood has a lid, did you just take yours off or how do you access your tank?

 

[Ian Baxter]

Just a general comment - some LEDs are not suitable for use in hoods unless they are well vented. Heat issues.

Yup. I bought my whole set up used and I’m pretty sure that’s why they went out. The remote smelled really bad and one of the lights sparked when I plugged in the cord on the side.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I meant two of them. But the smaller 16” looks nice. I really like your set up. My hood has a lid, did you just take yours off or how do you access your tank?

It's a DIY canopy and the whole front of the canopy hinges open by lifting the door....

Let me see if I can find a better picture.....here's a better picture of the canopy open back when I was only running two fixtures.

 

[Ian Baxter]

It's a DIY canopy and the whole front of the canopy hinges open by lifting the door....

Let me see if I can find a better picture.....here's a better picture of the canopy open back when I was only running two fixtures.

That setup is awesome!! You wouldn’t happen to have a blue print for that? Great looking tank!