Question on lighting.

Alec Meacham · Jul 4, 2018

Hi Guys, i recently upgraded tank sizes and was wondering about lighting. I was using a https://www.amazon.com/SeaStar-Aqua...srs=11481932011&ie=UTF8&qid=1530740827&sr=8-7
In my 30 Gallon and it was working well, now ive noticed light is missing the sides of the tank pretty bad so ive been considering this light
https://www.amazon.com/SeaStar-Aqua...srs=11481932011&ie=UTF8&qid=1530740827&sr=8-1
Anyone have experience with Sea star? Other lighting suggestions? Would be appreciated. Thank you.

pluikens · Jul 4, 2018

Wow, you're a bolder man than I am for one, buying an Amazon item with no reviews and two, buying a light with no pictures of the light even on. Whats the dimensions of your new tank?

Alec Meacham · Jul 5, 2018

48x13x21are my dimensions. Also that light was recommend by my LFS and the smaller one seemed to work ok for 30 but need a little more for my 55.

pluikens · Jul 5, 2018

What are you looking to keep for corals and what's your budget?

Alec Meacham · Jul 5, 2018

Currently i have Zenia, Mushrooms, an Anemone, Star polips (Regular and gold tip). And my budget isnt huge but i mean im not trying to cheap out if theres a better option.

pluikens · Jul 5, 2018

You could start with two (and go to three if you see fit) Kessil A160s or AI Prime HDs. For bar style lights, there's the Orphek OR160 and you could do two of those with narrower lenses (they custom make them). For more budget friendly, any T5 fixture will do with an ATI fixture being one of the nicest but a horticulture fixture from Amazon with ATI bulbs has worked for me. The cheaper T5 fixtures don't pack the bulbs in so you'll probably only fit a two bulb at the lower end of fixtures. @Crabs Mcjones Do you agree with that Kessil recommendation for a 55? For even higher PAR I was thinking two Kessil A360s but I'm not sure on wide or narrow.

Alec Meacham · Jul 5, 2018

Do you have any suggestions on the T5 fixtures? I cant seem to find any that im sure would work.

pluikens · Jul 5, 2018

Sure! I actually have this exact fixture bought through Amazon over a 90 https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-FL...530801733&sr=8-2&keywords=agrobrite+t5+4+foot It's a little over 13 inches wide so you will definitely have light spill since the reflectors aren't "tuned" for aquariums. Another option from the same brand in a two bulb is: https://www.amazon.com/Agrobrite-De...37&sr=1-1&keywords=agrobrite+t5+4+foot+2+bulb
If light spill is a concern (which it probably is) there's also an aquarium specific option: https://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Aqu...-3&keywords=t5+48&refinements=p_85:2470955011

pluikens · Jul 5, 2018

Another option for LED bars without waiting for Orphek to make them would be the Current USA Orbit line. I know there's quite a few reefers here that use them so you could search the forums for those fixtures to see which work best for different tanks/uses.