New lighting fixture question

[fredg89]

Hi I just purchased this system http://www.marinedepot.com/Coralife...ixtures-Coralife-ES08600-FILTFIT54U-4-vi.html

and the people at the lfs said that it would be ok for most corals and some anemones. I don't think it is so I wanted to ask you guys. I have a 26" deep pentagon tank and wanted to know if it will be strong enough. It also says on the box that it's for covered aquariums only. If I use it will I have any problems?

 

[olemiss reb]

That will be fine for higher positioned lps and softies. BTAs and condies would be fine. Not sure how much spread you will have, 2 units may be better.

 

[fredg89]

so a BTA would be ok? Really? I thought they needed a lot more light and yeah Idk how it will spread...I was going to get a metal halide setup and suspended it from some metal arms or something. The shape of the tank is what's going to make it difficult.

And what about it saying not for open top tanks?

 

[olemiss reb]

Up till recently I had two of the 48" fixtures over a 90 gallon with lps and softies. they powered the tank for at least two years. I had a gbta at one point that was fine.

My tank was open, I guess the warning is to protect them if the light somehow falls in the tank.

 

[fredg89]

Ok I only got the 24" fixture...so idk i'll have to see if it works.

 

[fredg89]

or should i get this instead http://www.aquatraders.com/24in-Metal-Halide-HQI-T5-Aquarium-Light-p/54261.htm and return the one I got?

 

[olemiss reb]

or should i get this instead http://www.aquatraders.com/24in-Metal-Halide-HQI-T5-Aquarium-Light-p/54261.htm and return the one I got?

No! there is a reason it is so cheap. search for it on here, it's junk.

 

[fredg89]

ok so just keep the one i have now? As long as it can get down to the bottom im fine. I'm not going really into lps i dont think and will not be going to sps.

Here are some before and after.