Lighting

[ajones2n]

How does different types of lighting affect your aquarium and its inhabitants? And what type of lights do you recommend. Also what are your suggestions as far as brands to look for and brands to avoid?

 

[Beradd]

the issue of lighting is a biggie here on these forums ..id recommend surfing around the forums and u should find some answers ...along with more questions. also what light I s best for you will be suited to your application ....or what u want to grow. looking at members tanks and seeing what they are growing ...and lights they are using. good luck 8)

 

[ajones2n]

I'm just getting started in the hobby, so I'll just have fish to begin with, but want to eventually add corals.

Is there a brand or a type you like over another?

 

[Reefing Madness]

LEDs are the way to go if you can afford the units up front. Metal Halides come in second place, (using 250w for corals). Those 2 I would recommend for a Reef tank, or one that you plan on getting Corals.
T5 will work also, but you will not have the water shimmer effect that will come with LED and Halides.

 

[meintn]

DIY LED is cost effective and fun if you're into that kinda thing

 

[ajones2n]

What exactly makes the led better, apart from the longer life span and less maintenance. Also, why does the led and halide lights give a better water shimmer.

 

[Reefing Madness]

LED and Halides only give shimmer effect, T5 and PC do not.
Along with what you mentioned, you don't need a 250w of halides to light the tank, a 90w unit will do the same thing, if not being brighter. Cost less to replace a bad LED than a bad Halide.

 

[mike007]

In the long run not only will leds save you money by not having to replace bulbs every 6-12 months but the savings on electric bills will offset the cost of leds. Also with leds your tank will run cooler and chiiler may not be needed.

 

[reewik]

I prefer Halides myself. I have run all of them and to me a halide bulb can't be beat. Now, saying that you would get a better answer by giving the details of your tank or plans for tank size. If you have a nano, you really would not want to run a 250 watt halide over the top of it.

 

[ajones2n]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. This has all been really helpful.

 

[rcmike]

Hey Eric, I just put radion pros on my tank and the first thing I thought was that the tank looks like it has halides on it. My previous LEDs didn't have that effect. I guess maybe it is because the LEDs are all grouped together in "pucks".