How much light for a deep Cichlid Tank

[RSS]

I am upgrading to a 40x29x18.5 90g custom African Cichlid tank. How much light and what type of light is recommended. My LFS recommended ES Coralife 36” T5 FW Fluorescent Light Fixture (42 Watt). Thanks

[xtc]

I've got a 25" deep 90g and a pair of 48" T12s (40w each) on it. I wouldn't go any less than that, especially with 4" extra inches in depth.

Get the atinic bulb also- it looks great with the colorful cichlids.

[kewlkatdady]

a 48" double fixture with normal T12 bulbs would be fine...
i'd use (2) 50/50 bulbs.

oh and there is a canopy on the tank, I'd go with the home depot special that cost $9-$10 for the fixture.

[fishyjoe24]

talk to andrew he know basicly everything about lighting for fish.

[kewlkatdady]

lighting and fish is easy...
if you can see them, you have the right amount.

lighting for plants is a different story.

[RSS]

a 48" double fixture with normal T12 bulbs would be fine...
i'd use (2) 50/50 bulbs.

oh and there is a canopy on the tank, I'd go with the home depot special that cost $9-$10 for the fixture.


My tank is only 40" long so I guess I should go with 36" fixture and two 40W t-12 bulbs.

[rolloffhill]

Do you have a canopy or is it just glass tops?

[RSS]

Do you have a canopy or is it just glass tops?

It's just glass top

[rolloffhill]

Unless you have a canopy I think you are gonna be looking at a big chunk of money for an enclosed 36" fixture. Look around on ebay for a used 36" power compact fixture. They don't draw as much as a t12 would, but more than a t5. You should be able to pick up a used pc fixture for under $50. That should be around 96-110 watts which would be plenty.

Now if you are going with a canopy your options open up dramatically...:)

If you want plain and simple, this guy has been advertising these lights for at least 2 months now.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/for/523968844.html

[tsunderl]

I just got one from this guy per Andrew's rec.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZfishman911

It's on the slow boat from UPS, so can't say much more about it, but he seems to have good deals.

[RSS]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check out ebay for a PC fixture, I also check the other sites mentioned and there are asking for around $75 to $90. This one seems good but it's about $80 what do you guys think, is it worth it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LIGHT-36-ODYSSEA-96WT-POWER-COMPACT-W-LEGS_W0QQitemZ360009605575QQihZ023QQcategoryZ46314 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[biggin]

I would call it an OK price. If you are willing to wait you can get better but you can do A LOT worse.... will not be a rip off nor a GREAT deal.... just middle of the road.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check out ebay for a PC fixture, I also check the other sites mentioned and there are asking for around $75 to $90. This one seems good but it's about $80 what do you guys think, is it worth it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LIGHT-36-ODYSSEA-96WT-POWER-COMPACT-W-LEGS_W0QQitemZ360009605575QQihZ023QQcategoryZ46314 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[RSS]

I just got one from this guy per Andrew's rec.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZfishman911

It's on the slow boat from UPS, so can't say much more about it, but he seems to have good deals.


This guy is selling a 36" PC fixture with two cooling fans, mounting legs and 6- Blue Moon LED lights (3-Duals). The unit comes with 2 - 96 Watt bulbs - (1) 12,000K daylight and (1) 03 actinic. It has three cords for individual timer. Would this be a good option for freshwater. I was thinking I can use only 1 light in the evening and the other one during day.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360010106977&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123

[kewlkatdady]

my bad...I saw 90G and figure it was the normal 90.






This guy is selling a 36" PC fixture with two cooling fans, mounting legs and 6- Blue Moon LED lights (3-Duals). The unit comes with 2 - 96 Watt bulbs - (1) 12,000K daylight and (1) 03 actinic. It has three cords for individual timer. Would this be a good option for freshwater. I was thinking I can use only 1 light in the evening and the other one during day.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360010106977&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123


this light is way more than you "need", but I understand the versitility thing with all the different lighting options that it would give you.

I have a 320-330W VHO system on my 125, but it was only $95 so I couldn't pass on it.

