FOWLR: How much light would you use?

[andy]

One of the benefits of going FOWLR is being able to dial back on lighting. I currently run 2x150W 14K Phoenix bulbs over my reef, but will be going fluorescent for the fish-only... either VHO or T-5 are possible.

 

What would you consider the sweetspot for lighting over a 55gal FOWLR? A couple of 46.5" VHO or 36" T-5s?

[Rick]

A couple of 48" T5's. Best bang for the buck all the way around. Cheaper to buy bulbs and you get more light for less wattage.

[andy]

Thanks Rick. The 48" T-5 bulbs really *are* 48" long though right? If so, I'd have trouble fitting them plus endcaps in my hood. Could go with 36" T-5...

[Rick]

Thanks Rick. The 48" T-5 bulbs really *are* 48" long though right? If so' date=' I'd have trouble fitting them plus endcaps in my hood. Could go with 36" T-5...[/quote']

 

No, I would need to pull one of my bulbs to find out the exact length of it however with the endcaps mine measure about 46 3/4" long. (I just measured it to be sure)

[CA2OR]

for our fish only setup we are going with an LED fixture that is under $100.....looks great....fish look great under it....and the lifespan on the bulbs is like 6 years.

[andy]

Oh, cool -- thanks Rick! I'd rather go T-5 because of the efficiency. LEDs would be cool, Eric but I'm wanting to go cheap as possible and I already have ballasts/endcaps.

[CA2OR]

ah....yeah we are only going with the LED's for the lifespan and because they are relatively cheap for LED's.....actually I could, or you could, get the fixture that is only like $40 on ebay......hmm.....never really thought about that. T5's would make the fish look pretty sick though....brings out the colors and patterns well.