Lighting for a 28G, 24" reef tank - What would you buy???

[Brian7002]

I've got my FOWLR set up and want to start looking for lights to support a reef, mostly soft corals, but maybe an anemone down the road.

I'm looking for used products in the $100 range.

What would you buy?

[nemosworld]

odyssea makes a nice 20 inch fixture with 4 t-5's and moon lights. paid 50 for mine.
will fit over a 20 long, but i have it over my 10 gal at work.
individual ballast and adapter for led's.

[subpotentjoe]

I would go t5 if you can find something for the right $$. the key is to find one with good bulbs. you will spend $100 on bulbs if the bulbs are no good.

[firstlight10]

I like my NOVA Extreme T-5 Fixture, the price was reasonable and it has worked out well for me. The biggest downside is the model I bought only has one switch to control both bulbs, I would prefer to have another switch.

[Brian7002]

Thanks! Anyone else...

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[stovenut]

Key question is: heat
A 150w HQI pendent would be perfect over a tank that size for soft corals and a BTA. But you have to consider the heat, especially b4 you kick on the a/c in spring. A metal halide light is less necessary as the tank is likely fairly shallow. (You didn't tell us the dimensions.) You could start with a 2 bulb T5HO fixture, but I am a +1 that bulbs matter. Those eBay odyssey bulbs are crap. You might as well buy a used fixture and then buy good new bulbs.

[Brian7002]

24W x 16D x 18H