People say lighting doesn't matter, but is that really true?

[Devaji]

This type of light bar is what I had been thinking about, but even these for a 6' tank ain't gonna be cheap. $700 including tax for my tank. I do want to get plenty of light because I am probably going to try to grow Xenia/GSP for nutrient control and aesthetics.

yeah not cheap for sure. but you can get a few to start off with then get a few more as the tank matures.
I know it's still spending the same $$ but just not all at once.
plus you'll have alot of cords.

I made a DIY LED light fixture years ago. at that times it was the way to go as LEDs where really expensive.
have you price out that option? IDK just a thought.

 

[Moomee]

I believe lighting does matter. I try and give my fish a simulated lighting scheme.
1. 12:00 pm actinic Reef Brite comes on
2. 12:30 pm 50/50 Reef Brite comes on
3. 12:35 pm actinic Reef Brite turns off
4. 6:00 pm 2nd 50/50 Reef Brite turns on
5. 9:00 pm 2nd 50/50 Reef Brite turns off
6. 9:25 pm actinic Reef Brite turns on
7. 9:30 pm 50/50 Reef Brite turns off
8.10:00pm actinic Reef Brite turns off

This simulates sunrise-peek sun-sunset.

I also have a 3rd 50/50 on a smart plug for those times you want to really light the tank!

Anything you can do to give the fish a simulated lighting effect they would have in their natural environment I believe helps.

All the lights are on smart plugs to make it easy to control them.

Also these Lights give a nice shimmering effect as a bonus

I missed your reply. What size tank and what length of bars did you go with?

 

[GT3000XX]

4 foot 90. Went with 48” lumi lites

 

[Moomee]

4 foot 90. Went with 48” lumi lites

Regular Lumi, not the Pro? How many did you use?

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

I am going to have an unpopular stance but while I agree that lighting doesn't matter for the health of the animals (as long as there is a normal day-night schedule) It absolutely matters as far as the aesthetics of the tank. Even a fish-only tank.

I became convinced of this after visiting Aquarium Design Group in Houston. There were some beautiful freshwater fish-only displays lit by Kessils and I know they just would not have looked the same with other lighting. The dynamic point source lighting really added to the tank. It may seem like a waste to some people but having seen how good some of these fish-only displays looked in person I would consider Kessils if I had a fish-only system.

 

[Moomee]

I am going to have an unpopular stance but while I agree that lighting doesn't matter for the health of the animals (as long as there is a normal day-night schedule) It absolutely matters as far as the aesthetics of the tank. Even a fish-only tank.

I became convinced of this after visiting Aquarium Design Group in Houston. There were some beautiful freshwater fish-only displays lit by Kessils and I know they just would not have looked the same with other lighting. The dynamic point source lighting really added to the tank. It may seem like a waste to some people but having seen how good some of these fish-only displays looked in person I would consider Kessils if I had a fish-only system.

This is a beautiful example. When I used to keep CA cichlids I used point source lights similar to Kessils that made such a difference in the aesthetics of the tank and then fish themselves. Kessils are a little out of my price range for a 210g in this case, but I 100% would if I could justify the cost!

 

[GT3000XX]

Regular Lumi, not the Pro? How many did you use?

Yes 3 50/50 and 1 actinic. I actually have just recently switched to 4-AI prime 16hd lights. I did have a canopy on the aquarium but got tired of having to take it on and off for maintenance. Also had to move the lights all the time.