Have I found the right light????

[Mark75]

This light will be going over a 30L. I think it is the best light in the $200 dollar range. I am ready to order if you think I need to look at another light I would be grateful for your suggestion. Thanks

 

[sir_dudeguy]

whats the light??

 

[Mark75]

ha,ha,ha, I wish I had a clever reason why I forgot to put the light specs. in but I don't. Here it is Nova Extreme T-5 36" 156 watts 4-39 watt bulbs 3 lunar lights $189.99.

 

[Entropy]

That should do nicely, but what are your plans for the tank?

 

[sir_dudeguy]

I personally dont like the looks of novas (havent used one, but the reflectors dont look too great). If money isnt an issue, i'd suggest to go to reefgeek.com and check out either the tek lights or the icecap ones... If you have a canopy you could even get the retro fit and its a bit cheaper... I just got my 4x39w t5 retro (icecap) for just under 300 from them...So far i think its awesome

 

[Mark75]

I want a tank that I can keep all but maybe the most light hungry critters. I know clams and some of the sps will not thrive under this lighting but mushrooms and most lps will do fine right? This tank is shallow. I would like an anemone and clown possible.

 

[Entropy]

In that case, yes I think you will be fine. I prefer halides for the shimmer lines, but everyone has their own taste.

 

[Mark75]

Total output 442W.

Approx Fixture Size: 36"L x 15"W x 3"H
System Support: 1x250W HQI, 2x96W CF, and 4xBluemoon LED

Odyssea Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) features:

non-corrosive powder coated housing
extra large built-in cooling fans
1x external electronic HQI ballasts
2x internal electronic CF ballast
individual power cords
tempered glass splash guard
mounting brackets


FREE item* listed below:
1x double ended 250W HQI bulb
2x compact fluorescent 96W bulb actinic blue
4x plug in bluemoon LED
$249.00 This is my second choice.

 

[Entropy]

I certainly don't want to start a T5 vs. Halide debate, but I will take a halide over T'5s anytime. The glitter lines alone make it an unfair contest. IMO reefs look best under single point light sources.

 

[Mark75]

I am really torn between this two lights!! The MH guys have some good points as do the T-5 guys. If you look at cost per watt the Odyssea @ 442w wins hands down. But the Nova T-5 will cost less to run and are cooler. I have heard as many people say they like the looks of T-5's over MH as MH over T-5's. I am going to a LFS tomorrow maybe they will have both and I will like one alot more than another.

 

[Frick-n-Frags]

why do some people have blue cars and some people have red cars.

there are plenty of watts of PAR either way you go.
I agree that the best idea is to go look at some of these light setups in action in person if possible. then you will know for sure what you like the looks of the best.

 

[Icefire]

Go Finnex or nova T5 and skip the odyssea/mh.
Also with a 15" tank you'll keep anything with t5

 

[MeuserReef]

I have a 30L that I have (2) 150W halides over. Wouldnt even think of changing. I love it. I run 14K bulbs so I dont need actinics.