Wattage for tank lights?

[leon1972]

How many watts lighting do I need for a 75 gal bowfront? It's 4 feet long and 2 feet deep. I have a guy that will sell me a 4 bulb vho fluorescent setup. Will this be enough for my tank? What are the drawbacks and advantages of vho?

 

[BL1]

Nope, that won't be enough IMO. The amount of watts you'll need will depend on what type of lights you're getting, LED, MH, T5. If you're going the T5 route then you should get a 6-bulb fixture.

 

[leon1972]

How can I determine what I need? I'm tired of seeing or hearing about a deal from someone then having o ask here. Where is an article I can read tthat will tell me. Right now I ave 2 options. 6 bulb ho. Or a 4 bulb vho

 

[Bluesaltwater87]

is it goin to be a FOWER or is it a reef tank? the 6 bulb would be good for reefing but if you have a fowler tank the light is really just for the live rock and to see the fish in the tank. but it also depends on how long the lamp is aswell.
if your not goin to grow corals than all you need is enough light to light up the tank good and that is about it.

 

[leon1972]

I know that much. No corals yet, but that's because I don't have proper lighting for corals. The four bulb vho is more wattage thn the 6 bulb so both would be good? I may be able to get the vho for free

 

[Bluesaltwater87]

well that would be sweet to get it for free. I only use hydroponic LEDs because they last a long time, put out a High output, and they come in white, white/blue, blue/red.
there 14 watts each panel of 225 leds
i run 3 white/blue
2 on my tank and 1 in my sump.
go on ebay and look up hydroponic LEDs and see if you like it.

 

[BL1]

The VHO bulbs have a higher wattage because they aren't as efficient as the T5HO bulbs. The 4 bulb VHO definitely won't be enough light.

 

[BL1]

What's the price range you're looking to spend for lights? That'll have a big impact on what you can get. Something to take into account also is that lighting is one of the most important purchases you'll make for a reef tank.

 

[BL1]

well that would be sweet to get it for free. I only use hydroponic LEDs because they last a long time, put out a High output, and they come in white, white/blue, blue/red.
there 14 watts each panel of 225 leds
i run 3 white/blue
2 on my tank and 1 in my sump.
go on ebay and look up hydroponic LEDs and see if you like it.

There is no way those will work for a 75g reef, each LED in those panels is only 0.06W. No LED fixture that is made to support corals is less then 1W each and the quality fixtures use 3W Cree LEDs.

 

[leon1972]

Well I am hoping to buy used. I know a quality new fixture is at least 300 bucks. I WANT led but too expensive for my tank right now. I was looking at the marineland but was told its not powerful enough for my tank

 

[Bluesaltwater87]

There is no way those will work for a 75g reef, each LED in those panels is only 0.06W. No LED fixture that is made to support corals is less then 1W each and the quality fixtures use 3W Cree LEDs.

I have been using these LED panels for about 6 mouths and i have had better results with the hydroponic LEDs than i have with T-5HO lighting. My coral Grouth increased Aprx 30-40% my polup extetion was vary much more visable and my anemonies love the lighting as well
It has worked Great for me so i figurd i would tell other people.:D

 

[Northstar24]

I have been using these LED panels for about 6 mouths and i have had better results with the hydroponic LEDs than i have with T-5HO lighting. My coral Grouth increased Aprx 30-40% my polup extetion was vary much more visable and my anemonies love the lighting as well
It has worked Great for me so i figurd i would tell other people.:D

Those fixtures won't work well in 24 in deep tanks, and long term I don't think they'll work for you either. any led fixture for aquariums should have at least 1 watt LEDs

 

[Bluesaltwater87]

I have been using the lights on my 40 gallon tank witch is 28in tall for about 7 mouths now. They run fine and they have been woking super well. just in coral growth it has been more than impresive. I know that there are high power watt leds out there and they are way to pricie for my budgit. with hydroponic leds I have saved money and got more things for my other tanks. and i like the way They work on my tank and on my corals and live rock.