Lighting for FOWLR

[CodeBlueMedic]

Hey Folks,

Just got my 100 Gallon yesterday that I plan on turning into a FOWLR. It's 48" wide...Any recommendations for lighting?

 

[Indymann99]

I would go Current USA LED... not powerful enough for Reef but plenty good for FOWLR.

http://current-usa.com/aquarium-led-lights/orbit-marine/

If you are thinking future nems, corals, etc, you should consider starting with better lighting.

My 0.02

 

[cloak]

What are the deminsions? If it's just your standard 100 gallon tank, a 48" normal output fluorescent bulb would be plenty IMO. Something along these lines. (link below) Your not trying to grow anything, just see the fish clearly. Nowadays, you can get these fixtures real cheap, if not for free from a fellow hobbyists.

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Glo-Fluorescent-Bulb-Watt-Inches/dp/B0002AQMN2

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

48"x22"x30" yeah, it's just going to be fish. It'll be in a display area, so I want it to be pretty.

 

[uncleL]

I would go with LEDs...they cost more but will pay for themselves in the long run...on your utility bill$$$$$

 

[Owensue]

The ledzeal LEDs are cheap, customizable, styling, and could support a reef if you sway that way.

Ledzeal.com

There is a large thread about them here. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=23172275#post23172275

 

[Zer0.]

for fish only you cant really go wrong with lighting. I would just get what you think look best for the best price.

 

[AquaFrenzy]

I would go Current USA LED... not powerful enough for Reef but plenty good for FOWLR.

http://current-usa.com/aquarium-led-lights/orbit-marine/

If you are thinking future nems, corals, etc, you should consider starting with better lighting.

My 0.02

+1 on using that light

I have the 48"-60" version with the remote, works great! you can program it to do different things, also has multiple pre programmed lighting schedules for a few different things (like introducing new fish etc etc) the 48-60" version is a 48" ballast with expandable arms to sit on a 60" tank. Very thin and lightweight well worth the money. I would order it online, my LFS wanted $100 more than you can get it online, good luck!

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

+1 on using that light

I have the 48"-60" version with the remote, works great! you can program it to do different things, also has multiple pre programmed lighting schedules for a few different things (like introducing new fish etc etc) the 48-60" version is a 48" ballast with expandable arms to sit on a 60" tank. Very thin and lightweight well worth the money. I would order it online, my LFS wanted $100 more than you can get it online, good luck!

A 48-60" would still fit on a 48" tank, right?

 

[igot2gats]

You don't need to have fancy lighting for a FOWLR. A florescent light would do the trick.

 

[Indymann99]

A 48-60" would still fit on a 48" tank, right?

Yes the fixture itself is ~46" with extendable legs that slide out.

Price is right and I have seen it at my LFS and quality looks good. The only problem is the low watt LEDs make it not suitable for reef coral needs.

 

[JoelA7]

Bright LEDs. Run at 40-50%. They'll last forever and don't use much juice.