30" T5 HO 4x24

[Leetch]

I have a 29 gal tank that is 30" in length. Recently I lost my 4x24 lighting system because...well it was cheap. Right now I have it covered with a 2x24 just to keep the tank alive for a short time.

I've been trying to find a Nova Extreme or a Sundial 30" but can't seem to find it anywhere. The Sundials are all sold out (and I've been to about 10 different sites where it's not $300+ to get one) and seem to be the older model and the Nova Extreme's don't seem to come in 30" models...all I've seen is 24" and 36". I've thought about the aquatic life models but they cost a little more than I can afford to spend.

Does anyone know of a good place to get aquarium lighting that isn't going to break my bank? Again, I'm looking to get a 30" fixture 4x24 T-5 HO, preferably with lunar lighting as well. I like the Nova Extreme because of the individual reflectors...but then again, I'm a rookie at this.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Leetch]

Sorry, I should mention I do have a 4x24 but it obviously doesn't fit being only 24 long. I could retrofit it I suppose leaving the very edges of the tank with a little less light.

If that's the route I wanted to go, any thoughts on what I should do to retrofit it to make sure it doesn't fall in the tank? Would it be better to use an acrylic top for support or would I need to build crossmembers out of something (I'm assuming either a high grade steel or acrylic)....my biggest fear is doing a retrofit and watching it fall right into my tank.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

I don't know much about them but have you looked into marineland led fixtures? I remember reading that a fixture to support corals was coming out. I don't know weather it will support sps but may be worth some research.

[Leetch]

I don't know much about them but have you looked into marineland led fixtures? I remember reading that a fixture to support corals was coming out. I don't know weather it will support sps but may be worth some research.

I've looked at LED's as a possibility but the expense was just too much for me to bear at this point. For now I think I'll just get a glass top and slap my 24" t5 on top of it. From what I've been reading, even if I get a 30" fixture, it would be a nightmare trying to find replacement bulbs as they are not very common.

I'm finding out more and more that 29gal tanks are considered an odd size and not a lot is made for them. Everything has to either be retrofitted or I have to use equipment made for a larger tank. Live and learn.

[FoMoCo Master Tech]

Understandable... I thought I saw the reef capable led unit from marineland for mid $200 or so though.

[toolingrl]

I have a 29 gal and am using the 30" coralife T5 HO from Big Als website. it's a dual 30" fixture with 30" bulbs. they also have a quad light fixture.

T5 / HO T5