Simple question

[Ryansi]

How much watts of light does a 55 gallon tank need? expecting to have anemones

 

[Rmckoy]

Depends on the light
Ideally instead of measuring wattage , you want to measure par

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

if going with leds as @Rmckoy stated, par is what you want. Leds are stronger and more direct per watt. But you can look up setus and see what people are using and setup. It wont be perfect but give you an idea. All depends on light hieght and placement/angle, placement of anemone. Anemones will generally move to a location they like. But if they are constantly moving over a few weeks may need to adjuat light or flow. Anemones will also reach if not enough light I have seen.

 

[Ryansi]

if going with leds as @Rmckoy stated, par is what you want. Leds are stronger and more direct per watt. But you can look up setus and see what people are using and setup. It wont be perfect but give you an idea. All depends on light hieght and placement/angle, placement of anemone. Anemones will generally move to a location they like. But if they are constantly moving over a few weeks may need to adjuat light or flow. Anemones will also reach if not enough light I have seen.

Can tou suggest a product?

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

For lighting do you want led, t5, halide? Led is direct as stated and cost lower to run for output you get and have controllable options but you get shadowing. Not big deal with anemonies. Halide cost more to run but cheaper upfront. Good spread of light and less shading. Need more for deeper penetration and adds more warmth to tank. Halides great all around for spread and power. Great shimmer like you can get from leds but get the spread from leds. More to run and give off alot of heat to tank. Then you have combos. Usually t5 and leds give great results. While some use halide and leds. The leds in both combo are supplemental and used to show off more of the saturated colors. So depends what you want and how much your looking to spend.

For simple answer just buy ai or maxspect due to programability and led. Just pick the largest you can afford here. You can always lower the settings and allow for upgrade later if that happens.

 

[Rmckoy]

Can tou suggest a product?

A product for lights or measuring lights ?

I have never used leds and can’t suggest anything other than t5’s , bulb and bulb combinations.

 

[Rmckoy]

They are all personal preference in my opinion

But … cost of running and heat generated from t5’s and MH
Bulb replacement can become expensive but … again this os solely my opinion
You will never question if you have enough light for anything .

No need to measure par .

 

[00W]

They are all personal preference in my opinion

But … cost of running and heat generated from t5’s and MH
Bulb replacement can become expensive but … again this os solely my opinion
You will never question if you have enough light for anything .

No need to measure par .

I agree.
I've seen great tanks using all kinds of lighting.
I've only ever used T5's.
And T8's a zillion years ago.

 

[Rmckoy]

I agree.
I've seen great tanks using all kinds of lighting.
I've only ever used T5's.
And T8's a zillion years ago.

Or what about the florescent U shape bulbs
Said they were “reef” lights but rarely could grow anything

Cost an arm and a leg to replace when they went out .

 

[00W]

Or what about the florescent U shape bulbs
Said they were “reef” lights but rarely could grow anything

Cost an arm and a leg to replace when they went out .

Yeah the fixtures weren't cheap either and it seemed the bulbs were only bright for about the first 10 minutes

 

[52728299]

Honestly would also need to know the dimensions of tank. My tanks 100g but 4' and use 3 lights two 60w and a 90w (approx) if the tank is shorter in length or not as tall etc, needs change.. but usually at least 1 fixture for every 2 feet. Or else your spread suffers, hot spots, cold spots etc can happen with leds