What should I use?

[rapalaboy1999]

I jave a 75 gallon FOWLR with all reef safe fish, because eventually I knew I would want to have a reef, so heres whats up, I've been wanting an SPS dominant reef with a couple of select LPS for a while now and I've been looking at lighting and I don't know what to use. The dimensions of my tank are 48"x18"x18".

I've been looking at

Hamilton Technology Cayman Sun HQI

Powerful metal halide HQI light fixture replicates natural sunlight
*Multi-faceted, mirrored reflector boosts aquarium light output
*Built-in Moonlight Blue LEDs for nighttime aquarium illumination
High-tech reflector design intensifies brilliant metal halide HQI lighting. Hamilton Technology Cayman Sun HQI System brings out the beauty of aquarium inhabitants with the dazzling intensity of natural sunlight. German-engineered reflector features a polished, mirror finish enhanced by an innovative, multi-faceted design. This advanced reflector delivers vital light energy to the lower depths of your aquarium to support photosynthesis and coral health.
Cayman Sun HQI System boasts built-in LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for nocturnal viewing. Enjoy powerful illumination by day and relax to the soothing, energy-efficient glow of Moonlight Blue LEDs at night. Six Moonlight Blue LEDs include their own transformer for independent timer operation. Metal halide HQI fixture with 12 ft lamp cord features signature Hamilton 3-prong male quick disconnect for easy installation to the included remote magnetic HQI ballast. 150W and 250W models measure 12" x 12"x 5" high and 400W model measures 13" x 13-1/2" x 5" high.
Additional Features
Rust-proof aluminum housing with black, powder-coated finish - Ensures long-lasting use even around harsh conditions associated with saltwater marine aquariums
Tempered glass lens - Protects Metal halide HQI double-ended (DE) lamp from water splash and provides UV safety
Adjustable stainless steel cable hanging system - Allows perfect placement to create ideal lighting conditions for your aquarium
Lightweight ventilated aluminum hood - Features multiple slotted louvers for ventilation and bulb cooling

Or should I use

Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System w/Timer

*Brilliant reef capable LED fixture with built-in timer operation
*Provides correct intensity and spectral output for reef aquariums
*Simple push-button operation automates 24-hour LED reef lighting
Fully integrated timer automates LED lighting for consistent photoperiods. Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System w/Timer boosts functionality by employing an easy-to-program digital timer. You control when the 460nm blue and 10,000°K white LEDs turn on and off with a simple push of a button. LED light fixture comes preprogrammed to simplify use or custom program for reliable, scheduled LED reef lighting!
Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System w/Timer ushers in a new era of functional and affordable LED lighting. Optimized for use in reef aquariums featuring 1 watt 10,000°K LEDs and powerful 460nm actinic blue LEDs that provide the correct spectral output for coral growth. Polycarbonate focusing lenses and specially-facetted dispersion lenses maximize light penetration while ensuring an appealing light spread. Experience dazzling light effects PLUS, intense penetrating light that support the needs of reef aquarium corals.
Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System w/Timer boasts a signature low-profile design that measures just 1/2" thick. Cool-running and energy-efficient LEDs significantly reduce utility bills and eliminate costly replacement bulbs that dig into your budget. Adjustable mounting legs accommodate a variety of aquarium sizes. 50,000 lifetime hours. Use multiple light fixtures based on your reef illumination needs.
The Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System w/Timer provides 130 peak PAR values at 12 inches.

Model# of
10,000°K
(white)
LEDs# of
460nm
(blue)
LEDsLumensLamp Only
LengthLamp &
Legs Length
18"-24"1831,30517"18.5"
24"-36"2341,67023"24.5"
36"-48"3662,61034.75"36.5"



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[Fatmike92]

Out of those two I would definitely go with the HQI

if you're going to do LED then go with the well known LED fixtures you'll be much happier

 

[rapalaboy1999]

Ok, thanks Happy Reefing!!!


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[Pappy]

+1 on above those marineland LEDs won't grow sps.

 

[mike007]

You may have to have two led fixtures for that tank. Stay with the popular brands if you go led. Many good reviews here.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Get a couple of these:
CREE Dimmable LED Aquarium Lenses Light 165W 55x3 Watt 24 Month Warranty | eBay

 

[rapalaboy1999]

Get a couple of these:
CREE Dimmable LED Aquarium Lenses Light 165W 55x3 Watt 24 Month Warranty | eBay

I might get those,how many do you think I need?


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[Reefing Madness]

2 placed well would cover you, 3 and your well covered.

 

[rapalaboy1999]

Would one of these work?

AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixture

*Expandable LED aquarium light fixture designed for reef aquariums
*Easily link two Aquatic Life 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixtures with included hardware
*Blue, white, and purple LEDs allow broader-range light output for gorgeous reef illumination and strong coral growth
Expandable LED aquarium lighting designed specifically for your reef aquarium. You can easily link 2 AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixtures with the easy-to-attach hardware included with each fixture. Each AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Aquarium Light includes blue, white, and purple LEDs for broader-range light output for gorgeous reef illumination and strong coral growth. 90-degree acrylic lenses on each LED diffuse light evenly throughout your reef aquarium.

Each AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Aquarium Light includes four adjustable frame mounts to hold the light fixture securely above your aquarium. Plus, each LED light fixture features Illuminated blue accent panels that add striking visual intrigue when lights are on. Black anodized finish on each LED light fixture enhances any setup. AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Aquarium Light fixtures also include an LED driver with on/off switch and 6 ft power cord for convenient light control, plus comprehensive easy-to-understand instructions.

