Lighting thoughts

[Lukes_Reef]

Looking into a lighting upgrade.
My budget $200-300

Here are the 2 fixtures I'm interested in...

1- Current Nova Extreme 4x39w t5ho (with ATI bulbs)

Or

1- Blueline Aquatics BL120D 120w LED

Looking for any feedback. I like the color options of the t5ho bulbs but I like the size and less power consumption of the led fixture.

Thanks...keep in mind this will be over my 30g and I'm not sure of corals of interest yet but would like to not be too limited.

 

[briangsxr1000]

Why not a AI nano or sol blue? Can get them used in that price range all day. That would be my choice in that budget. I use a nova for a very short time when I first got into the hobby years ago. I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[pascal32]

I used a nova light and it is was good to me. If you are going to T5 the TEK is a better fixture, though it costs a bit more.

I'm not up and up on the LEDs.

What are you planning on stocking?

 

[Lukes_Reef]

Why not a AI nano or sol blue? Can get them used in that price range all day. That would be my choice in that budget. I use a nova for a very short time when I first got into the hobby years ago. I wouldn't recommend it.

Could I get away with using 1 sol blue on a 30g?

 

[Lukes_Reef]

I am not even sure yet as I am very new to the hobby.
I am liking the idea that the AI sol and other led systems are something I can grow into. I can keep adding modules if I upgrade tank sizes. If I go t5 36" and later decide on upgrading to a 75g that light will be useless.

 

[RandyO]

I am not even sure yet as I am very new to the hobby.
I am liking the idea that the AI sol and other led systems are something I can grow into. I can keep adding modules if I upgrade tank sizes. If I go t5 36" and later decide on upgrading to a 75g that light will be useless.

Your better off going LED now. The AI sol is a good idea, like you said you can grow into it but also, it holds it's value. 6 months from now if you don't like it, you'll be able to sell it for close to what you paid for it. T5 Bulbs are consumables and are worthless after 6 months. You'd be lucky to get half what you paid for the T5 setup.

That extra 100 or so for the AI will pay itself back in a year with less electrical cost and no bulb replacements. Plus the added benefit of zero heat transfer to your 30 gallon tank.

 

[Lukes_Reef]

Now to hunt down a used AI Sol w/ controller lol