Lighting for 90g Tank

[Poco]

I am setting up a 90g tank 48x24x18 inches (length, height, width). What lighting should I use? Budget is not an issue but don’t want to overspend, if things can be done cheaper then why not :)

So far I have looked at Marineland Double Bright LED but not sure what size will be better 36 - 48inches or 48 -60inches.

I am not stuck on LEDs, open to all suggestions.

Thanks,
Poco

[Eddie]

Is it a planted tank or fish only?

[Poco]

Fish only with some drift wood.

Thanks

[Eddie]

So really you are looking for anywhere from 1-1.5 watts per gallon. I'd definitely get something that is longer or covers the length of the tank. I've never used LEDs, just standard T5 lighting fixtures with colormax bulbs have always made my fish look really good. Maybe some others can recommend a specific LED fixture.

[Poco]

Thanks Eddie.

[MatthewLP]

I agree, I was interested in LED at first untill people made me understand Watts per gallon and I undersood how specturm of of lighting effects plants and growth and what kind of Plants I could have, and LED just does'nt cut the mustard. T5 is a good Aquarium Choice. However Eddit is right do the math to determin how much light you need. and based on my Plant Needs I have 1.5 watts per gallon.

[3dees]

I have wilds in an unplanted tank. I am changing to all led's. I like the ripple effect and don't need strong lighting. the fish don't mind and probably prefer lower lighting. algae should be less of a problem also.

[Poco]

I have wilds in an unplanted tank. I am changing to all led's. I like the ripple effect and don't need strong lighting. the fish don't mind and probably prefer lower lighting. algae should be less of a problem also.

Thanks. Which LEDs are you going with?

[3dees]

I found it on e-bay. called Green Element Evo 48. it has 32 3w led's. looks like the Marineland but with 3w instead of 1w. cost is less than the double bright. probably a Chinese knock off, but for the price I'll give them a try. I should have them by the end of the week and let you know how they are. in any case be sure to get the 48" or you will have dark sides of the tank. my only worry is front to back coverage. my tank is 48x24x24.

[Poco]

I have been reading more about it and i think 48" is what I need to put in. Please do let me know how does it go with Evo 48.

Thanks

[3dees]

got the lights today. a bit dark in the very back but not too bad. I found it best at about 12" above the surface. the blue lights by themselves are pretty bright. as you can see, the light casts a shadow from above the center brace. like the Marineland it has the same silly 2 position switch. don't know how long it will last, but for 200.00 less than the Marineland it was worth a shot.

[3dees]

here is the tank with two rows of small leds and two 54w T8's. one row of led's burned out which is why I am replacing it. second pic is the new lights.

[Poco]

Thanks for the pics. you tank looks great, nice setup. I couldn't find them on ebay. I found Marineland Double bright 48-60for $200. What do you think?

[3dees]

go to aquarium lighting, then led 48". the seller has multible listings. these have the power of the Marineland reef which sell for 360.00. I got this for 160.00 and free shipping. don't know if the double light would be enough. at least not on my tank. this light would be even better on your 90.

[Poco]

Thanks found it. he is asking $55 shipping to Canada. I think I will try double bright now might change it in the future. Thanks a lot for your help with this.