Best lighting for a 29gal under 200$

DesertBandits

New member
So the question is: what is the best lighting for my 29gal under 200$. I was thinking maybe finnex T5 might be good... What do all you with 29gals have over your tanks? I'm just about losing my mind trying to figure out what type of lighting is best for what I can afford. Any help is welcome.
 
I bought if from HellowLights.com and it was a retro fit. The lighting was $150 shipped and hood was made for around $25
So $175 total. Not sure if they are still on sale or not.
 
They still have the deal up. I assume you got the xm 20k? I hear they are no good. Is this untrue? Also can you tell me a little bit about your canopy? What do you do for ventilation? Thanks.
 
i have the coralife pc's, the 130w 50/50's. it has 2 65w bulbs in a gold aluminum housing with 2 built in cooling fans. i like it alot, its not metalhalide thought. got it on ebay for about $115. and also its the 30" fixture so it sets on top with pretty well.
good luck!
 
Hmmm.. Unfortunately the finnex 4 bulb hood costs 160$ now, though I still think its my first choice. The other thing I was considering was 3x 55w PC Retro.

Which is better, 96w T5 or 150w PC? And if PC which bulbs?
 
Has anyone used the CoalVue ballasts or bulbs. I have seen some setups on EBay for 1$180 and looks awful tempting but not sure about the quality.
 
DesertBandits i just have a question, what you trying to keep??
if you going to keep softies you can go with pc's or power compacts, but if you want nice sps, clams and lps you will have to get t5s or MH's is just up to you, you can look at the sale forum they have good stuff there too

Gabriel
 
Good Idea on the sale forum. Yeah, I love LPS, and want to make my wellsophylia (down on the sand bed) happy. I also have some softies too.

Does any one remember the thread where the guy retrofitted his finnex hood with individual reflectors? I guess I really want to go t5, just it seems hard to get a good T5 setup for under 200$.
 
If I were you, I would do a 175w/or 250w MH with a 14k bulb and you would be set to do anything you wanted as far as lighting is concerned. If you only want to do softies and LPS type corals, go with the 175w, and if you want to do SPS and some clams, go with the 250w.

If you do a MH in the center, you can put your lower light corals on the left and right side of the tank where it does not get much direct light, put your clams in the center.
 
are there some sps that could thrive under a 14k 175 watt MH in a 29 gallon? and how about clams? i just dont want to burn my lps and softies with the 250
 
Everything will be fine with 175w being the tank is only 18" in height I'm thinking.

Don't forget to put a $25 4" fan from radio shack in the canopy, you will want something to help cool it down.
 
Everyone has really good suggestions. I will just reiterate theirs.. go with the MH (175 or 250W) if you can, you will be glad you did in the end.... I know I am!! You may have issues with heat, but those can be dealt with as discussed ad infinitum in other threads.
 
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