[RSS]

my bad...I saw 90G and figure it was the normal 90.









this light is way more than you "need", but I understand the versitility thing with all the different lighting options that it would give you.

I have a 320-330W VHO system on my 125, but it was only $95 so I couldn't pass on it.

Do you think if I only use one light at a time it's a nice fixture to buy or I should look for a 96W PC fixture? Thanks!

[kewlkatdady]

I don't think I would only use one light at a time if it were mine, but i'm sure it'll be plenty bright...

[AndrewH]

The problem with most of the fixtures for a 36" tank, is there's no way to adapt them to a larger aquarium without some major thinking involved (meaning you can't just use the supplied legs that come with the fixture for a nice clean installation).

Unfortunately, I have not seen a fixture made for a 40" aquarium.

I just purchased this fixture off eBay and it's awesome. Good quality, simple design and great price ($63.99 if the auction doesn't show that still).

With a 48" fixture, you're looking at 4" overhang on each side. Not that big of a deal, but not the most attractive either. If you go with a 36" fixture it probably won't fit over the tank correctly.

I'm not sure what the cost would be, but the guy on eBay I bought this from has 36" and 48" versions of this fixture. Maybe strike a deal with him to put the 36" guts into the 48" fixture at which point you can cut down the extra 8" to make it fit perfectly (there are also PC versions of these fixtures, but those replacement tubes are gonna be more expensive and not last as long as the linear tubes).

Let me know if you'd like for me to contact the fella (or gal) and explain the situation to see what they can do!!!

[AndrewH]

Of course if you're cool with a 36" sitting on top of the glass, then go with one of those and problem solved ;)

[Goathead]

here is one, its only 30 inches, but its nice looking, cheap, and its 2x55 watt.

Keep an eye out on DWFMAS.org for lights they have them for sale all the time.

http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=40749

[RSS]

The problem with most of the fixtures for a 36" tank, is there's no way to adapt them to a larger aquarium without some major thinking involved (meaning you can't just use the supplied legs that come with the fixture for a nice clean installation).

Unfortunately, I have not seen a fixture made for a 40" aquarium.

I just purchased this (http://this) fixture off eBay and it's awesome. Good quality, simple design and great price ($63.99 if the auction doesn't show that still).

With a 48" fixture, you're looking at 4" overhang on each side. Not that big of a deal, but not the most attractive either. If you go with a 36" fixture it probably won't fit over the tank correctly.

I'm not sure what the cost would be, but the guy on eBay I bought this from has 36" and 48" versions of this fixture. Maybe strike a deal with him to put the 36" guts into the 48" fixture at which point you can cut down the extra 8" to make it fit perfectly (there are also PC versions of these fixtures, but those replacement tubes are gonna be more expensive and not last as long as the linear tubes).

Let me know if you'd like for me to contact the fella (or gal) and explain the situation to see what they can do!!!

I probably will have to stick with a 36" fixture as my aquarium will be in a wall and there will be no extra room for a 48". The ebay link doesn't work for some reason. Can you please paste is one more time. Thanks! I was checking big al's they have some 20" Aqualight PC strip for 34.99, would two of these work?

[RSS]

here is one, its only 30 inches, but its nice looking, cheap, and its 2x55 watt.

Keep an eye out on DWFMAS.org for lights they have them for sale all the time.

http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=40749


Thanks for the link. I have been checking them out as well :)

[Goathead]

find a picture of a tank, with the lighting effect you are going for. once you find it, show these guys/gals and they will be able to direct you in the proper direction.

[rolloffhill]

How about the wooden enclosure deal like in the link that gary posted?? Then you could go with a DIY fixture inside that....

http://www.ahsupply.com/images/Enclosures2.GIF

[RSS]

How about the wooden enclosure deal like in the link that gary posted?? Then you could go with a DIY fixture inside that....



That looks pretty neat, I will check it out. Is it safe to use with PC lights?

[Goathead]

The one that i posted has 55 watt x2 pc lights. You would need to use a retrofit PC setup, but it looks like that company sells everything you need.

