New Poll Re; Lights

[heath]

Okay, so everybody knows that I am in the process of setting up my 125 gal ( torx old tank) I have all the equipment that I need ( torx skimmer, sump, stand) all I need is the light for the tank.
I've been reading about everyone's lights and I am TOTALLY confused. this is going to be a FOWLR and I'm not sure what lights to get that won't break the wallet.
LED or T5's
I've been looking at the Orbit led and the price is fairly reasonable, but it only comes in 36" so I would need 2 and the cost is around 425.00 + shipping.
the T5's are quite a bit more..for the 72'..
I know that there is a wealth of knowledge here so I'm hoping that I can tap into it or pick everyone's brain.
Suggestions are very welcome..

 

[curiousphil]

For a fowlr it's just about what will make the tank look good to your eyes. An LED unit like the Orbits would do the trick perfectly! I can't think of any out there that would be any cheaper but maybe someone else knows of one. I was going to suggest reef breeder LEDs but they are about the same price.

 

[Poseidon]

I'm
Running 3- 60" t5 bulbs on my 150g fowlr and it's plenty

All you need, is a 4 bulb, 48" Heath, ( the tank is 60" right?)

 

[heath]

no its 72"

 

[TORX]

60" would be great on a 72". Plus, you do not need fancy lighting on a fowlr. Heck, a marine land led fixture would work especially as the tank is long not deep

 

[Boga]

For fish only, I would go with a cheap LED fixture. Low consumption, no bulb headaches, cool shimming effects.

With T5's, you can use old bulbs, but if their spectrum is shifted too much you can favorize hairy algae and cyanobacteria. I think that FOWLR systems are usually rich in Nitrates and Phosphates so you would have the perfect conditions for HA and cyano.

 

[pulpfiction1]

For fish only, I would go with a cheap LED fixture. Low consumption, no bulb headaches, cool shimming effects.

With T5's, you can use old bulbs, but if their spectrum is shifted too much you can favorize hairy algae and cyanobacteria. I think that FOWLR systems are usually rich in Nitrates and Phosphates so you would have the perfect conditions for HA and cyano.

+1 on that,and with the chinesse dimable you would be able to move up to some corals if you had the mind to
you could probably get 3 of the chinese lamps for less than the ones you are looking at

 

[chrisstevens]

+2

 

[saltyair]

60" would be great on a 72". Plus, you do not need fancy lighting on a fowlr. Heck, a marine land led fixture would work especially as the tank is long not deep

Agreed get a little controllable marine land they are great for the price. 2 buddies swear by them for their fowlrs

 

[jeffopentax]

I've got 3, 2blue:1white led fixtures i would let go cheap. Can check them out when you pick up stand if you want.

 

[heath]

thanks everyone, as I said totally confused about lights..

 

[Cdog]

For fish only, I would go with a cheap LED fixture. Low consumption, no bulb headaches, cool shimming effects.

With T5's, you can use old bulbs, but if their spectrum is shifted too much you can favorize hairy algae and cyanobacteria. I think that FOWLR systems are usually rich in Nitrates and Phosphates so you would have the perfect conditions for HA and cyano.

I agree 100%

 

[4Hummer]

I have the cheap odyssea 72" 4 bulb T5HO light from aqua traders.
http://www.aquatraders.com/72-inch-4x80W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Digi-Timer-Fixture-p/52327.htm

For $170.00. It's not a bad light. I Started out as a fowlr tank. Upgraded the bulbs to ATI's. Upgraded the fans, and added LEDs bars and am now growing corals. (Zoas, Palys, mushrooms, have an elegance, frog spawn, and hammer, and some others). All doing really well.

If you go this route order extra parts, like spare moonlights, ballets, and the timer. (All really cheap). As they tend to burn out.

This IS a cheap light, with little to no warranty, but for the price it looks and functions great. The built in timer is great too (set the time for 3 individual channels (moonlights, blues, whites)

Have spare ATI ballasts I'm planning on installing next. DO NOT BUY THERE MH LIGHTS, many stories of these catching fire.

 

[hark]

Please buy something that you can afford, but also allows you to upgrade on..in your case adding corals for example. If you spend 3/4" on a specific fowlr lighting, that extra 1/4 more in price might allow you options down the road...we've all done it, bought something specific and not long after needed to get a bigger, brighter, faster, quieter option.

I too am looking for lights and have contacted a dealer at alibaba for cheaper led options. In case your interested I copied their reply below


"Thanks for your letter.
Lumini aquarium lights model Gemis 120R1 use 3W high power Bridgelux leds ,full spectrum .you can check the configuration in the attachment.
Sell as 200USD/pcs,3pcs total cost 733 USD
the wifi controller 89 usd/pcs. Only need 1
Kindly confirm so that I can make an invoice for you?"

I am getting 3 of these for my 125 long.

 

[Sewerat]

I'd go with 3 of the 12" Chinese full spectrum led from ebay for about $100 each cant afford 3. Start with 2 get the 3rd when you can. Only thing with them would be they would need their own designated power bar as each hood has 2 power cords

 

[4Hummer]

Another option would be the led bars I added to my T5s. www.21ledusa.com. He also sells the reef bar pros. Which would work great for fowlr or corals. They come with a great controller too