lighting: general

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by BMXCLAY, Dec 4, 2012.

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  1. BMXCLAY

    BMXCLAY Purple Spiny Lobster

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    i need a general understanding of how the lighting should be chosen. I have always went by the 3watts per gallon rule in my understanding but it seems as though that is not the case anymore. Can you please help me in choosing a T5 system or a LED system for my 75 gallon reef tank. (48")
     
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  3. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    This is a good one. There are a lot of options. With T5, you want to make sure the bulbs have individual reflectors. I would say a 6 bulb set up would be good enough for yours. With that being said, I'm still a metal halide guy.
     
  4. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    whats your budget? what's your plans for the tank? corals? what ones? etc
     
  5. BMXCLAY

    BMXCLAY Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I would like to have mainly soft corals but some hard corals towards the top of the tank. I will have the light directly above the corals. I have a budget between 350 and 450. I will be able to also feed the corals liquid foods directly if that helps.
     
  6. BMXCLAY

    BMXCLAY Purple Spiny Lobster

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    The LFS recommended a 4 bulb light that is 350.
     
  7. BMXCLAY

    BMXCLAY Purple Spiny Lobster

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  9. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    1 person likes this.
  10. BMXCLAY

    BMXCLAY Purple Spiny Lobster

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    So I would have to get two of them and I could grow just about any coral with them?
     
  11. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    Yep...if you are going to go LED, that's the way I would go. I'm going to fight this LED thing as hard as possible. =P
     
  12. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    I have 1 on half my tank, and a rapidled on the other half, and I can grow ANYTHIng with them, plus the look of them is great. I have 2 clams under them.

    you'll need a timer for them $6 at Lowes.

    the problem with T5 although they grow great is you need to replace the bulbs every 9 months or so, and that's at $20 a bulb plus shipping whereas these led's should be fine for 5-10 years, and are dimmable/adjustable which is great to change the look of your tank or to acclimate stuff with.
    http://www.3reef.com/forums/led-aquarium-lighting/rapidled-verse-reefbreeders-led-thread-138833.html