Lighting for a 65G

[pf1130]

I'm looking for suggestions on lighting for my 65 gallon tank. It will start off as FOWLR and I might add corals later down the line. I dont want to spend too much but want the abilility to be able to keep some of the less demanding corals later on if I choose to . Price rules out metal halides. I'm looking at power compacts or T-5's currently. These put me at around 3-3.6 watts/gal. What types of coral is this sufficient for? Any other suggetions? Place with good prices, other fixtures, brands etc.? Thanks

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+9654+12109&pcatid=12109

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18700&prodid=36456&catid=3

 

[JamesJR]

I'd take T-5 over PC any day. PC just doesn't provide the intensity. For that price though you may want to look into other fixtures, not that I have used that particular t-5 fixture.

 

[pf1130]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11569990#post11569990 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JamesJR
I'd take T-5 over PC any day. PC just doesn't provide the intensity. For that price though you may want to look into other fixtures, not that I have used that particular t-5 fixture.

Is there another fixture that you recommend? I just saw this on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/36-Aquarium-Lig...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[ImprezaSTi]

If you don't want to spend too much you could head down to your LFS and look for fixtures that don't come with moonlights, seperate switches ect. for a much cheaper price.

 

[JamesJR]

Just make sure the T-5 fixture has individual reflectors if you want to keep clams, sps corals or anemones.

 

[walkerbrody]

If you are into diy at all you can buy a couple m57 ballast and sockets on ebay and wire them yourself. You can build a mh setup fairly cheaply

 

[pf1130]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11570096#post11570096 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ImprezaSTi
If you don't want to spend too much you could head down to your LFS and look for fixtures that don't come with moonlights, seperate switches ect. for a much cheaper price.

From what I have seen the moonlights don't add much to the price. Can you suggest a brand that is cheaper?

 

[pf1130]

gamble?

 

[pf1130]

I just saw this on ebay, has anyone heard about/have experience with this fixture? Worth the gamble?http://cgi.ebay.com/VHO-36-442W-Met...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[jccash]

I have a 65 Gal and I have have Nova Extreme T5 4 bulb system. They work great, but if I was you I'd take a step up and buy the Nova Extreme Pro T-5 Fixtures (6 bulb)