which light should i buy?

kenzo · Aug 19, 2014

Hi,

I'm new to this hobby and just started a 56 gallon reef tank few months ago. My tank is 18"L x 30"W x 24"H. I have this current USA reef capable light 24"-36" model. I bought these corals ..few mushrooms, xenia and some sps corals like pink birds nest, green,purple and orange montipora cap and red and green digitata corals. Is this light powerful enough to support these corals ? If not should I buy a another unit of same current USA LED lighting system or should I buy this 30" Coralife Lunar Aqualight HO T5 Aquarium Light Fixture? My budget is low and I can only get something under $200. Please let me know what you guys think because I have no Idea which light to get.

vic67 · Aug 19, 2014

I don't think that light is capable of supporting the SPS you bought. The Coralife fixture is an option but you'll probably still have to keep the SPS higher up and close to the light. If you can find a fixture that has individual reflectors for each bulb (i.e. ATI) that would be a better choice. With your budget try looking in the used equipment section for an ATI fixture.
Another option would be two LED fixtures; some members have had great success with ones off eBay or Amazon.

cdness · Aug 19, 2014

Just a tip: Always try to make sure you have the right equipment "before" purchasing livestock. It will help reduce the amount of loss related to improper equipment and also give you something to work towards if you really want that livestock...

I don't think the current light will be good enough. The T5HO light may get you by if you have the corals at the very top of the rock. If you aquascaped in the center of the tank, you could get away with a single LED setup for now. An example would be the Reef Breeders Value Fixture, but there are others just as capable including DIY options to save some green...

ReefLEDLights · Aug 19, 2014

The Imports for $200 do not last long.

Your much better off finding a used MH and saving for a quality fixture.

Lighting is very important and like a skimmer, Live Rock, and flow it should not be cut short.

Bill