[sweetrav18]

Reefland,

I have been reading numerous lighting posts trying to decide with system to purchase. I am on a limited budget and like most people want most bang for the buck.I would like a system that provides adequate light for all marine life..(all corals, clams, ..etc). I think that the metal halides would be the best but my approximate $200 dollar budget excludes them. I have a 55g FOWLR (hoping to hard corals clams after lighting) and my tank measures 48". I am looking for lights that give off super bright white light. I have attached a couple links to some products I have found and would appreciate any feedback. Also, if you guys have any suggestions or links please reply.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products.../Itemdy00.aspx


http://petsolutions.com/product.asp_...mpact+Lights_E_


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2004+113345


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2004+113345


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2004+113345


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&N=2004+113345

[Reefland]

Unfortunately, none of those are going to be enough lighting to keep stoney corals or clams. I think if funds are a restraint right now that you take the current $200 and save it up until you get enough for a 4 bulb VHO system. I don't advocate keeping SPS or clams under VHO alone but there are plenty of people that do it with good success.

Alternatively, if you want to get a fixture now, check out the Coral Reef treasure forum as I know one of our sponsors just posted up something.

[charlie]

Scott makes a good point. Is there a way to save up another $100 at least, so you could get it right the first time? In the long run, you'll end up saving money because you won't be buying lites 2 times.

[Poseidon]

Yup Charlie and Reefland have already given you the right advice. Don't spend 200 now on something you will have to replace later. If you do it that way you could end up spending 500 for a 300 dollar fixture, (2 now 3 later syndrome..)

[kevinpo]

For $200 I think you could get some halides used. Check in the selling forums or if your LFS has a bulletin board for people to post on, check there. I have a used equipment area at the store for customers to sell off their used equipment maybe your LFS has something like that? Also check the local paper.

HTH,
Kevin

[sweetrav18]

SO I should wait and buy some VHO's and you'd recommend the 4 bar kind. ANy wattage I should be aware off? Does this mount onto the tank or do I have to hang them from the ceiling? Also do they make any metal halides that sit on top of the tank or is tht unlikely given the amount of heat produced? Thanks for suggestions. DO you have any product links I can browse?

[sweetrav18]

I just got back form LFS adn generaed a few more questions. What is the overall opinion of PC lighting? I was talking to aguy at the LFS that was a customer (not and employee) and he said that he has beeen running his 55g reef aquarium with PC and have been flourishing in the light.

The VHO lighting seems like I would have to mount or build an encloser to cover them up, is that true? I want a complete unit no DYI job.

Also wan tabou thte T5 HO lighting I have seen?

[charlie]

I myself am not a big fan of PC's. I think they generate as much or more heat than MH do. About the T5's, I have no experience with them, but I have heard good things. I would still recommend what I said before though. If you plan on SPS and clams, they will both really appreciate the MH.

[innovativelights]

Hi there:

Everyone in the thread makes good points. IMO, i would suggest also trying T5's as a lighting alternative to VHO's. We have used them in our tanks now for 3 years (take a look at our 100G with a 4x54W T5 setup in our gallery). Its mainly a softy tank but at only 2 watts/gallon very efficient and bright.

T5's put out less heat, more lumens per watt (with the parabolic reflectors), ballasts electronic, and lamps smaller (less breakable also). The prices for T5's are getting lower and almost as cost efficient as VHO's. Overally T5's are becoming very popular and can be used to house SPS and Clams (shallower tanks less than 24" deep). For these types of corals people go with a 6-8 lamp setup.

Give us a call if you have lighting questions. We'd be more than happy to help out.

[charlie]

Great post, thanx for the info.

[sweetrav18]

SO in conclusion what is the order of preference for reef lighting on a budget?

MH > T5 > VHO > PC

With all the discussions its hard to boil down your recommendations. As always appreciate the suggestions/pics and if you have any product links it would be greatly appreciated.

[Poseidon]

Looks like you nailed it! Except if you get MH, then I like to supplement with Actinic VHO. THe VHO blue is BY FAR the bast, it really makes the blues and greens POP!! Check out our "sponsor" pages, lots of good vendors, and prices there. Personally I have shopped at www.premiumaquatics.com for most of my equipment!

[Rp Marine]

research everything before buying anything that what i did.

[Rp Marine]

"I myself am not a big fan of PC's. I think they generate as much or more heat than MH do. About the T5's, I have no experience with them, but I have heard good things. I would still recommend what I said before though. If you plan on SPS and clams, they will both really appreciate the MH."

Mh lighting create way more heat than pc system.

i don't know if this would help but there is an item on ebay that look like a good deal. i have the same lighting for my 30g. this is a aquamedic ocean light 250 de MH pendant.

one of the memeber here was looking at that system

this i his or her link
need your opion/help

i set my to hang over my reeftank and the output and the intensity is awsome. very nice lighting system. i got my for 320 shiped. just a heads up

[sweetrav18]

I think that a PC Unit will accomadate all my needs. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on which brands you feel are the best? I was looking at getting one with a 4x65 watt w/ built-in lunar lights? Thanks for your help with the evolving post.

[Rp Marine]

pc won't due if you want for what u want. but if you go for pc i would get 2x96 watt

[Poseidon]

PC actinic is the worst... You sure you want to go that route? What made you decide on PC?

[charlie]

Here's to wishing you good luck!!

[kevinpo]

The Current brand fixture works well for keeping many types of corals and clams. Most LPS corals will do just fine and soft corals will be no problem. The high light SPS corals will mostly turn brown and grow slow but with careful choice and placement even some of those will retain good coloration. Deep water stony corals will be no problem (except for maybe the cost ).

Regards,
Kevin