Need info/opinions/advice on ballasts, lighting, etc etc.

[ChristianJock07]

After much thought I've now decided to go with an MH setup instead of a T5 HO setup on my 75. This is after alot of discussion with my wife and how she doesn't like the idea of an open top tank and would rather see a canopy top.

So now I'm researching the various ballasts out there and looking for ballasts that could support either 175 or 250's.

I've read tons of info on Ice Cap and Hamilton ballasts, but haven't found out much information on other brands out there. So I would like to hear opinions and whatnot from others about available products.

To give everyone an idea of what type of tank I would like to have, I'm not shooting on having any of the harder to keep corals. Basically would be a softie tank with a couple of LPS corals perhaps. So I think 175's would be sufficient enough for what I'm wanting to keep.

I'm wanting to try to stay below 300$ for my entire setup starting out and will purchase alot of pieces here and there.

So my first area I'm exploring are the ballasts. I'm looking for ballasts that will run MH175's/250's, and also ballasts that will run my T5's actinic's. I'm thinking of using an icecap 660 for the T5's......

So thank you all for any information you may be able to share and look forward to hearing any and all opinions and advice.


Thank you,
Chris

 

[ReefNeck]

Ummm, T5HO's actually work better in a canopy than halides do because they put off less heat.

 

[mecold]

For your current goals of corals, I agree with reefneck. For $300, you could get 2 2x54 tek ready retros (plug and play retros for the non-diy types like me) from reefgeek bulbs included. So shipping will set you back a little more, but still within reason. The added benefit is that you could add another 2x54 ready retro without much trouble when you do decide to start with the sps. With t5's you still may want to run a couple of small pc fans, but that should be all it would take to keep your tank cool. I run 8 t5's on my 90 and keep sps, lps, zoanthids, a small toadstoo, and a few softies.

For the halides and your canopy, you may run into problems with water splashing onto the bulbs if your canopy is not tall enough. Not to mention the heat. But, my mh knowledge is strictly second hand as I have never used them.

 

[ChristianJock07]

Thanks Keri and MeCold on the info....


After reading what both of you stated, I really looked into the full T5 setup for the lighting. As Keri is aware of I was originally thinking of using the Nova Extreme Fixture, but then thought about upgrading to the MH's. However, after really researching into the T5's tonight and especially after reading through 2 entire threads dedicated to T5's, I became aware that the Nova Extreme fixtures do not have individual reflectors.

This will not pose a problem for me though because I had already decided to go another direction than a mount on top fixture. I'm really researching into the T5 retro's now and will probably opt to go with a 4x54 setup to start and add another 2x54 or 4x54 setup at a later date.

If I read the spec right, the IC660 will run up to 4 48" bulbs up to 400+ watts. I forgot how much wattage exactly, but with the 4x54 bulbs I wouldn't have any problems.

I've also found a couple of other brands which are cheaper Advance/Universal and Workhorse from Fulham. What are peoples opinions on these brands? I've read some posts about the workhorse ballasts and they are good for the money, but I don't want to just throw away cash if the ballast isn't going to last and/or will overdrive the bulbs. I know the icecaps won't overdrive the bulbs.

So any other information on this would be awesome!

Thanks again!
Chris

 

[mecold]

If I had the money, I would get the icecap retro kit. 80+ watts from a 54w bulb, combined with the slr reflector is major bang for the buck. But, price is a little on the high end.

I still feel the sunlight supply tek retro kit would work for you. Plus if you want even better performance, you can upgrade to slr reflector for just a few bucks more when ordering from reefgeek.com! The downside is that you are only getting 54w per bulb.

I use a cheapo t5 from catalina aquarium lights. They are sold on ebay as aquarium lights. They use workhorse ballasts and have worked nonstop for 2 years. The downside is that the individual reflectors are marginal, and it does not have waterproof endcaps.