Some help with lighting.

[mverhage]

Hello! I'm super duper new to this hobby (and super excited of course) and I'm just looking for some information/tips on lighting to get for my tank.
The tank I've ordered is going to be a 55gal that is 48"x13"x20".
I want to get LED lighting for the tank and I'm very much aware that it is going to be pricey.
However, I'm not really sure on what I should be buying. I thought I had found something (Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light, 48 to 60-Inch) but one review said that it didn't work in their tank, which was the same dimensions that mine is going to be.
I was looking to have a live rock with some sand in the bottom, and eventually some soft coral, fish, and LPS coral.

If you have any hints or tips or information for me in general pleasee let me know! I'm trying to get a grasp on everything and understand.

 

[JamesWang]

Hi mverhage,

You are correct that the Orbit Marine light will not support LPS coral. What is your budget? For a low cost solution, check out the Ocean Revive fixtures. If you have a larger budget, Aqua illumination and Ecotech Marine make the (arguably) best LED fixtures around.

 

[mverhage]

I really am not too concerned with budget as long as I'm purchasing something good. My budget is about $500 in terms of lighting. Thank you!

 

[JamesWang]

Check out the ReefBreeders fixture. That should fit right into your budget, cover the entire tank, and even support SPS if you desire to transition in the future

 

[mverhage]

That is honestly exactly what I've been looking for, thank you! If anyone has any other information or tips I'm open to them!

 

[JamesWang]

Glad I could help! You are looking at the Photon 48? Pretty awesome unit. Check out some tanks on youtube with them and you will be VERY impressed lol

 

[mverhage]

The only thing I'm so nervous about is spending so much for a light when I'm beginning, ya know? I want to get the best for the long run, I'm just nervous about it. I was told LED is more cost effective overall because they last near ten years, as opposed to the T5 that you have to replace the bulbs for about once a year. The LED definitely seems better to me and is more preferred, and if I wasn't so new at this the price wouldn't be as unnerving.

 

[dmw913]

For that budget range, you could also check out two Kessil 160WEs on goosenecks. You'd have to check out the range/output between the one mentioned above and two Kessils but they are very nice lights.

 

[bgabitzsch]

I have both...a Reefbreeders fixture and an Orbit Marine LED. The Reefbreeder fixture works really well.....I highly recommend it. The Orbit has cool features, and works well for softies. It also has a really cool slim profile, which works great on the 55 gal I have with a hood. The 55 gal only has softies though, and I may experiment with an SPS WAAY up in the water column since the Orbit is a bit dim. The reefbreeder is suspended over a 54 gal corner bowfront. If you want the ability to go with SPS....I think the reefbreeder is a no brainer. There are better, but I am on a budget, and both have served my needs.

 

[mverhage]

Great thanks so much guys! I bought the reefbreeder photon 48" today. Super excited for it to arrive!