Ok all you retrofit gurus...

[reefcapnnick]

Starting up a 65g (48"x18"x17"). Going to have an SSB and ~90 LBS of LR.

Since this is my first reef tank, I'll be starting with soft corals, but I want the ability to get whatever I want down the line.

I have a canopy, 48.5"x18.5"x9".

Working budget of $600 for lights.

I will want daylight & moonlight. An added PC or VHO "display" light is fine, too.

What's the best setup for me?

 

[SteveOhh]

It's $29.99 above your initial budget, but............hey..............who doesn't break budgets nowadays!!!

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=ES53516

Steve

 

[AZDesertRat]

www.hellolights.com

http://order.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bi...f90d40289dd&l=&s=T.l4iTRr286iPtqY0aWpvZPyrC8-

$592 complete. Thats 2x250w MH w/electronic ballasts and XM 10k bulbs, an electronic VHO ballast w/2x110w URI super actinics and a 48" reflector

 

[20 20]

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104435.html

$21 over your budget.

 

[bassnman11]

Go with T5s on 2 ballast. DIY your hood and have at least $200 left over for other goodies. If you dont DIY, check out ReefGeek for a retro package. Much cheaper to run and much lower temp. No chiller needed.

 

[Rekonn]

What does SSB mean? Or did you mean DSB? If you meant DSB, how deep will it be?

With a tank height of 17", and then a typical DSB being 4", you'll only have to light 13" of depth. In that case I think a $600 light budget will be overkill. I'd recommend a T5 retro package from reefgeek as well (I have the 4x54W Sunlight Supply retro)

 

[REMF]

Re: Ok all you retrofit gurus...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7386917#post7386917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefcapnnick
I have a canopy, 48.5"x18.5"x9".

T5HO retro all the way, dual ballast for dawn to dusk effect and you can add moonlights for very little. http://autolumination.com/fixtures.htm

 

[AZDesertRat]

Has anyone come out with a T5 actinic that compares to the URI VHO Super Actinics yet? Last I lookednothing compared in color to the VHo actinics. Isn't URI supposed to be coming out with T5 bulbs soon? When they do and if they have the same colors I may switch but until then I'll stick with VHO for actinic supplementation.

 

[reefcapnnick]

I'm going with T5HO retros. Thanks for all the input guys. I'll leave room in my canopy to add MH down the line should my needs increase.

What bulbs do you suggest? I know nothing about bulbs.

 

[horkn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7389674#post7389674 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AZDesertRat
Has anyone come out with a T5 actinic that compares to the URI VHO Super Actinics yet? Last I lookednothing compared in color to the VHo actinics. Isn't URI supposed to be coming out with T5 bulbs soon? When they do and if they have the same colors I may switch but until then I'll stick with VHO for actinic supplementation.

yes, UVlighting has the t5ho super actinic out already.
they are due for shipment this next week IIRC. they are supposedly the spitting image of the vho SA, but in t5ho format.

premium aquatics has been pre ordering them for 2 weeks now, and i do believe reefgeek is doing the same.


apparently you will be ditching the vho SA soon then