Lighting Dilema

[UofODuck]

Hey all....could use some help on my lighting. I have a 75 gallon tank with a coralife light that LFS sold me (only after I bent over of course). I would like to replace with the best option but I don't want to overload. Can anyone help?

[dakar]

Split your post off to it's own thread to avoid some confusion.

To best advise what kind of animals are you looking to keep now and maybe in the future?

[rickm]

Check out http://www.aquactinics.com.I've read a lot of good things about there fixtures and company.I've got e-mails back within hours not day's.A little pricey but there MH/T5 combo fixture put's out so little heat they can be put right on top of the tank.Not to mention it's only 8.5" wide and will fit nicely on my narrow 55 gl.
Rick

[Guido]

I'll tell you what, if your looking to save some money and get some good lights (by good i just mean wattage and output, I've never bought from them, but intend to in the future) go to www.aquariumlight.com I plan on getting 2x250w 2x110VHO for about 700 with waterproof sockets, UV shield and moonlights. Hard to find a 2x250 2x110VHO for any cheaper then that (the light is only 530 or so, but doesn't include MH bulbs, so you're looking to spend about 680 on the light with bulbs, comes with VHO's) But, in my opinion, thats not a bad price for that kind of light. My tanks only a 75g and with total wattage from the lights (720), I'm getting exactly 9.6 watts per gallon, which is more then capable of keeping any life in the tank, at least I'm pretty sure. That also gives me room to upgrade to a bigger tank later on down the road if i wanted to. But check them out and look around. All they sell is lights, and at a very affordable price.

[UofODuck]

Hey...what about this combo: Aqua Medic Ocean Light T5/MH Combo Series, 48in 2 x 250W MH + 2 x 54W T5???? $$630.00. Not sure if this is a good deal or what you suggested is better?

[davejnz]

If your main goal is a SPS dominant tank,I would go with the 2x250Mh/2x54wT5 combo.If you want a mixed reef then a 2x150wMH(HQI) with 2x54T5 fixture would be ideal IMO. http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunlight-Supply-4-Maristar-2x150W-HQI-2x54w-T5-Blk_W0QQitemZ4333129425QQcategoryZ46314QQtcZphotoQ QcmdZViewItem

[davejnz]

disregard that link,for some reason i cant edit the post.
Anyways,if you really want to save some money,you should check out some of the DIY retros.A 250w M58 ballast,reflector,socket can be bought for $90.A 2x54w
T5 retro is only $110.Add a pair of MH bulbs for about $120 and your only at $410.Throw in a couple 4"fans and that'll bring it to about $450

[Guido]

I dont know. I was looking into the aqua medic ocean MH/T5 combo myself, but i found a 2x250 2x110 VHO for cheaper then that.... so I think I'm personally going to go with 720 total watts compaird to 608 from the MH/T5 Combo, but, thats just a personal preferance.

[UofODuck]

Dave, I looked at your suggestions and it looks good. How does it stack up to the aqua medic ocean MH/T5 combo? My main concern is not going overboard. I have come across many suggestions that more is better, but I think sometime people go overkill....which is not good. Maybe the 2x150wMH(HQI) with 2x54T5 is the way to go?

[Reptoreef]

Aqumedic is a sweet set up... but I'm a more is better kind of guy.

[dakar]

I sure hope UofODuck isn't isinuating there is such a thing as too much light for a tank.

If anyone within 100 yards is not at least temporarily blinded for an hour or more when you crack the canopy open with the halides powered up.... you need more power :D

Serously, take into consideration the ambient air temp and how much heat you can dissipate from the lighting... no sense setting up a reef if you are going to slow cook it.

[UofODuck]

My interests are for what is best for my corals......not blinding people by showing them how big my thing is!.....(referring to my lights of course!)

I would like to buy a setup where I don't have to end up adding a chiller. I do have plans to hang the light canopy and remove my glass lid. I've read that having an open air tank has its advantages (equalizing pressure). Not sure if any of you have heard the same. Makes sense though.....no canopy in the tropics!

Thanks for the help.....If I had not stumbled apon this site, I would have continued to take it from the LFS.

[jerryc]

The 2*175 are 2*250 ether will work i have the 175 on a 55 and i can tall you
it is not overkill after i get the 75 set up ill add a 250 in the center to make
up the difference.

[UofODuck]

Sounds like the Aqumedic is right then. Things all, I would have been lost without your help.

[davejnz]

Dave, I looked at your suggestions and it looks good. How does it stack up to the aqua medic ocean MH/T5 combo? My main concern is not going overboard. I have come across many suggestions that more is better, but I think sometime people go overkill....which is not good. Maybe the 2x150wMH(HQI) with 2x54T5 is the way to go?

The fixture has its advantages over the DIY retros because its plug-n-play and it also has DE halides instead of the mogul based that the retros are.(SE can be just as effective though IMO)My biggest complaint about fixtures is that they are a contained unit that use their own brands of ballasts(expensive to replace and often not the best quality,especially the T5 ballast).There is also no room for improvement/upgrade with a fixture.
The DIY retros are cheaper,can provide equal PAR,you have the choice of what type of reflector to use for the MH's and the T5's as well as the ability to manipulate them to maximize spread for your specific tank.They are run off of common ballasts that can be replaced cheaply.You can upgrade all components if you decide to.The main disadvatages are a fixture to mount the components would need to be made.You have to do all the wiring/mounting/etc.. as well.

[UofODuck]

DIY....it may take me forever to do. Supper busy...just would like to by the best for around 700. Do you have any other suggestions?