Canopy Lighting

[karmakaze]

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So this is my tank canopy that I bought with my 90 bowfront soon to be saltwater aquarium. I've been looking for a good lighting solution for the tank for about a month and every time I think I figure out what I want I hit a roadblock... I want to eventually get some anemones and corals growing so I'm going to need some good lighting. I thought I wanted LEDs but they seem to be a bit out of my budget and I'm not an DIY electrician. I finally found a good one with the 48 inch Current USA 6x54W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 3-10k/3-460nm Actinics but after a quick glance over the user manual it says specifically that it's not made to be put inside of a canopy. So I'm at a lose at the moment and open to all suggestions.

 

[karmakaze]

Ok well after doing a bit more research I found these Panorama Pro LED Module by Ecoxotic http://www.ecoxotic.com/aquarium-led-lights/panorama-modules/panorama-pro-module.html
These could very easily be mounted inside my canopy as they are waterproof and easy to attach the top of of any canopy. Would this be an adequate primary lighting solution for a 48X26X16 reef tank or are these really just for supplemental use?

 

[ctaylor81]

Have you thought about the Evolution LED's that ReefKoi sells? They are all easily mounted in canopies. There are also several other companies that sell a similar product for varying prices. If you are looking at an affordable out of the box light setup, look into those. It will take several of the panorama fixtures to get good PAR and the cost will climb fast.

http://www.reefkoi.com

There is also a company on Ebay that sells a very similar unit for half the cost. They may be identical or maybe not, I have no clue since I've never seen one in person.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140630708641?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

It all depends on what you want to spend. There are better units than the Evo's, but the cost will be significantly more.

 

[niteowl03]

I would still consider LEDs honestly, the initial cost is a little high but the DIY kits are super simple to put together and there are alot of guys in the Lewisville, Flower Mound area that would be more than happy to help you out doing it. You will also save on electricity and bulb replacement costs.