Lighting for 10 gal

[alkamar]

I have a 10 gallon setup that I will be able to use for salt soon. It will have a penguin HOB filter, heater, stand, but no suitable lighting. I want enough light to keep corals or anemones. I haven't learned enough yet to decide what all will go in it, but it will take a while for it to cycle anyway. Anyone selling a used retrofit light kit or should I just buy a used nano or aquapod? I just need something to get started while I save for a larger setup.

 

[sperry]

A 10gal isn't really big enough for an anemone. As far as lighting goes you need to decide what kind of corals you are wanting to keep. If you are just wanting to get your feet wet and start out with some easier corals. I would suggest a Power Compact (PC) light. Similar to this one. They are fairly common in the for sale sections.

Light

 

[Rendos]

Wow...those prices are kind of high, aren't they? You can get a dual T5 HO fixture for about half of that.

 

[alkamar]

I have noticed they are very proud of high output lighting. I am trying to decide if I should build a hood and put retrofit lighting or if the price is good enough, I'll get a used all-in-one if it looks to be the better option. I could try getting one of the electronic ballast at lowes and mount it in an external box and get the prewired caps with long leads.

 

[Reefdiver77]

I have a brand new, still in box Coralife Aqualight Deluxe series 20 in. 96w 50/50 complete with legs for mounting. On Fosters and Smith $119+$7.95 for legs plus shipping. I will take $85 for it and can bring to Jackson for pickup, since I know you work here. Let me know if you are interested.

 

[sperry]

Yeah I thought the prices were high also. I was just using that as an example. Have they come out with 20" T5s? If you are thinking about building a hood you could go with a 70W MH retro. That would give you more options with corals. You can find them new for $130 or used for about half that.

 

[Rendos]

There are 18" T5's.
No 20", though.

 

[dzones]

You could put together your own MH 70W for about 50 bucks plus the price of the bulb.
the ballasts are available for $29.99 plus shipping:

ballast

and the housing for the bulb you could just get one of the Brinks Halogen yard/security lights for $8.75 at Wal Mart.

I have made 2 of these for my 12g JBJ setups that I removed the hoods from. I just used 1/2" metal pipe to make a stand from.

 

[alkamar]

Are they the HQI double ended bulbs? If so, does the Wal-Mart fixture filter out the UV?

 

[dzones]

yes it will power those DE bulbs but you will not use the bulb that comes with it. you have to buy a different one. the one that comes with the unit is just a halogen type.

 

[alkamar]

I was asking about the HQI double ended MH. I noticed there is the mongul and double ended. I wish I had payed more attention to your lighting when I was over there. Do you have any pics of that setup?

 

[Doris M]

Vickie you have pm