I keep seeing the comment "It's a FOWLR, light doesn't matter, use what you want". In principle I agree, but given how amazing reefs look with nice LED fixtures, why isn't this a bigger component of FOWLR tanks? Bigger tanks, even FOWLR are expensive and often have beautiful, very expensive fish, and if we are being honest...many use crap lighting and don't look nearly as good as they could.
That said, I get that most FOWLR keepers won't want to spend $500-800 x3 to light a 6' tank, but at the same time, there HAS to be some moderate options that don't break the bank but still make the fish and tank really pop. I'm still in the planning stages of my 210g FOWLR (new addition to our house ETA July) and lighting is really the thing that I can't figure out. I'd like to keep the budget under $500, but want some LED spot lights that look good. My best idea so far is either two Kessil A160 or AI Prime at each end, pointed a little toward the middle. Another option is something like these Lominie brand LEDs from Amazon Lominie LED which would only be $300 for three.
I'd love to hear ideas and also to see how FOWLR keepers are lighting their 6'+ tanks with lights that really make their fish pop!
That said, I get that most FOWLR keepers won't want to spend $500-800 x3 to light a 6' tank, but at the same time, there HAS to be some moderate options that don't break the bank but still make the fish and tank really pop. I'm still in the planning stages of my 210g FOWLR (new addition to our house ETA July) and lighting is really the thing that I can't figure out. I'd like to keep the budget under $500, but want some LED spot lights that look good. My best idea so far is either two Kessil A160 or AI Prime at each end, pointed a little toward the middle. Another option is something like these Lominie brand LEDs from Amazon Lominie LED which would only be $300 for three.
I'd love to hear ideas and also to see how FOWLR keepers are lighting their 6'+ tanks with lights that really make their fish pop!