Ok new plan..

[Reefer@1620]

ok this is what I'm planing on doing...

40g show 36"x15"x16"

now ive read alot and i mean ALOT about lighting and ive changed the plan again and again....1 150w hqi w/ pc's , 1 250w w/vho's,i ultimately decided that keeping sps and clams would like more light(so onto finding a dual fixture that was 36" this was my next idea...
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...y_Code=Finnex-h

but nobody has really heard of them and i dont know if i like the style of hood...just looks basic for the price(not saying basic is bad but not ready to drop $600 on a chance)

Then i thought about doing two Hamilton reefstars 150w HQI's(i dropped the wattage after learning that a good reflector can almost dbl the strength of the light ) and two retro t5's but it would run me about a $100 dollars more, and i would have to build the hood. so i decided i dont really want a hood id rather have an open tank and cooling can be done with an external fan.

now im here...

http://store.innovativelights.com/pfo-69972a.html

PFO ive heard good things about them and there known to make good stuff im just not sure which one of these two lights is better in quality?reflectors, ballast's etc..

http://www.allaquaticsonline.net/st...91cc0f49c5f459c
http://www.customaquatic.com/custom...dID=AB&catID=lt

this fixture is a mystery to me, i cant find a picture of it anywhere is it aqua medic or AB? lol ive heard ppl say they are one and the same ...or AM bought AB or something like that basically there made by Aqua medic is what i gathered but I'm not sure.... info is limited from what i find. I went on the AM site and they have a PDF manual for the ocean light plus but as you can see it states its made by Aqualine Buschke(second link*all the way at the bottom*, its the same fixture just a lil bit more expensive)

So what do you think im sure this will be plenty of light for a mixed reef (sps, lps, clams and anemones, softies in the shade and some fish in a 16" height tank w/DSB? <-- Or am i mistaken AGINE!! lol *sigh*

I really want to know what everyones opinion is on the reflectors which one has the better of the two, would it be easy to get better reflectors and install them if i need to?(am i just overreacting to the whole lighting thing ?!?! i think im going crazy...i just want this nightmare to end "LIGHTING ARGGGGhh"!!

what are your thoughts?

[Reefer@1620]

so anyboby care to comment good/bad lights?

davejnz, what do you think man? i REALLY dont want to make a hood lol

[davejnz]

Unfortunately,the only link thats working for me is the PFO 2x150 and 2x95w VHO fixture.It seems like its reasonably priced but i'm just not a fan of fixtures.They have inferior reflectors,and leave u with no room to upgrade.
The DIY route is much cheaper and allows you to tailor your lighting to your tanks/corals needs.I've setup/have had 3 -36"L reef tanks and i've always used a single 250wMh mogul.I prefer the T5's to supplement with.

[jerryc]

I will go with Dave on this DIY is the best way to go.

But from whit i have read the PFO is supposed to be a good light

[Reefer@1620]

http://www.customaquatic.com/customa...subcatID=lt-mh

ok here is a fixed link, you have to scroll down and find the 36" 2x150w OR 2x250w w/t5 sups.how are the auqa medic/AB fixtures, any good?

and can i ask a favor, when i look at DYI options i can never seem to find dual HQI retros w/t5 retro that arnt at least $100 (most the time more) more expensive. Where are you shopping that have them for cheaper then that fixture in the link i just posted?

thanx guys

[davejnz]

Your right,DE halides aren't usually offered in a retro kit.You would have to buy all the components seperately,2 M80(250wHQI) ballasts-$170,2 HQI sockets-$35,DIY reflector-$30,2 bulbs-$120,2x39wT5 retro-$110.

[perpetual98]

HQI are more difficult to retro because of the fact that they need UV glass between the bulb and the water. I think that two 175W halide mogul based lights would be more than enough, and like previously stated, you could probably get by with a single halide.

I can get you a good deal on the Hamilton hoods and the ReefStar/ReefSun lights if you want. Check out my store at www.myreefshop.com and see what's there. I'm constantly adding stuff to the site too, so if you don't see something, shoot me a PM and I'll see if I can get it for you and a price.

Later,
Eric