Lights

OldGoat · Aug 25, 2016

I wish it were as simple as...."which lights should I buy for X?"
The plan for our new 55g is to have 1 Dwarf Lion and 1 eel of some sort and no other fish. I want to have nothing but Zoa's as far as coral goes. Having said that I am just diving in seriously to lighting. I just learned what actinic lights were yesterday and why they were important. I am reading up on Halide lights and LED's and pros and cons of each. I have read that Zoa's do well in moderate to high lighting generally. So finally to get to the question........ I am thinking a T5 fixture of appropriate size with actinic lights and the appropriate number of Halide lights would be appropriate. Thoughts? I would provide more information if I knew which information you'll be looking for. If I'm dead wrong here point me in the right direction please. Thanks in advance!

Frop · Aug 25, 2016

I didn't buy T5's/halides because they cost more in the long run. Higher heat and higher electric bill. Plus bulbs should be replaced yearly. The vivdaquariums guy said the bulb change would some times stress his corals since the sudden intensity change (). LEDs are cooler and directional more efficient. I think the only hard part on LEDs is probably settings. That's what I think.

cromag27 · Aug 25, 2016

Halides would be overkill for some zoas. you could get away with cheap Chinese box leds or the fixtures made by rapid led, reef breeders, etc.

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 25, 2016

Heat and power usage are the main issues. You can go 150 and 250w halide. I had a 150w mh over 20x20 my cube zoas are fine. Intensity varies a bit from fixture to fixture too. (i have 2 different 150 mh's) Intensity and par have a learning curve too.
Budget is a big deal for most. In the 21st century for a newb Id recommend an led that ramps and has a timer built in. Save yourself the headaches I had.
Theres lots of inexpensive first purchase options out there and time to learn more and upgrade later.

I advocate better spread to cover the whole tank, nice and even, like a t5 or Mh does). IE V2 Photon over Kessel. Its easy eye candy and instant self gratification as it looks good fast w no shadowing issues.

DeniseAndy · Aug 25, 2016

Fish only and zoas, you do not have to go much intensity at all. I would skip any MH and either stick with T5s or as others have said go to leds that you can change around. BTW, I no very little about LEDs, much more about MH and T5s.

OldGoat · Aug 25, 2016

Thanks! for all the input. So I gather so far the consensus is....MH's should NOT be a consideration at this point but instead go with the T5 fixture or an inexpensive LED set up? I have shied away from the LED's because i have read so much about setting bands and adjusting intensity levels etc that they seem a bit overwhelming.

OldGoat · Aug 25, 2016

Thanks! for all the input. So I gather so far the consensus is....MH's should NOT be a consideration at this point but instead go with the T5 fixture or an inexpensive LED set up? I have shied away from the LED's because i have read so much about setting bands and adjusting intensity levels etc that they seem a bit overwhelming.

cromag27 · Aug 25, 2016

Just get an adjustable led fixture(s).

cromag27 · Aug 25, 2016

Just get an adjustable led fixture(s).

cromag27 · Aug 25, 2016

Just get an adjustable led fixture(s).

Bpb · Aug 25, 2016

I'd strongly recommend a t5ho fixture for you. Yes higher end LEDs can work but they are not a beginner lighting solution despite what someone says and without a lot of experience, you'll sooner kill every coral in the tank with them, than grow them. T5ho are a simpler solution. Use quality bulbs, turn it on, it works. No guess work involved. Set the lights on a timer, replace the bulbs annually, and move on to worrying about something else. In he future with experience and understanding you could try out LEDs but there is a learning curve involved. Metal halides would be mega overkill for your tank. Having used LEDs, t5ho, and metal halides, I can definitely say t5ho will be the easiest to use. Zoas are pretty undemanding of light intensity and spectrum. Medium to high with moderate flow and moderate nutrient content. They're a very middle of the road coral on difficulty and what they need to flourish. Nothing extreme. A 4 bulb t5ho fixture loaded up with ATI or giesemann bulbs would serve you just perfect.