They may have them pre built for you.

[kewlkatdady]

since it going to be in a wall...
go cheapo


home depot shop lights

[RSS]

since it going to be in a wall...
go cheapo


home depot shop lights

Does home depot sell ones with PC socket ?

[AndrewH]

If the tank is going into a wall and the lights will be hidden from view there's no need to spend the extra money on a cichlid tank for PC lighting.

A couple of cheap 36" or 24" (or whatever you can find) should work just fine for your tank.

(just to confirm, your tank is 18.5" deep, right?)

[RSS]

If the tank is going into a wall and the lights will be hidden from view there's no need to spend the extra money on a cichlid tank for PC lighting.

A couple of cheap 36" or 24" (or whatever you can find) should work just fine for your tank.

(just to confirm, your tank is 18.5" deep, right?)

That's great to know. btw my tank is 29" deep. Does that mean I need to get a PC? If not, should I just get a dual 36" fixture from Home Depot and put couple of 50/50. I am assuming 96w should be enough. Thanks!

[Goathead]

if your not planning on planting the tank then you should be fine.

[AndrewH]

The tank being 29" will require a little extra lighting but it shouldn't be too bad compared to my 25" deep 90 gallon.

To my knowledge HD and Lowes do not have the PC socket fixtures you're looking for, and frankly you don't need them. With two 36" double lamp 25W - T8 fixtures you're looking at 100 watts total, which should be plenty of lighting (2 fixtures and 4 lamps total).

5500K - 36" lamp (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1381130/cl0/zoomedtropicsun5500kdaylightfluorescentlamp36t8)
6500K - 36" lamp (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1381134/cl0/zoomedultrasun6500ksuperdaylightlamp36t8)
8000K - 36" lamp (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1378903/cl0/allglass3625wattfluorescentbulb)

[tsunderl]

Just got my light in that I ordered from this guy...

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LIGHT-48-REEF-ODYSSEA-260WT-POWER-COMPACT-LED_W0QQitemZ360011814973QQihZ023QQcategoryZ46314Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

AWESOME light and is plenty for my 4'w x 3'd x 2' tall setup. AND the price was GREAT!

Now... Off to get that beast setup!

[AndrewH]

I'm really glad it worked for ya ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/Andrew_H/Smileys/itdidnthappen.gif

[RSS]

The tank being 29" will require a little extra lighting but it shouldn't be too bad compared to my 25" deep 90 gallon.

To my knowledge HD and Lowes do not have the PC socket fixtures you're looking for, and frankly you don't need them. With two 36" double lamp 25W - T8 fixtures you're looking at 100 watts total, which should be plenty of lighting (2 fixtures and 4 lamps total).

5500K - 36" lamp (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1381130/cl0/zoomedtropicsun5500kdaylightfluorescentlamp36t8)
6500K - 36" lamp (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1381134/cl0/zoomedultrasun6500ksuperdaylightlamp36t8)
8000K - 36" lamp (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1378903/cl0/allglass3625wattfluorescentbulb)


Sorry for dragging this for so long, my aquarium is still not here that's why I am taking my time to buy the fixture. My question is, if the price on 2 36" double fixture plus T8 is same as a 96W PC fixture including light, should I go for the PC? and pros or cons? Thanks so much for all the info and your time.

[kewlkatdady]

check the bulb prices...

pc's will be alot more expensive.

but if that doesn't matter to you, then the PC will be brighter.

[RSS]

Thanks for all the help. I finally order 36" Satellite Single PC (96W) fixture with lunar light from Drs.Foster&Smith for $70.
I calculated the expense on getting two double fluorescent light fixture from home depot plus four lights and it came pretty close. Hope I made a good decision after all the feedback from everyone. Thanks!!

[AndrewH]

You won't be disappointed with that light. The HD shop lights are normally cheaper alternatives to the PCs, but if you got the extra $$$ for the PCs it'll be more light and like the option you have, lunar lights, you get some extra goodies for your purchase ;).