Choosing a new fixture

rjs5134 · 04-02-2005, 09:08 AM

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 · 04-02-2005, 09:45 AM

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 · 04-02-2005, 09:55 AM

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** · 04-02-2005, 11:21 PM

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

04-02-2005, 09:08 AM	#1
rjs5134 Council Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Denville, NJ Posts: 405	Choosing a new fixture 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.

04-02-2005, 09:45 AM	#2
reefologist Tenant Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Posts: 69	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... __________________ Life is 5% what happens to you & 95% how you react.

04-02-2005, 09:55 AM	#3
reefologist Tenant Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Posts: 69	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 __________________ Life is 5% what happens to you & 95% how you react.

04-02-2005, 11:21 PM	#4
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 5,737	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 __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

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