Latest and greatest budget lighting (non MH)

[rcerulli]

Hey All,

Just bought a 72g AGA predrilled upgrading from my 46g non drilled (get to take advantage of a sump finally!!). Currently running current-usa dual sattelite using the stock 2x96watt bulbs (2 atinic, 2 white), and 1 moon led. The unit is only 36" long and the new tank is 48" long. So it seems i am going to need to get a new unit to fit. I cant have MH because i live in an apartment and dont have the electrical requirements and also temp is a big issue. So i was thinking T5 or PC again.

I am looking to spend between $200-350 for the new lights. I am currently doing mixed reef with zoanthids, shrooms, and a fox coral (lps).

Any recommendations on the latest and greatest? If i could only afford a solaris ;)

[smketyr]

T-5's definitely. IMO they are the best all around choice for lighting. I have PC on the BioCube and T-5's on the frag tank. Much better coloring in my corals from the T-5's and the corals are not streching for light.

[Fishbulb2]

I don't understand why T5 is an option but not MH. If you electrical wiring can't handle MH I wouldn't think it could handle T5's either. Your cheapest most efficient option would probably be a single MH bulb on a light mover.

[rcerulli]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10689547#post10689547 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fishbulb2
I don't understand why T5 is an option but not MH. If you electrical wiring can't handle MH I wouldn't think it could handle T5's either. Your cheapest most efficient option would probably be a single MH bulb on a light mover.

From what i can see MH's are no good without t5's as well? something about color spectrum? Again just asking opinions,i may very well be wrong, also MH are way more $ from what i can see.

[salty3]

Pm sent. I have a 6 bulb t5 setup for sale.

[Chibils]

The problem is that T5s really rely on their reflectors for their light output. All of them give off the same wattage (unless you overdrive them on IceCaps) and use the same bulbs, but the reflectors are what put the light back in the tank. Tek reflectors (the ones you want) are $25 apiece, and you want 4-6 lights for your setup. That's $100-150 on reflectors. Grab a used IceCap ballast here (430 or preferably 660) for about $100 and retrofit it, you could get the whole thing wired into the canopy (if you're going with one; if not, this isn't an option) for about $300. Actually, more than that, since you need bulbs as well.

[rcerulli]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10689892#post10689892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chibils
The problem is that T5s really rely on their reflectors for their light output. All of them give off the same wattage (unless you overdrive them on IceCaps) and use the same bulbs, but the reflectors are what put the light back in the tank. Tek reflectors (the ones you want) are $25 apiece, and you want 4-6 lights for your setup. That's $100-150 on reflectors. Grab a used IceCap ballast here (430 or preferably 660) for about $100 and retrofit it, you could get the whole thing wired into the canopy (if you're going with one; if not, this isn't an option) for about $300. Actually, more than that, since you need bulbs as well.

Unfortunately no canopy, will need a self contained with legs

[rcerulli]

how is something like this? The more i think about it, i can probably swing MH's as i think there is an extra circuit being unused. again though, from what ive seen a decent MH/T5 setup is around 800 for 48"

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CU-USA01122&Category_Code=Current-T5

[jallen18]

Dr. Foster and Smith has that same one for $199

[rcerulli]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10690080#post10690080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jallen18
Dr. Foster and Smith has that same one for $199

yea it was just an example, i would price shop whatever model i decided to choose, just dont know which light system i want :(

[rcerulli]

Assuming i could get the power, is something like this neccessary? Also why does it have so many lunar LEDS, and why blue ones? My 36" has 1 white and i think thats plenty for my 46g

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15486&N=2004+113352

[rcerulli]

bump :)