Lighting Question - Current USA Satellite

[scarin]

I am new to the hobby and when I picked up my tank I got a fixture with the tank. It is a small 2 bulb 24" Coralife flourescent unit that has a 10k bulb and an Actinic bulb. I have no idea how old the bulbs are but erring on the safe side I assume they probably need to be changed

While I was looking for bulbs I saw the Current USA Power Compact line, specs below. They have a 24 and a 30 inch unit and the price is around $150. This unit seems like a good complete solution for a small tank like mine (40g Strecth Hex). The 30 may be too big as I may get some light overflow due to the hex shape.

Would appreciate any feedback or alternative recommendations.

Specs:
30 inch 2x65 Watt Current USA PowerCompact Dual Satellite Fixture
* Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k : 1 x 65 watt
* Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm : 1 x 65 watt
* No. of Switches: 2
* Fan: Yes
* Lunar Light Moon White : 1
* Product Dimensions : 30" x 7.25" x 2.5"
* Total Watts : 130 watt
* Total Amps : 0.82
* Configuration: D

 

[SC Trojan]

Hey scarin, if you only intend on keeping softies then that unit would be ok, but their better options out there for around the same price. You would have much better flexibility with say t5's, they have far superior reflectors,par, and bulb choices. You could easily fit 4-6 (depending on slr) 2ft t5's in your 18in depth. Get some tek retros(even used ones off of here would be great) and build your own canopy and your set.

 

[Nerdy Nudi]

Hey,

just like trojan mentioned, dont by an inferior light when you can get a better one from the same company for the same price!

head over to lnt.com and check the nova extreme t5, 24" 4 bulber is only $150 delivered. and if youre patient, you can wait for a 10% coupon that they cycle on and off every week.

its a ton of light compared to the pc fixture, with much better bulb options. and if you need to trim the light time, its easy with 2 switches.

good luck