Need advice on what light to buy!

[antimatter]

I am going to upgrade my PCs to MH! but I don't know which set to get. I have a 30g tall.

My first option is a used 175w retrofit with the spyder reflector and a new 20k bulb. This would cost me 90$ and i am guessing I would just have to build a canopy (not a big deal).

My second option is a new Aquamedic 150w HQI pendant light, includes a phoenix 14k bulb for 120$. I think this is a good deal, but I can't hang it from the ceiling or walls because I rent and they won't let me.

Any advice? thanks everyone!

[Devilish]

How deep is your tank and what do you plan on stocking it with. I personally use a 400w MH over my 40g high. The tank is 24" deep and the light is strong enough to reach the bottom and will not limit my stock options.

[antimatter]

My tank is 24" deep. Its a bit of an odd shape. 24"x12"x24". I want to keeps mainly softies and maybe down the road an easy sps or two, but I am a bigger fan of softies.

[Amphiprion]

The Aquamedic fixture will feature a better reflector and bulb. Granted, it is easy to get a much better bulb for the 175w retrofit, you won't get the same color as you would with the Phoenix bulb. Another option is to retain some of your pcs as actinic bulbs, get a better reflector, a better bulb, and go with the 175w fixture (like the Iwasaki 15K bulb), which would be the better setup, IMO.

[antimatter]

If i did go with the aquamedic, any suggestions how I can suspend it over the tank? I really can't hang it from the ceiling or wall.

[antimatter]

I have an old PC light and I was thinking about taking it out and adding it to the canopy, but I heard that is a fire hazard. Is that true?