Although fixtures come with adjustable-width leg mounts, you can also use with Optional Hanging Suspension Hardware for suspension mounting (for use with more than one fixture).

Size Watts Dimensions
(w/o frame mounts) LED Count

48" 48 46-1/2" x 4-3/4" x 1-1/2" high16 White,24 Blue,8 Purple

48" 72 46-1/2" x 4-3/4" x 1-1/2" high24 White,36 Blue,12 Purple

AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixture



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[Reefnjunkie]

Get a couple of these:
CREE Dimmable LED Aquarium Lenses Light 165W 55x3 Watt 24 Month Warranty | eBay

I use something similar, they look identical and are the Evergrow units, they don't use Cree but bridgelux, I can't see how these units are using Cree as at 140.00 its barely above the dealer cost with the bridgelux.

Regardless those units would work well and 2 would be perfect- I ran DIY LED for nearly 2 years with nothing but 3 watt cree and I tried one of the Evergrow units to see how they would work and I now have 6 units over 2/3rds my tank DIY still on the rest.
Awesome price point for something that my SPS love.

They have units now with UV, red, green, blue, RB and white also now

Hope that helps

 

[Reefing Madness]

Would one of these work?

AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixture

*Expandable LED aquarium light fixture designed for reef aquariums
*Easily link two Aquatic Life 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixtures with included hardware
*Blue, white, and purple LEDs allow broader-range light output for gorgeous reef illumination and strong coral growth
Expandable LED aquarium lighting designed specifically for your reef aquarium. You can easily link 2 AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixtures with the easy-to-attach hardware included with each fixture. Each AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Aquarium Light includes blue, white, and purple LEDs for broader-range light output for gorgeous reef illumination and strong coral growth. 90-degree acrylic lenses on each LED diffuse light evenly throughout your reef aquarium.

Each AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Aquarium Light includes four adjustable frame mounts to hold the light fixture securely above your aquarium. Plus, each LED light fixture features Illuminated blue accent panels that add striking visual intrigue when lights are on. Black anodized finish on each LED light fixture enhances any setup. AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Aquarium Light fixtures also include an LED driver with on/off switch and 6 ft power cord for convenient light control, plus comprehensive easy-to-understand instructions.

Although fixtures come with adjustable-width leg mounts, you can also use with Optional Hanging Suspension Hardware for suspension mounting (for use with more than one fixture).

Size Watts Dimensions
(w/o frame mounts) LED Count

48" 48 46-1/2" x 4-3/4" x 1-1/2" high16 White,24 Blue,8 Purple

48" 72 46-1/2" x 4-3/4" x 1-1/2" high24 White,36 Blue,12 Purple

AquaticLife 1W LED Expandable Marine Fixture



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No, Marineland units will not suffice. If your planning on using it for a FOWLR, go for it, but its no good for Corals. Look for units utilizing 3w LEDs.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I use something similar, they look identical and are the Evergrow units, they don't use Cree but bridgelux, I can't see how these units are using Cree as at 140.00 its barely above the dealer cost with the bridgelux.

Regardless those units would work well and 2 would be perfect- I ran DIY LED for nearly 2 years with nothing but 3 watt cree and I tried one of the Evergrow units to see how they would work and I now have 6 units over 2/3rds my tank DIY still on the rest.
Awesome price point for something that my SPS love.

They have units now with UV, red, green, blue, RB and white also now

Hope that helps

Evergrow Dimmable Full Spectrum D120 LED Light for Reef Aquarium | eBay

 

[bigfoot86]

Watch with those marineland reef capable leds....if you research them you might find that they are two steps behind with the technology of the leds they have now. Probably can support softies no prob, but when it comes to lps's and especially sps, they will lack in the par levels. A lot of these newer leds are incorporating 3w leds rather than 1w which can make all the difference depending on what you plan on keeping. I personally with go with something thats a little more proven or that has great reviews. Hope this helps.

 

[rapalaboy1999]

No, Marineland units will not suffice. If your planning on using it for a FOWLR, go for it, but its no good for Corals. Look for units utilizing 3w LEDs.

That wasnt the marine land one im definately not getting marineland these are a different brand; Aquatic Life


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[rapalaboy1999]

Watch with those marineland reef capable leds....if you research them you might find that they are two steps behind with the technology of the leds they have now. Probably can support softies no prob, but when it comes to lps's and especially sps, they will lack in the par levels. A lot of these newer leds are incorporating 3w leds rather than 1w which can make all the difference depending on what you plan on keeping. I personally with go with something thats a little more proven or that has great reviews. Hope this helps.

Thats what ive noticed now that ive researched a little bit more


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[rapalaboy1999]

No, Marineland units will not suffice. If your planning on using it for a FOWLR, go for it, but its no good for Corals. Look for units utilizing 3w LEDs.

Ok, I found some, how many do you think I would need, They are an Aquatic Life Brand


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[ahtatt]

Out of those two I would definitely go with the HQI

if you're going to do LED then go with the well known LED fixtures you'll be much happier

I agree with this

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ok, I found some, how many do you think I would need, They are an Aquatic Life Brand


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That all depends on what the dimensions are of the unit your getting, and how much coverage it gets and the angle of its lenses.

 

[rapalaboy1999]

That all depends on what the dimensions are of the unit your getting, and how much coverage it gets and the angle of its lenses.

So, say I get a 48" light for my 48" tank, I would only need one? You can change all of the directions of the aquatic life led which I found pretty neat.


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[Reefing Madness]

Oh definately only need one if its that big.