3 choices of light. help me decide

[Deranged-Jester]

howdy all,
im in the process of making a 10g w/ a 10sump + 10g refuge. and i need a light. im deciding between 3 different ones right now as they are in my price range. i want a mixed reef + clams. i will have no actinic supplement.

1) aqua medic ocean light 150w MH HQI 15k or 20k bulb
http://hellolights.com/ocli15hqiame.html

2) Coralife 150w MH HQI pendant 15k or 20k bulb
http://hellolights.com/15hqicoaqpep.html

3) Sunpod 150w MH HQI 14k bulb
http://marineandreef.com/shoppro/metal_SunPod.htm

 

[barnett8]

I personally think them all too much light for a ten gallon tank, try a 70w MH and an actinic florecent bulb, and save some $$$$$$

 

[Xandernfs]

I do like the Sunpod. I have that on my 20H. But barnett has a good point. You may want to consider a 70w HQI and actinic. I sometimes wish i would have actinic on my tank to take some good pics . . . .

 

[Lpabsolute]

I would go with #1

 

[Grey Reefer]

I would check this out MH fixture and here is a thread about the fixture reiview of fixture :bum:

 

[steph30]

Re: 3 choices of light. help me decide

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9368232#post9368232 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Deranged-Jester
howdy all,
im in the process of making a 10g w/ a 10sump + 10g refuge. and i need a light. im deciding between 3 different ones right now as they are in my price range. i want a mixed reef + clams. i will have no actinic supplement.

1) aqua medic ocean light 150w MH HQI 15k or 20k bulb
http://hellolights.com/ocli15hqiame.html

2) Coralife 150w MH HQI pendant 15k or 20k bulb
http://hellolights.com/15hqicoaqpep.html

3) Sunpod 150w MH HQI 14k bulb
http://marineandreef.com/shoppro/metal_SunPod.htm

I feel your pain. I guess lighting is the neverending dilemma..lol I'm going to break out on the other opinions here. I think the 150 can work on a 10 gallon tank, but you need to be prepared for heat issues. I don't have any experience with anything other than the sunpod (which is a quality fixture..I'm using the 70w on my 9 gallon) so I'm recommending that fixture based solely on that it's the only one I've used. I'm running my 9 gallon open top and I'm not having any heat issues whatsoever. I think the 150 watt sunpod will work well for you, but you need to decide what type of tank you want to run, if it's open or closed top, and if you're willing to invest in a chiller (which is a very real possibility) For a mixed reef, I really think the 150 is overkill and not necessary. But, if you're planning on a sps tank that houses the more light dependant sps then go with the 150. In the end, this decision will depend on what type of nano you want to run.

Just my opinion, but hope this helps...
Stephanie

 

[jimrawr]

the sunpod comes in a 70w version.

 

[wea747]

150 all the way, I'd rather have to raise the light up a bit and be wasteful then be restricted by the limitations of a 70w. Some guy just made a wall clam tank and has a 250W above it and I'm pretty sure it's like a 12' cube.

 

[wea747]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1052751

opps it's 15 x 15 x 12

 

[archndevil]

Go with the sunpod hands down a much better lite!

 

[1pix4c]

sunpod from petmountain,i just ordered mine today, free shipping

 

[steph30]

If you decide to go with the sunpod, I agree with 1pix4c on ordering from petmountain. I ordered mine from there a few months ago (with free shipping as well) and had no problems whatsoever.

Stephanie