What lighting do you use?

[Amadod2]

So what lighting do you guys use on your reef? what has worked and what hasn't?
I currently use a DIY LED system that i built (36x 3W led) on my 36g tank. but im looking to upgrade to a 90g tank and just wondering what everyone here has had or not had success with.

[Proteus]

Lot of discussion on this in other threads. But all in all its your choice. Led mh t5. All have good qualities.

What are you planning for next tank lps sps. Fish only?

I use all three types of light. T5 is nice but bulbs can be pricy. MH is great but heat is there and bulbs are pricey. Led is good but can be a little costly

[kien]

Since day one I've been using a Sunlight Supply Maristar 72 inch 3X250W 4X39W T5 Metal Halide fixture with Galaxy Ballasts. Haven't had any problems.

I've changed up my bulbs quite a few times. Started with Ushio 14K, then tried Phoenix 14K then cheap eBay 15K bulbs. All worked just as well. The Phoenix bulbs were my favourite but a bit pricy. Current eBay bulbs are cheap and work just as well but don't last as long.

[Amadod2]

i im planning to have mostly SPS im thinking for the next build on a 90g to go with 72x 3w led and 2 HO T5

[Amadod2]

im still new to SPS so im taking it slow with my current tank, and im just trying to get peoples most current input on what works

[xenon]

I use 1 EcoTech Radion LED light for every foot of tank in my SPS dominated systems with decent results.

It took me a while to find the sweet spot for SPS coloration/growth but I am almost there.

[windcoast reefs]

I use a DIY led setup, it has 142 3w LEDs on a 120 gallon tank, adding some more blue, red, green, and cyan later this week!

[Murminator]

Halides......all about the shimmer :)

[ashr]

6 T5 ATI bulbs, love them

[lastlight]

I've always been one to embrace new technologies. LED for me!

Currently using a Kessil a150w over my 28g NanoCube.

[Palmer]

Since day one I've been using a Sunlight Supply Maristar 72 inch 3X250W 4X39W T5 Metal Halide fixture with Galaxy Ballasts. Haven't had any problems.

I've changed up my bulbs quite a few times. Started with Ushio 14K, then tried Phoenix 14K then cheap eBay 15K bulbs. All worked just as well. The Phoenix bulbs were my favourite but a bit pricy. Current eBay bulbs are cheap and work just as well but don't last as long.

Ditto except I use the 48" fixture. I also liked the phoenix the best but the ebay bulbs are starting to grow on me and the price difference is really significant.

[Leah]

Did the Halide thing, switched to T5 fixtures..its all about the blue and fiji purple for me. It is really a matter of preference and the type of corals you are considering too!

[subman]

I ran t5s for a couple years switched to halide for a couple more and now run nothing but LEDs. I have 2 Vegas and 2 radions over my display tank (All going away this week when my mitras come lol) and a sol over my frag section. I love the adjustability, lower power consumption and not having to change bulbs constantly all without losing the halide shimmer

[mike31154]

Began with T5HO, added MH & more T5HO. Ditched all that last April - been running a DIY LED with 27 10watt multichip LEDs since then. I like, critters like.

[tim the toolman]

I'm running a 6' 14 bulb Aquatinicts T5 fixture with good results. Bulb changes are pricey though. Also have 6 3x1w moonlight LEDs strictly as nighttime viewing.

[mseepman]

Currently running a modified Coralife Aqua light pro with 150w MH and 4 x t5ho....but will be running a DIY 184 x 3w Cree LED on new tank.

Looking forward to all that LED goodness!

[iceman86]

Im running a DIY LED kit. 40 3w lights over my 35 gallon cube. Me likey a lot:biggrin: