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-...QQcmdZViewItem

[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.