best, least expensive light for an acrylic 60x18x24 acropora reef aquarium...........

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

what lighting do you think would be best and the least expensive through an online e-tailer? would like one that would fit nice and snug with the dimensions i gave, thanx in advance for helping me.

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

anybody?

 

[drake66]

maybe t5's?

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

wishful thinking drake but i dont think so...not sufficient enough in my opinion.

 

[mntl]

175w mh, they are not real popular right now, most people go 150 or 250. With the new Iwasaki aqua2 14k bulb you will get more output than a hamilton 250w. A cheap dual pfo style ballast with 2 175's in luminarcs would cover your whole tank. You can go cheaper with a cheap reflecter but per dollar the loss of efficiency would be huge switching from the luminarcs to a do-it-yourself or cheaper. I got a used ballast with pendant and a 3 month old hamilton bulb for $50 used, I then bought a luminarc mini and upgraded the bulb to the Aqua2. The aqua2 14k is the brightest (visually and par-per sanjay's site) light for the wattage I have seen and sinse it is in a 175w that makes it easier because people almost give away these ballasts compared to other wattages.

Stay away from "the rage" or "whats popular at the moment" it will save you tons I'm a huge fan of impulse-buy-rejects

--John

 

[MiddletonMark]

Looking to save $$?

Take some time, watch the used forum, build your own hood.

I managed to get a nice deal on 2 individual IC 250w ballasts/etc ... which combined with a good reflector, some time with power tools - got me an economical canopy/lighting setup that was just exactly what I wanted.

For what I was interested in spending, I couldn't find a pre-made hood in 36" that was what I wanted. If I went cheap, it was crummy bulbs + reflector, and while I could have gone super expensive - didn't see the point.

Just my take, but IMO, if cost is an issue ... DIY.

 

[dascharisma]

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...&Product_Code=PFO400DW10KR&Category_Code=PFOr


Dual 400 watt 10k halides for $460. Lots of light for a good price. I have the 20k version with hqi ballasts and love it.

Brad

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

thanx guys, you guy's are the bomb!

 

[GMAX]

Did you just use inexpensive and aquarium in the same sentence?

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I have found this place has some cheap retrofits:

www.aquariumlight.com

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

thanx.