Hello
I have a 26 gallon bowfront aquarium (24Lx15wx21h) and I am wanting to upgrade my lighting. Currently I am using a Reefbreeders Value LED https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/reef-breeders-value-led-fixtures/ I've had it for a couple years now, and I'm not really too happy with it (for a number of reasons).
I'm actually wanting to switch to T5s or even possibly metal halides. The tank is a mixed reef with LPS and Softies. I am actually having a bit of trouble figuring out what kind of light to get and it seems it's harder to find a lot of options due to my tank size not being very common, most of the options for tanks like mine are LEDs.
I've narrowed it down to a few possibilities, but I have a few questions (keep in mind it's LPS/Soft coral tank):
-Is metal halide going to be too bright for a 26 gallon tank?
-If I go with metal halide, what wattage would you recommend? 250W seems common, but since I'm not doing SPS would a lower wattage like 150W be more suitable?
-I'm seeing a lot of T5 fixtures with 4X24W bulbs. I'm concerned with that being too much light, and most of the 2x24w fixtures don't have the wrap around reflectors. Geez, it's so hard to find stuff!
-Give me a suggestion on a fixture
-OR can someone give me a good recommendation on a much better quality LED fixture that I am more likely to be happy with compared to my current one?
I have a 26 gallon bowfront aquarium (24Lx15wx21h) and I am wanting to upgrade my lighting. Currently I am using a Reefbreeders Value LED https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/reef-breeders-value-led-fixtures/ I've had it for a couple years now, and I'm not really too happy with it (for a number of reasons).
I'm actually wanting to switch to T5s or even possibly metal halides. The tank is a mixed reef with LPS and Softies. I am actually having a bit of trouble figuring out what kind of light to get and it seems it's harder to find a lot of options due to my tank size not being very common, most of the options for tanks like mine are LEDs.
I've narrowed it down to a few possibilities, but I have a few questions (keep in mind it's LPS/Soft coral tank):
-Is metal halide going to be too bright for a 26 gallon tank?
-If I go with metal halide, what wattage would you recommend? 250W seems common, but since I'm not doing SPS would a lower wattage like 150W be more suitable?
-I'm seeing a lot of T5 fixtures with 4X24W bulbs. I'm concerned with that being too much light, and most of the 2x24w fixtures don't have the wrap around reflectors. Geez, it's so hard to find stuff!
-Give me a suggestion on a fixture
-OR can someone give me a good recommendation on a much better quality LED fixture that I am more likely to be happy with compared to my current one?
