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View Full Version : Upgrading lighting-taking ideas!

Sound
11/21/2008, 07:15 PM
I want to upgrade lighting for my 24 gallon nano. The thing is I don't want no outrageously priced hood. I was just wondering what you all have on your nanos (if you don't have the stock lighting), and around what it cost? I think my limit is around $250 for MH lighting, but I'm hoping to find something for alot cheaper if possible. any advice is appreciated!
1DeR9_3Hy
11/21/2008, 08:06 PM
Search the used section here on RC! I have seen a lot of ballast, fixtures, and bulbs for sale all under your limit.

Other than that, maybe buy a piece at a time. Get a new ice cap ballast now ($120-$140). Then when you can afford it, get the fixture...then get the bulb(s).
not_sponsored
11/21/2008, 08:22 PM
What are the dimensions on your tank? A 150W MH will probably work well.
ShootMe
11/21/2008, 08:33 PM
The sunpod would be a good choice.
lucas73
11/21/2008, 10:36 PM
check out the nova extreme pro t5 ho petmountain.com had them for $232.00 shipped thats what i am running on my 29gal biocube very satisfied with the fixture
Sound
11/22/2008, 02:35 AM
Hmmm...thanks for all your options! I found a pendant lamp MH, with ballast, fixture, and bulb on Vividaquariums.com fr $227 for a 150W. The 250W one is only ten bucks more. I'm running a 24 gallon aquapod. Is there any ill effects for having abou 9-10 watts/gallon? I have 4.5 on my stock lid. I know nothing about lighting so does this seem like a good deal?
unda_da_see
11/22/2008, 07:25 AM
you'd be better off with T5 over MH if you aren't gonna keep high light corals. Current makes nice stuff like the nova series T5.
b_julien
11/22/2008, 10:38 AM
I built a hood for my 10 gallon and used (2) 36W PC's. All said and done it was under $100 and worked pretty well.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/4413mini-CIMG0483.JPG
Justinandkrista
11/22/2008, 09:03 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13794777#post13794777 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by unda_da_see
you'd be better off with T5 over MH if you aren't gonna keep high light corals. Current makes nice stuff like the nova series T5.

Heck id look into the new nova extreme pro you could keep anything you want clams sps anything. The only down side to this fixture that iv come up with is that there isnt much choice in bulb selection since it is so new. I bet in the near future there will be tho. Heres a good thread to show the difference in the sunpod and nova pro http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1478041