Choosing a new fixture

[rjs5134]

Need Help!!! I purchased a Cora-life Power Compact as the original light fixture for my 65 gal reef tank. Clearly unknowingly. I'm now shopping for a metal halide fixture but can't decide. I was thinking about a Cora-life fixture but was told they are essentially "cheap" and a JBJ or Hamilton would be better. I haven't found another fixture that includes Metal Halide, VHO and led moonlight. Also, would 1-250W, 10,000K metal halide with 2-96W VHO's be sufficient or would 2-Metal Halides be better? Also, what would be better, 10,000K, 12,000K ...or 20,000K?

If I understand things correctly, the proper light for me would be a Hamilton fixture with 2-175W, 10,000K Metal Halides with 2-96W PC's...or from Reeftanklighting.com 1-250W, 10,000K Metal Halide with 2-96W VHO's. Both fixtures range from $500 to $650...a little more than I wanted to spend.

So obviously the problem is the Cora-life has a questionable reputation and the 175W metal halide ficture is insufficent, JBJ and Hamilton do not have the LED moonlight... and pricing will be well over $500 for what I need.

Any suggestions or comments???

Thanks as always for yuor help.

[reefologist]

I couldn't be any happier with my hamilton. Great product and support for me. I upgraded to the electronic ballast on my halide and vho. I would recomend double ended halides as they are brighter than the single ended. Good luck and continued sanity through this tough decision. happy reefing...

[reefologist]

I have a friend with a smaller tank than yours(58 gal oceanic). He has 36" hamilton with 2x250DE 10k and 2x96watt vho actinic blue ,hammertone reflectorand dual fans.....his reef loves it . I thought it may be too intense initially but it is perferct.good luck

[charlie]

Have you looked into a PFO fixture? Marine Depot has them for a price right around the range you are in. A 3' fixture with 2 MH and 2 vho. I have 2 of them and haven't had a problem.
How deep is your 65 gallon? The depth of the tank will tell you how much lite you're gonna need. 175w will take you down to 18"-20" max. A 250w will go down to about 24". HTH