retrofit kits

[chris0799]

can someone give me some information on these. i am about to start a 55g reef tank and i need some good lighting for the smallest price i can get. im only 15 so i dont have alot of money. i was looking at the retrofits but idk much about them. can someone fill me in

 

[BuddhaKiss]

i prefer retrofit kits for the savings, plus I prefer canopies over the complete lighting units. Having said that, retrofit kits require you have a canopy on your tank. If cost is a concern, you can build your own...I am horrible with wood in general, but I've built all my canopies...although they are simple looking, they get the job done. Good luck!

 

[chris0799]

well what should i get for my 55g reef? i want to keep all kinds of corals and possibaly an anemone. budget around $200

 

[HookedonReef17]

Check out hellolights.com. I have a retro from them and they helped me out a lot. Good luck.

 

[chris0799]

comon guy.....plzz

 

[BuddhaKiss]

well, with a 4ft tank, you would need two MH which would exceed your budget. T5s would be cheaper but it would probably exceed your budget as well (although not as much as MH). You can go with PCs, but the only corals you would be able to keep are softies, zoas, and some LPS. SPS require more light so I'd stay away from those if you're going with PCs

 

[chris0799]

where could u buy some t5ho's that will be enough light for most of the corals but my budget is about $200

 

[BuddhaKiss]

You can try aquatraders, they have complete48" T5 units that fall below your budget...but....I've heard those units are not very well made, or reliable. I have no experience with those units so I don't really know. If not, I guess you can try ebay or craigslist. Personally, I would spend a more to get good reliable lights. But I understand how it is to be 15 and broke, so that's your call

 

[chris0799]

wow dude thanks. i found a 500w oddysea for $199!!!

 

[demonboy369]

I would keep looking around before purchasing an oddysea, look into the current usa brand at the least.

Btw I also worked at an Outback Steakhouse. How do you like those changes that kicked in in the past few months? lol

We would go through way to much money a night for those changes to go smoothly.

We were in the top 10 of the country for the longest time.

 

[HookedonReef17]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15334525#post15334525 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chris0799
wow dude thanks. i found a 500w oddysea for $199!!!

There's a reason it only $199!!