55 gallon lighting

[mufishguy]

I would like to get a 48" lighting system for my new 55 gallon and be able to plant some live plants. I'm currently trying to choose from the following systems:

Aqualight

Current

They're both relatively slim, 5" and 5.5" which means I don't have to worry about the lack of depth of my tank (13"). They both have a total of 130w and will give me 2.36w/gal. I like the aqualight because I can buy mounting legs that will enable me to flip the system 90 degrees. This would be beneficial for cleaning or switching out bulbs. I like the Current because it has the lunar light for at night. I'm not sure if this is necessary or not. Also, the Current is 10,000K while the Aqualight is only 6700K. I'm also not sure what kind of effect this will have on live plants.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

6700=much better for plants.

 

[micah2012]

I recomend this one. It's the same one I use and it gives a total of 260W, 4.7 WPG. Scroll all the way down to the last one.
marineandreef.com/ Coralife Freshwater Aqualight Compact Fluorescent Fixtures
They are more expensive but I find the extra wattage very valuable in a planted tank, providing you can do CO2. Oh and if you have an All-Glass top the mouting legs won't fit. I tried everything. I still have it on the legs but it kinda just rests on the edge. Heres a few LARGE pics.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Also, Coralife tends to have quieter fans. I have their 30" 130W CF on my 29G, and it's silent. Also, bulbs don't matter. Both the 6700k and 10000k are excellent plant bulbs.

 

[mufishguy]

I'd rather not have to use CO2, simply because it seems to be a hassle and can cost a lot. I sorta liked the Current lighting system because of the lunar lights. What do you guys think of them?

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

look pretty cool, but not really beneficial.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Moon lights look cool, are not beneficial, and the fans are a little louder than the Coralife. I'd still go with just the 130W Coralife, and not the 260W for your reasons. Unless you don't mind the fans, and want the night lights, then go for the other.

 

[micah2012]

If you look at my first pic I have external LED moon lights. Looks awesome. They are made by R2.
R2 Solutions Moonlight 11000 MC - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store
As Lonewolfblue said if you want to steer clear of CO2 than definately go with the Coralife 130W, remember if moonlights are important to you, like they are me, just use the R2's. I couldn't find the link but they make a double, it's basicaly 2 seperate lights that plug into the same unit. Thats what I'm using.

 

[Endl98]

moon lights are great looking at night. nice effect.

 

[mil]

I sorta liked the Current lighting system because of the lunar lights.

The current Satellite bulbs are 50/50.Actinic bulb are not the best for planted tanks.

 

[iplaydafoozball]

i bought a current fixture for my planted tank also, with the 50/50 bulb. the thing is, you can buy a replacement bulb that has the 6700k, which is what im doing. the fixture comes with legs and the lunar light is awesome IMO. check out prices for a replacement 6700k bulb. it might be a little pricey for the 48" but its worth a thought.