Let it be light

[rafa316]

My 54 watt florescent fixture died a couple days ago, I changed the ballast many times in the past but now is really gone.

I have been saving to buy a new fixture so I have a little budget now. I am really wanting to keep an anemone, polyps and some shrooms. I have narrowed my search to two products based on price and wattage and I am looking for your input

Option 1

Option 2

I will love to hear your thoughts or other suggestion

thank you so much

 

[corbett_n]

The first one is way better, it has individual reflectors.

 

[iFisch]

For those corals, a 4x54 will do just fine, and should save you some money.

 

[rafa316]

Anu other thoughts?

 

[rafa316]

So do you think 4x54 will do just fine for the anemone and the polyps?

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15504835#post15504835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rafa316
So do you think 4x54 will do just fine for the anemone and the polyps?

Yep. Unless it's a really deep tank. What are your dimensions?

 

[rafa316]

22inches tall

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15505108#post15505108 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rafa316
22inches tall

How thick is the sandbed, if there is one?

 

[TwistedEnvy]

I found that I started with an anemone and some softies, then quickly moved on and started looking at SPS corals (it just becomes so intriguing!).

I also think if you are going to splurge on a new light fixture, get something that will allow you to keep whatever you want, since in the future you might change your mind.

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15505162#post15505162 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TwistedEnvy
I found that I started with an anemone and some softies, then quickly moved on and started looking at SPS corals (it just becomes so intriguing!).

I also think if you are going to splurge on a new light fixture, get something that will allow you to keep whatever you want, since in the future you might change your mind.

That is true. In the event that there is a sale, like the one @ DFS, it may be in your best interest to go 6 bulbed, or a dual 250w MH's.


T5's - can control the PAR and color - cost a fortune to replace a 6 bulbed fixture

MH - will use a little more power, can't really control the color. May add PC/two T5's to change the color a little bit.

 

[rafa316]

The bed is about 2-2.5 inches. I did more research and found this:

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/

I am just wondering now if I should go for 4 or six bulbs since the price difference is quite. Have you heard of this brand?

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15505213#post15505213 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rafa316
The bed is about 2-2.5 inches. I did more research and found this:

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/

I am just wondering now if I should go for 4 or six bulbs since the price difference is quite. Have you heard of this brand?

Good brand. Not worth it to me. Current makes quality products. Always has. The reflectors in the Tek's aren't that much better for the price between the sale Current and 6x54 Tek.

 

[TwistedEnvy]

A lot of people have pointed me in the way of Tek fixtures, and I have considered them. I am wondering which is better myself, nova or tek and why. Hopefully someone can answer.

 

[rafa316]

I am curious about it too

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15505251#post15505251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TwistedEnvy
A lot of people have pointed me in the way of Tek fixtures, and I have considered them. I am wondering which is better myself, nova or tek and why. Hopefully someone can answer.

The Tek has slightly better reflectors. But Current has good quality, individualized reflectors. Not some cheap-o stuff either.


A LFS by me has the Tek's. Very nice unit. Lots of happy people here with them. They are also a lot slimmer, and look better hung from the ceiling than mounted on a tank, because they're so sleek.


But it's ultimately up to you guys. Some will say you have plenty with the Current, and some will say splurge for it, and get the Tek/ATI.