What is a good lighting for my tank?

[InDahOcean]

Hi, I'm new to this. So what is a good lighting for my tank? I have a 55 gallons tank (36'x18'x18'). My budget is around 400 dollars for a lighting, but I can go up higher.

 

[mcarroll]

• Maxspect Razor is really nice (I run one), but might not be optimal if your 50 gallon has a center brace like most do. (My 50 gallon is really old and heavier glass and has no center brace.)

• A Kessil A700 might be a good alternative.

• I'd also consider a Current USA Orbit Marine PRO. If you can't suspend the light off the tank and have to use the feet, you could decide that you want a second unit later on as they use pretty strong optics. Technically, one unit should be plenty for and 18" wide tank though. Concern shouldn't be necessary with it up off the tank around 12", more or less. 14" is ideal by the math, but the results are subjective to a degree – I doubt you'd have to go that high and might even just prefer the look lower. Experiment with 12" in mind. This is the only light that will have minimal shading. The others (and most of the popular lights) are very similar to halide lighting in the amount of shading created. The Razor is kinda halfway on this spectrum.

Finally when the light you choose is set up or hung, set intensity with a lux meter. (PAR meter is fine too!)

 

[InDahOcean]

Hi there, thx for the reply. My tank is weird, it's just an acrylic 55 gallons tank here is a picture.

I want a fixture that has legs that stand on the tank. I don't know if that is possible.
So which one of the 3 would you recommend, and are those beneficial for corals?

 

[mcarroll]

All would be good for consideration, yes. (The kessil has different options than feet, but it could work.)

You can decide based on price or extra features or the spread of light, etc.

There is no "best" unfortunately.

Any of the Chinese fixtures would also work if you want to consider them. Some people do, some don't. (And in fact, they are all Chinese...just some more than others.)

If you're up for a DIY project, you can make your corals very happy for VERY little money. Google GU10 bulbs or PM me for some details.

Good lighting isn't about quantity of money spent.

 

[InDahOcean]

So does the Kessil A700 and the Current USA Orbit Marine PRO has custom lightings like remote where I can change colors?

 

[Salty1962]

You could look to see if anyone has a 6 bulb T5 fixture. If you go with a T5, I would go with ATI bulbs. Great color selection and PAR. I run 3x ATI Blue+ and a Purple+ in my quad that I have with a Aquaticlife XS series LEDs. JMO for your budget.

 

[InDahOcean]

Would one of these be good for my tank? http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/kessil-a360w-tuna-blue-led-aquarium-light.html)
@Salty1962 6 bulb T5 Fixture ? I can buy any right, there is one at Home Depot? I just need to buy that and the bulbs?

 

[TroyReef]

All good suggestions, but 2 AI primes would be in the budget and give you full spectrum at an affordable price.

 

[InDahOcean]

Will these do? http://www.aquacave.com/aquaillumination-ai-prime-led-fixture-white.html

 

[TroyReef]

Yep, I run 2 on my 40 breeder and they work awesome

 

[InDahOcean]

Ok i got those, thx all for the replies and help.

 

[mcarroll]

Good light, but those definitely don't have feet. Will the gooseneck mount fit your tank rim?

 

[InDahOcean]

Hey, yeah I bought the AI Prime Flex Arm with them as well for rim mounting. I still don't know where to really mount these, though? Like I'm afraid the water might touch the mount and the metal screws.

 

[chodyb]

The arms have plastic screws.

 

[Peter Smith]

So does the Kessil A700 and the Current USA Orbit Marine PRO has custom lightings like remote where I can change colors?

This is for anyone that has one or more A700
The software for these lights is very poor. They do not change colour to deep blue without jumping in other words they do not fade into the deep colour. When you program the lights to go off they do not do this synchronised.
If you are on a lighter blue colour and wish to fade out to 0% it does not it jumps to deep blue before going out.

Kessil says this is all quite normal in fact it is horrible and makes the fish jump

They are great lights if you can cope with these problems

 

[Peter Smith]

This is for anyone that has one or more A700
The software for these lights is very poor. They do not change colour to deep blue without jumping in other words they do not fade into the deep colour. When you program the lights to go off they do not do this synchronised.
If you are on a lighter blue colour and wish to fade out to 0% it does not it jumps to deep blue before going out.

Kessil says this is all quite normal in fact it is horrible and makes the fish jump

They are great lights if you can cope with these problems