dalmatin13 Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Hi, Here is another question from the newbie.. Well, I really can’t understand the light parameters for the reef tank. Are there any standards to follow? I have currently the old fish tank panel that would be suitable for 90gal tank. Can I use it for my future corals? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emerald525 Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 It depends on what you have as far as corals. Different corals like different par values. Here is an example of an old set up I had. If you are going to do just beginner corals you can get by with pars in the 200 to 300 range. Most people use LEDS and we have 2 very good local people Reefstar and Ocean Revive who could tell you exactly what type of light would work well. Here's a picture of an old tank of mine. The numbers are different par values: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandinga Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 If you go t5 or metal halide...as much light as you can get above your tank without raising the temp above 80. LED's are a different story because you can definitely have too strong(intense) of light. Best to go to the local shops and see what lighting you like the best. Cuttlefish has both t5 and led setup. Upscales has metal halide, t5, and led Premium awuarium has halide and led And critter cabana has led. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalmatin13 Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share Posted December 11, 2015 Most people use LEDS and we have 2 very good local people Reefstar and Ocean Revive who could tell you exactly what type of light would work well. the new LED panel will be expensive I think. Is it really consumes less energy? Is it worth of spent $$$? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalmatin13 Posted December 14, 2015 Author Share Posted December 14, 2015 Guys, I’m going to mount 4 bulbs with these parameters in my T5 panel https://www.mrosupply.com/lighting/ballasts/fluorescent-ballasts/1854552_flft521w835_fulham-lighting/ it is 21W or to take something brighter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackice Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 No those 3500k you really don't want to go lower then 10000k or all your corals are going to look brown... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandinga Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 (edited) What fixture are you trying to use? Blackice is right, but not only will they look brown, but they will die with that spectrum. These are some bulbs you should consider...t5 HO...48" bulbs should be 54watt. http://www.atinorthamerica.com/bulbs.php Theyre about 5x more money, and worth every red cent. Edited December 14, 2015 by Mandinga Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackice Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 I know it's hard when you're first starting out to justify the price for the good light but your lighting should be the top three most expensive things on your tank. without a good light you can't have a a nice tank. And LEDs are not that bad if you look around the OR t247 are great lights the do the Job and at 150-200 each they just can't be beat as far as bang for the buck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandinga Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 I've seen beautiful reefs with no skimmer....no sump...no water changes...cheap pumps... But I have yet to see a beautiful reef with poor lighting...it is without a doubt the most important aspect of a reef tank...besides consistent temperature. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paratore Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 I know it's hard when you're first starting out to justify the price for the good light but your lighting should be the top three most expensive things on your tank. without a good light you can't have a a nice tank. And LEDs are not that bad if you look around the OR t247 are great lights the do the Job and at 150-200 each they just can't be beat as far as bang for the buck.last I checked they are selling their S026 unit (no internal timer) for $129! It was on sale for Christmas time I think. I run three above my 180 and two above the frag tank, they are awesome lights and a great price! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trigger334 Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 A good read that would help: http://aquarium-digest.com/2010/04/11/led-aquarium-lights-lighting/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaylorW Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Love the SO26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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