lighting?

S

swenard

AC Members
Jul 11, 2005
14
0
0
Currently I have my flouscent light fixure from my freshwater tank(really crappy) and put some better bulbs in it, But I want to by a new fixture soon. I want my tank to eventually have corals, so I want to make sure my lighting is going to be adequate. I was thinking of getting a fixture with two 150W or two 250W MH bulbs, two flourescents(what's best?) and the moon lighting.

Does this sound good for a 55G set-up?
Any suggestions on fixtures or where the best price is to buy?
Also, what would be the ultimate light to buy. I might even wait and save up some more money to spend.

I would be looking to spend around $700 US or around $1000 CDN
 
Last edited:
Two 250 watt halides would be great. You could also go with 175 watt, but you have a lot more choice of lamps with 250s.

For fluorescent, I like high-output T5s, because you get the most light per watt. I also think it will be the standard soon. If you go with 14000 or 20000 K halides, you wouldn't really need actinic supplementation.

I installed retrofit kits in a modified canopy, so I can't tell you much about pre-built hoods. I prefer electronic ballasts, like IceCap, because they run so much cooler and can operate a wider variety of lamps.
 
If I am going to have more choices in the 250W MH lamps, then I will go with them. I can always raise them a little if I am getting too much light.

Thanks for the T5 suggestion because I wasn't sure what would be the best flourescent.

As for the electronic ballast, I will definitely go with those, as I know all about the benefits of electronic ballasts.

If anyone has any suggestions on good manufacturers to go with, I would appreciate it.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom