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Ricky92
04/15/2009, 08:32 PM
what is the best off the market lighting system for a 48 in long 55 gal tank, if im going to have it set up for various soft corals and zoanthids
125G Reefer
04/15/2009, 10:22 PM
Well, the best off market would be to make it yourself. That would be the cheapest way to go. And for a 55g tank, it would be under $200, for Metal Halide. $100 for 260w PC. T-5 for $130. Choice is yours.
Examples.
http://cgi.ebay.com/48-4ft-T5-HO-High-Output-Aquarium-Light-216W-4-lamps_W0QQitemZ300308024805QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item300308024805&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1307%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LIGHT-48-REEF-ODYSSEA-260WT-POWER-COMPACT-U3_W0QQitemZ360146545423QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item360146545423&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
Ricky92
04/16/2009, 06:47 PM
thanks reefer, if i buy either one of those lighting systems i could buy the appropriate bulbs and be ok with that for soft coral and zoas? i dont want to make a big purchase if it turns out to be wrong you know.. thanks.
125G Reefer
04/17/2009, 10:22 AM
Yup, you'll be fine.
cich4fish
04/19/2009, 07:49 PM
pc bulbs can easily keep softies and zoo's.t-5's give you a better choice if you change your coral preference later and the bulb selections are much better for t-5's.You can really make the colors pop on zoo's.My choice would be t-5.

Eric
mfinn
04/19/2009, 07:55 PM
You can use power compact to VHO to t-5 to mh lighting for soft corals and all will do just fine.
I happen to like buying separate componets for mh lighting and build they into my own canopies.
I use VHO and MH on my soft corals and zoanthid tank.
noboddi
04/19/2009, 08:42 PM
I would go T5. Like everyone said you could go PC or VHO, but if at some point down the road you want to do some LPS or SPS, then the T5s will stand you in good stead
user1974
04/20/2009, 05:51 AM
How's the quality of the Odyssea fixtures listed in the post?
reefdude135
04/20/2009, 06:56 PM
Some people love them and swear by them; others swear AT them and say they are junk.

Quality? Not sure. Value? Yes.