Question about lighting?

[drink_soy_sauce]

Hi, i'm looking to start up a 10 gallon reef tank (basic AGA tank) and i've been doing some searching online and found two lights i think might work well for the tank. I'm new to the hobby and i don't know much about reef lighting. So my question is which of these two (or if you know of a better option) which is the better choice:


1.) Nova Extreme SLR T-5 Fixtures: 18" x 5-1/2" Saltwater; 36 watt

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16770

2.) Coralife 20 Inch Aqualight With 1-96W 50/50 4-Tube Square Pin Base (with fans)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BJM9AE/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Thanks in advance.

[theyammieguy]

I'd go with the nova.

[tgray3]

+1 on the Nova. I'll take the T5 over PC every time.

[stingythingy45]

JMo,but if you don't have a lot of experience,go with a bigger tank.

[drink_soy_sauce]

JMo,but if you don't have a lot of experience,go with a bigger tank.

I'd like to but unfortunately i live in a small apartment with a roommate so the tanks gotta be in my room and a 10 gallon is about all i can do. However i do have planted freshwater experience so hopefully that'll help a little. Also thanks for replys so far sounds like t-5s the way to go.

[stingythingy45]

I'd like to but unfortunately i live in a small apartment with a roommate so the tanks gotta be in my room and a 10 gallon is about all i can do. However i do have planted freshwater experience so hopefully that'll help a little. Also thanks for replys so far sounds like t-5s the way to go.

Are you planning corals?
If so,at least let me talk you into a 20L.:rollface:

[drink_soy_sauce]

Are you planning corals?
If so,at least let me talk you into a 20L.:rollface:

Yes i do plan on doing corals and i will definitely consider the 20L. The light is a little pricier (i have limited funds as well :() will the rest of the set-up cost much more than the 10gallon? And if i do go with the 20L will the 30" T-5 light suffice:

30" x 5-1/2" Saltwater; 48 watt

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16770

[theyammieguy]

I suggest stopping right now and start saving up for good equipment. I don't think you will be able to do much with that light.
Something along these lines would do better.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Wave_Point_T5_HO_Lighting_System_24_Inch_T5_Fluorescent_Light_Fixtures-Wave_Point_Technology-ZP01001-FILTFIT54U-vi.html
http://www.marinedepot.com/24_inch_4x24W_Sunlight_Supply_Tek_Light_High_Output_Fluorescent_Lighting_Fixture_24_Inch_T5_Fluoresc ent_Light_Fixtures-Sunlight_Supply_Inc-SL2111-FILTFIT54U-SL2111-vi.html

Or you could buy an all in one like the biocube 29g or JBJ 28g HQI.

[garzaci]

Don't get those lights. They'll leave you disappointed and you'll want to upgrade. I just purchased this fixture and its awesome. Everyone I asked said get the nova or tek, but I took a chance and I'm thoroughly impressed.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+21460&pcatid=21460

You need at least 4 T5s though. A 2 bulb fixture will only allow you to have a few low light corals.

[drink_soy_sauce]

Thanks theyammieguy and garzaci i will look into both your suggestions and save, save, save haha. And i've been looking into the biocubes and nanocubes as well but i'd like to do some diy stuff with this tank and i don't think that's as easy with them. Also i found one more lighting option that i thought might work:

http://www.marineandreef.com/Coralife_Aqualight_High_Output_T5_30_inch_p/res08601.htm

[theyammieguy]

Most are going to tell you to stay away from corallife lights.

[drink_soy_sauce]

Most are going to tell you to stay away from corallife lights.

Hmm that's no good. Why?

[blakemiller1981]

no matter what you get now you will always upgrade because as time goes on youll want bigger and better and next week there is going to be something else and so on and so on

[t00lfan]

I have coralife lights on one of my tanks, and there fine for softies... However a 10 gallon tank for a beginner is not a good idea. I wouldn't waste the money on very many corals....just wait til you can start off with a bigger tank. I would get PC's because all your going to have in there is softies anyway. Some LPS will survive with PC's however 10 gallons is risky for a first time reefer. I know it seems like a good idea to get t5s but you wont be able to keep anything in that 10 gallon that wont survive under pc. Are you going to have a fuge or sump?

[drink_soy_sauce]

I have coralife lights on one of my tanks, and there fine for softies... However a 10 gallon tank for a beginner is not a good idea. I wouldn't waste the money on very many corals....just wait til you can start off with a bigger tank. I would get PC's because all your going to have in there is softies anyway. Some LPS will survive with PC's however 10 gallons is risky for a first time reefer. I know it seems like a good idea to get t5s but you wont be able to keep anything in that 10 gallon that wont survive under pc. Are you going to have a fuge or sump?

I've changed my mind and am taking stingythingy45 advice and going instead for a 20 gal. Long. And yes i do plan on doing a fuge the DIY AC 70 fuge on this forum. Also i've changed my mind yet again on the lighting, since it's so important, and i am gonna save a little to get this one i think: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18486.

[stingythingy45]

I've changed my mind and am taking stingythingy45 advice and going instead for a 20 gal. Long. And yes i do plan on doing a fuge the DIY AC 70 fuge on this forum. Also i've changed my mind yet again on the lighting, since it's so important, and i am gonna save a little to get this one i think: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18486.


That works.
20L is 30 inches across.

[Chiefsurfer]

yeah, of all your light options, this is your best so far. Very comparible to the aquaticlife fixture. The sundial has mechanical timers, and I think multiple cords, but seemingly a good fixture. I also bought the aquaticlife fixture, and am quite impressed. The sundial was Choice #2 for me.