Lighting Suggestion

[Wolverine57]

I just purchase a RR 75 Gallon Tank. I'm planning to have corals (hard & soft) and fish as well. What would be adequate lighting? Please recommend brand/or type. I'm looking for something good, but least cost.

Thanks, this is putting a hole in my pocket!:banghead: :thanks: :thrash:
Merry Christmas to ALL!:funnypost

 

[deelucky]

a t-5 fixture is kinda cool.and the good side is that the t-5s are easy on the pockets an on the electric bill.i think tek are pretty good.i have the nova extreme,alot of people give it bad reviews for some reason but i love it it an so does my corals an rbta. you could check my video in the movie thread to see how things are doing in my 29gal.

 

[bad coffee]

buy metal halides now.

if you buy anything else, you'll end up upgrading to MH later. So buy the good stuff now.

2 250w pendants would work. I like lumenarcs, but they're a bit on the expensive side, compared to other 250w fixtures.

Keep your eyes out for people selling used lights. That's the cheapest way to go.

My 2 150w lumenarc minis with icecap ballasts and phoenix 14KK bulbs was over $550 new.

IMO Lighting is one thing you spend good money on now and won't regret it later.

B

 

[cooksalot]

buy metal halides now.

if you buy anything else, you'll end up upgrading to MH later. So buy the good stuff now.

2 250w pendants would work. I like lumenarcs, but they're a bit on the expensive side, compared to other 250w fixtures.

Keep your eyes out for people selling used lights. That's the cheapest way to go.

My 2 150w lumenarc minis with icecap ballasts and phoenix 14KK bulbs was over $550 new.

IMO Lighting is one thing you spend good money on now and won't regret it later.

B

i have to agree here...i bought an aquapod 24G with the standard 64W stock PCs, and only a month into this i'm already looking into upgrading because i have been bitten by the coral bug. if i had to do it again i definitely would have gone with the AP 150MH. not much about this hobby is easy on the wallet, but instead of having to do it twice, do it well the first time.

 

[House of Laughter]

. . . . . . . not much about this hobby is easy on the wallet, but instead of having to do it twice, do it well the first time.

Amen to that sista~

Also, invest in 4 things: lights, rock, sand and a skimmer. You won't regret it. Other things you can cheap out or DIY if you're crafty enough.

I would go with dual halides, though, since your tank likely has a center brace.

Good luck,

House

 

[fritz]

buy metal halides now.

if you buy anything else, you'll end up upgrading to MH later. So buy the good stuff now.

2 250w pendants would work. I like lumenarcs, but they're a bit on the expensive side, compared to other 250w fixtures.

Keep your eyes out for people selling used lights. That's the cheapest way to go.

My 2 150w lumenarc minis with icecap ballasts and phoenix 14KK bulbs was over $550 new.

IMO Lighting is one thing you spend good money on now and won't regret it later.

B

This is the best advice you will ever get.

 

[Craig]

take it from someone who just blew a ton of cash before finally upgrading to halides....go straght to halides!

 

[MightyMike]

any advice on ballasts for burning those MHs?

 

[bad coffee]

I prefer the electronic ones. they cost a bit more up front but are well worth it. Also, if you go with a reputable dealer, they back their products. I went with icecap. I've never seen someone dissatisfied with IC's customer service. I know of people who have fried ballasts and IC sends them a loaner until they fix the old one. Now that's service that will keep me coming back.

Magnetic ones are cheaper up front, but cost a bit more on the electric bill.

Do some reasearch on sanjay's lighting pages and see what you combination has the attributes you're looking for.


http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

B

 

[nyumpa]

i agree, i had the 130w pc 6 months later 150w sunpod halide
only halide rules

 

[autoponicz]

lets see some of those halides in action!