75 gallon tank.. help

[tgrover]

hi,

I am looking for a lighting solution for my balanced aquarium, I don't have any livestock that are too fussy.

I have a budget of $400 and I'd like a lights with an automated timer..

Any suggestions?

Tim

 

[lilduud]

i have the 6 bulb 48 inch aquatic life fixture... it has an integrated timer that controls two different sets of t5s as well as moonlights all seperately for a very convenient 24 hour cycle.. the light is great! i have it over my 55 and i can keep any coral or invert with it... you would be able to do the same as its a bit more than necessary for me. i love the light though and the timer is great. all in one power cord too... i believe they also have a 4bulb system with all the same benefits....

 

[BL1]

If you're looking for an integrated timer I believe the aquatic life fixture is the only one you'll find for under $400. But, either of these two fixtures will work great on a 75g tank and you can buy a $5 timer from walmart to control them.
Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 6X54 Watt, 48 inch
Odyssea Metal Halide System

 

[tgrover]

Thanks Guys,

Whats your opinion on the best lighting available?

Tim

 

[lilduud]

Thanks Guys,

Whats your opinion on the best lighting available?

Tim

The six bulb 48 inch aquatic life haha. I love it!

 

[tgrover]

nice!

 

[Bifferwine]

Any 6-bulb T5 fixture will be fine. I'd pass on a 4-bulb T5 fixture for a 75; that won't be enough light. That 48" MH Odyssea fixture is more than enough light. Any of them would be fine.

 

[tgrover]

Thanks alot!!!!

 

[BL1]

Any of those 3 fixtures will allow you keep keep any corals, clams, anemones you want in your 75. The MH will give you a higher light/PAR output then the 2 T5s plus you'll get the cool shimmer effect. But, they'll run hotter (it hasn't effected te temp of my tank water though) and use more energy then the T5s.

 

[pattir7]

Personally, I like metal halide's over any 'tube' or LED system. They shine like the sun and the bulbs last forever.

What about a simple timer you buy at home depot? And plug any lighting system into it? Or am I missing some other feature you want?

 

[tgrover]

Ya, that's a good way to go with the timer. Some have a moonlight setting is that effective?

 

[Bifferwine]

It doesn't really serve any purpose but make your tank look cooler to you at night. If you buy lights that don't include moonlights, they are cheap to purchase separately.

 

[slm32123]

im setting up my 75 gallon right now, I have 2 48" 4x54 fixtures from fishneedit.com and a RKL (reefkeeper lite)

 

[tgrover]

What is the reef keeper light?

 

[BL1]

RKL is a basic aquarium controller Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper LITE System LEVEL 1 (BASIC) - AquaCave

 

[tgrover]

I need some online sources for lighting...

Thanks to slm32123 for fish need it;lights; food;Sponge

anyone else have some sites to look at?

 

[Bifferwine]

Pet Supplies | Dog & Cat Supplies, Pet Meds | DrsFosterSmith.com Pet Products

ReefGeek > Aquarium Supplies for Marine, Reef, and Saltwater Aquariums

Champion Lighting & Supply

www.aquatraders.com

 

[fastrd400]

Check out these guys.
AquaticLife LLC | Premium Marine Aquarium Products

I have one of their lights on my 24 Nano. It blew a ballast almost 2 years after it was bought by someone else. They replaced it for me free of charge. They have integrated timers for all 3 lighting aspects built into the fixture as well so there is no need for a seperate timer, or pricey controler that you are only using for your lighting.

 

[fastrd400]

Dr.s Foster and Smith carry them.

Aquarium Lighting T5 Fluorescent Light Fixture: AquaticLife T5 HO and Lunar Light Fixtures

Aquarium Lighting T5 Fluorescent Light Fixture: AquaticLife Six Lamp T5 HO Light Fixture

 

[tgrover]

Outstanding!! Anyone from Canada out there that has ordered online.