Lighting Questions

[ladyquixote]

Anxiously awaiting my tax refund, number 1 thing on my list is upgraded lighting. I have a 55 gal 18" high. I am hoping to have a host anemone w/ clown fish in the future when my tank is mature (started up in Nov). also hoping for other inverts, probably no hard corals. Reef type tank. I have inadequate flourescent lights now, and looking for 48" lighting fixture. Am shying away from metal halides, and then ended up in the VHO PC HO alphabet soup. Saw some reasonably priced systems, but when I read some customer reviews, said they ran hot, and fans had to be added. Sheesh, another factor! I need a "plug and play" stupid-proof preferably with the separate cords as I hope to have lunar lights and a timer to simulate round the clock lighting. HELP!

What should I buy? Help a confused lady out!

 

[Entropy]

How much do you intend to spend? I would look into a nice T5 fixture in your case.

 

[ladyquixote]

I have $300- 400 in mind, but was hoping if I started shopping around, I could find good deals.

 

[Entropy]

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104192.html

would work well...

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104193.html

Would work better...

You will have about another $80-120 in bulbs to buy but it will really light up your 55g and allow you to keep anything you want IMO. Both kits are plug and play, both have two switches so you can mimmick dusk/dawn.

 

[tkeracer619]

When my guppies die in my 55 I am going to convert it to reef tank also. I have a 150 with mh and im not sure if now that I have experienced the ripple effect i would want anything else.

It sounds like for you T5 would be the best choice. Look on ebay to get some ideas. There are some nice deals. I would try to find a fixture without bulbs so you can get the ones you want. It sucks to waist money on crappy light. T5 has a cheeper elec bill but you wont get the natural looking ripple effect which in my noob opinion is worth every penny.

Why shy away from MH they are like having HID in your living room.

Since I like the E-bay check this out. It doesnt come with bulbs but has dual plugs for dusk dawn. EBAY T5

 

[tkeracer619]

lol entropy I think we both picked the same thing at the same time from different places. Good pick

 

[Entropy]

Yeah I think quite a few people are carrying that model.