lighting for a 46gal

[ianfaulk]

I am starting a 46gal bow reef tank with 36in hood, I want to be able to have a mixed reef in my tank. Can anyone recommend what lighting system I need. Thanks

 

[Travis1787]

What's the dimensions?

 

[ianfaulk]

Tank dimensions

Tank dimensions

36" x 16.25" x 20"

 

[subsailor232000]

t'5s would be easiest, capable of supporting a reef and cheapest in the short term. Long term leds are going to be more energy efficient and pay for themselves over time.

 

[JAustin]

I'm in the same boat and have started a thread on it as well. I recommend two 150w mh and led supplementation or t5.

You could also to 4 or 6 t5s.

 

[Travis1787]

Id do these cheap led units they are talking about in the chinese led thread ... Get some shimmer no replacement bulbs every year ... Only 160 bucks for one unit and it would light your tank fine....

 

[Dazed1]

On my 46gb, I had (about 8 years ago), 2 x 250W DE MH. Ushio 10k bulbs. If I were to do it again, it would be 1 Kessil 350W, or AI Led's.

The heat, evaporation from the MH is just a bit too much.

 

[kissman]

go with T5's!

 

[Travis1787]

Someone is this area just switched there t5s to the cheaper leds on a 220 and it looks waaaaay waaay better now then it did and cut his amp usage down for pushing 7 to lower around 2 ... And no 40 dollar per bulb replacement Some are less ...some are more...but in the end go with what you want

 

[kissman]

Someone is this area just switched there t5s to the cheaper leds on a 220 and it looks waaaaay waaay better now then it did and cut his amp usage down for pushing 7 to lower around 2 ... And no 40 dollar per bulb replacement Some are less ...some are more...but in the end go with what you want

WOW $40 per bulb you are shopping in the wrong place. I pay $19 each for ATI's. I can replace bulbs when LED's start losing there PAR which some people have seen you have to replace the fixture. I am just not sold on LED's yet.

 

[Travis1787]

Well I said some more or less I used to run t5s like almost two years ago now so I'm sure there price droped being mh and leds are top choice now.

Even if the leds last half the time there suposed to, half would be around 4 or 5 years... If you got 4 years out of a 160 unit ya can't beat that not to mention its saving you on your electric bill.
I'm not saying one is better I think all lighting is good that we use I just think leds are soon to be on top and they are already the best bang for your buck

Aren't sold on leds? Read through that chinese leds thread see how many people made the switch from t5s or mh to that and are just as happy if not happier... Also can see pics of growth before and after .... I run mh but thinking I may switch to leds when I setup my 120

 

[ianfaulk]

Which light is better between the tek light elite, aqua medic ocean, and aquaticlife? I'm going to get one of these this weekend or next, so some opinions would help and be appreciated.