Using a 3' light on a 4' tank

Matt · Dec 7, 2012

I recently acquired a Coralife 36 Inch Aqualight With 1-96W Actinic / 1-96W 10,000K Lamp Square Pin Base (with fans) used for $50 (great find right!) It works great.

It's this one: Coralife Aqualight Power Compact Fixture With Dual Lamps.

I am using it on my 4' 55 gallon tank mounted in the center (see attached picture.) Does anyone see a problem with this? I know that light spectrum matters for corals, but wasn't sure if this would affect the tank greatly, or if I just put the corals in the center of the tank at different heights that it would work just fine. I am new at growing corals and am in the preparation stage of doing so. Any information regarding this would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Matt

little_fish · Dec 7, 2012

The bigger issue is that only having two bulbs won't be enought to keep corals

Northstar24 · Dec 7, 2012

little_fish said:
The bigger issue is that only having two bulbs won't be enought to keep corals

+1 Hannah, I don't think that's going to be nearly enough light, even for low light corals. Plus I would think that you' have dark spots at the edges of the tank

Bifferwine · Dec 7, 2012

Yes, unfortunately two bulbs isn't enough. Even if it spanned the entire length of the tank, two bulbs is very low light for corals.

Matt · Dec 7, 2012

There are 2 sets of bulbs (4 bulbs total) 2 Actinic and 2 daylight. I'm confused at the fact that everyone is saying that the light only has 2 bulbs ... does a set of 2 just count as one bulb?

d2mini · Dec 7, 2012

Looks like one of each to me.
Compact fluorescents are U shaped.

As to the length, that's fine. You just have to place corals accordingly. And the good thing is you don't have light spill over the sides of the tank.
But like other said, you may be lacking in PAR.

Matt · Dec 7, 2012

That makes a lot more sense now (I didn't know the bulbs were u-shaped) Can anyone suggest a good light (not too expensive) for someone new to the coral growing aspect of keeping an aquarium?

Northstar24 · Dec 7, 2012

Take a look at the Current Nova Extreme. It's relatively affordable and it will let you keep anything available to us in the hobby

Matt · Dec 7, 2012

Northstar24 said:
Take a look at the Current Nova Extreme. It's relatively affordable and it will let you keep anything available to us in the hobby

This One?
Current USA Nova Extreme T5 X2 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 2X54 Watt, 48 inch

This one only has 2 bulbs too, but with only 2x54 watt.

How is this one better than the one I currently have? 2 bulbs with 1x96w Actinic and 1x96 watt daylgiht?

d2mini · Dec 7, 2012

I would look for at least a 4-bulb unit. This will give you more light and more options for color. And T5 bulbs are much more efficient/powerful than CF.

Bifferwine · Dec 7, 2012

Yes, the 4-bulb or 6-bulb Current Nova Extreme T5 light would be good.

Matt · Dec 7, 2012

Thanks for the tip! I found one I want to get for relatively cheap.

Northstar24 · Dec 7, 2012

You want at least the 4 bulb version, the 6 would be better if you can swing it

Ted · Dec 8, 2012

I have the 36 inch version of this on my 45. I have no plans for sps corals. Right now I have mushrooms, zoahs and polyps..It has worked well for me and the price is well....really cheap and the built in timer works well...:twocents: Odyssea T5 Aquarium Lighting

Matt · Dec 9, 2012

Im thinkong about purchasing this onw now: Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO Fixtures

Does anyone know where a good place to buy one cheap? Or possibly used? Thanks again for all of your help.

Using a 3' light on a 4' tank

Matt

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