Lighting Suggestions for 55 G

J. Montgomery · #1 09/22/2006, 10:13 AM

I'm in the process of setting up a 55 gallon tank (48" long). Right now I have the standard lights that came with the aquarium (two 24" long, 15 W; with one extra 15 W bulb thrown into the mix). The live rock that I've recently acquired has some mushrooms and zoos on it, and I'd like some stronger lighting to make them happy. Any recommendations on an affordable lighting setup that would keep the zoos happy (I'm interested in getting more of 'em eventually)?

I'd prefer not to build a canopy, but . . . its not out of the question. And I'm kind of leaning towards something 48" long (maybe 4 x 96 W), though thats not set in stone either.
I'm a po' student, so I need something affordable (~$200-300 range).

There are so many choices that I'm overwhelmed and could use some guidance. Thanks.

2swift · #2 09/22/2006, 10:48 AM

This light is a little more $$ but I just thought you might like the look and if you ever decided to do more you would already have the light to do so! Also there's no need for a canopy! Runs about 450- 460 if you shop around.
It is the USA Current Sunpod 2x150 Mh

meco65 · #3 09/22/2006, 11:37 AM

Build your own. All you need is 1 section or rain gutter, 2 end caps, 2 double sided light fixtures that will hold two bulbs, can be bought at Lowes. 4 lights of America CF bulbs 6500k, can be found at Wal-Mart. You come out with 4 lights that use 25 watts each and give 400 watts out put, will work great for all soft corals and some hard if kept high in tank. And if you like you can also get a standard fluorescent fixture at wal-mart 40 watts for about $15 and change the standard bulb for a 40 watt actinic from petco for blue color. here is a link of Travis L. Stevens that shows how to do it.
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...&pagenumber=10
A very good post.

fragaholic · #4 09/22/2006, 12:31 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by meco65
[B] You come out with 4 lights that use 25 watts each and give 400 watts out put, will work great for all soft corals and some hard if kept high in tank.

4 25 watt bulbs give you 400 watts of output

.

I second the 4 96watt pc's. Or even a retro fit t-5 unit and build your own canopy. DIY and you will save some $$ for more critters.

akrimmel · #5 09/22/2006, 01:31 PM

go with the t5 in the begining or you will upgrade later???

drummereef · #6 09/22/2006, 01:32 PM

Halides or T5's imo.

meco65 · #7 09/22/2006, 01:38 PM

The lights work great for soft corals every one has there own opinion on thr subject of lighting, and fragaholic if you have never use these lights you do not have the rite to put them or me down thank you very. Oh and here is a pic of my tank with only two of the very same lights.
[IMG]

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And the condy grew so big I had to take him back to my LFS for tradein.
So here is a new pic tank running for a year changed the bulbs once at about 8 months.
[IMG]

[/IMG]
And coralin algae doing great also.

fragaholic · #8 09/22/2006, 01:52 PM

Im not putting you down at all meco65. The lights are still just power compact lights. I use one on my fuge and it works great thank you very much. Just because the packaging says they are equivelant to so many watts doesnt mean its a fact. 4 of these bulbs are still about the same as a 96 watt pc that you find in pc fixtures. I was just saying I disagree with your statement about the wattage.

meco65 · #9 09/22/2006, 02:20 PM

Here is a photo from Travis L. Stevens thread side by side 250 watt MH 10000k and 4 of these bulbs.

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And again here is his thread
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...&pagenumber=10

meco65 · #10 09/22/2006, 02:21 PM

Oh and the MH also has two 65w Actinic Power Compacts

meco65 · #11 09/22/2006, 02:27 PM

The only difference you may have is that the MH will penetrate deeper in the water than the PC lights but that is also the case with the T5s as well after all T5s are still fluorescent.
And sorry I did not mean to step on any toes.

fragaholic · #12 09/22/2006, 02:53 PM

Going back to the original question.....

Here is a link for a t-5 retro kit thats in your price range...http://www.innovativelights.com/ret-t5-454.html
I have had good experience with the company.

Your Zoa's would thrive with these lights and you would be able to support some clams and/or some sps if you got to that point. You would need a canopy but they are cheap and fun to build imo. Good luck!

bman2221 · #13 09/22/2006, 03:16 PM

I have a hamilton 2x175 MH setup and 2x96 w PC and it was in the $500 range I believe, and they work great on my 55g. I have seen 150w MH setups in the $450 range. But for the money you are looking at spending I would definately do a MH retro.

meco65 · #14 09/22/2006, 04:34 PM

Wow great price on the T5. Good job fragaholic.