Need some serious lighting help

[patsfan1130]

Hey everyone!

I am looking to upgrade lighting on my 75 gallon reef. I am currently using 4 x 96 PC with 2 10k and 2 actinic. I have some mushroom/polyp & LPS n there now and all is doing well but I realize I have limitations and want to be able to keep anything my heart desires (within reason) and am thinking of going MH.

I want to get this out there right away.......... I have never had MH lighting in the 12 years I have been in this hobby.

I do not have a hood on my tank so I am cutting out any kind of retro fit kit I suppose. Are there any type of strip light on the market that would anyone can recommend? I am not looking to break the bank here but do not want to skimp on quality/durability either. I am thinking maybe somewhere in the ballpark of $500.

Any & all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. So if that means you think I would be better off purchasing a hood then please say so.

The more descriptive the better and any links would also be appreciated

Thanks for bearing with my ignorance in this very confusing topic

Mark

[Reefland]

Hi Mark!

Well you said you didn't want to break the bank so that takes the Aquamedic fixtures, although they would be very nice for your set-up:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=Aquamedic-H

I personally use 2 Reef Optix 3 pendents with 250w DE bulbs on my tank, and they are pretty nice and could be hing as well and leave a nice appearance:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=Sunpendant

Of course you would still need the bulbs and ballast to power that. All added up your probably looking at $650 or so.

Scott Z.

[patsfan1130]

Hi Mark!

Well you said you didn't want to break the bank so that takes the Aquamedic fixtures, although they would be very nice for your set-up:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=Aquamedic-H

I personally use 2 Reef Optix 3 pendents with 250w DE bulbs on my tank, and they are pretty nice and could be hing as well and leave a nice appearance:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=Sunpendant

Of course you would still need the bulbs and ballast to power that. All added up your probably looking at $650 or so.

Scott Z.

That aquaspacelight looks very nice. So that comes with the moonlight in it? Would I need any actinics to go along with that in your opinion? would it generate much heat?

Thanks

[Reefland]

I don't think heat would be a problem suspended over an open tank.

Some of the Aquaspace lights come with moon lights, others with actinics. Ninong is the one to ask about them as he done lots of research on them before he ordered his.

But my personal preference is actinics are not needed.

Scott Z.