Time to go LED!!

[Greenman]

Im trying to find a LED fixture for my 48" 55g. What length of fixture should i be looking for. Im assuming it will not be a 48" long fixture.

 

[fastrd400]

What is your price point? Most fixtures (at least the good ones) are fairly small and you would run 2 of them on that tank.

 

[Greenman]

$500 at the most

 

[fastrd400]

Have you considered DYI?

 

[Rufio808]

RapidLED! The DIY kits are pretty straightforward and the solderless kits are nice too. You would definitely save money going DIY.

 

[fastrd400]

Exacly where I was going.

 

[moncapitane]

You might check out stevesleds as well. That is what I used for my DIY and I love everything about it.

 

[Greenman]

pretty sharp looking.

 

[d2mini]

What do you have now, why do you want to change, and what do you expect to gain?

 

[Greenman]

I have a 6 Bulb 36" T5 HO i had on my 29 gallon. I now have a 55 (that is the same depth) but the bulb is like 6 inches short on both sides. I still have a ton of light and everything is growing fine but I was told that 6 inches on both sides will cause me problems (not sure how).

 

[d2mini]

The only issue with the 6" on each side is that you obviously have less light on the ends of your tank. Not a big deal, really. You just need to place coral accordingly. I actually prefer having darker areas where I can place low light coral and sponges.

My advice, since you don't really have that much of a budget, is to keep what you have. I think you'll be happier with the HO T5's than you would be with a cheap led setup. Six 36" HO T5 is A LOT of light. Especially if you are running any ATI Blue+ bulbs. Those things are PAR monsters.

 

[Greenman]

Its almost sad to hear 500 is a low budget for some damn LEDs lol

 

[charlesp123]

here is another inexpensive DIY led site I found
DIY LED Lighting - AquaStyle Online