Some Opinions on Lighting Please

[The_Browns]

Alright, we are either going to buy the Outer Orbit 48" 250W HQI 10k light fixture or build our own hanging canopy and put retrofit kits in it.

The Outer Orbit with be $800+ and the custom build will be about $450-$500.

Can I get some opinions on this. Should I really just build my own and if so would I be able to get much better lighting out of me doing that?

If I build my own what lighting should I go with if we want to keep any type of coral (sps)?

The custom build will be big a bulky where as the Outer Orbit is slim and nice looking. I am having a hard time deciding so opinions please....

Basically need a crash course in lighting also

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Amphiprion]

The retrofit could potentially be much better than the fixture, if you use good reflectors, etc. My choice would definitely be a retrofit kit. While it may not be as compact as the fixture, it will do a better job--plus, if you build/buy a nice canopy, you can still make it look quite nice.

 

[The_Browns]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11854072#post11854072 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Amphiprion
The retrofit could potentially be much better than the fixture, if you use good reflectors, etc. My choice would definitely be a retrofit kit. While it may not be as compact as the fixture, it will do a better job--plus, if you build/buy a nice canopy, you can still make it look quite nice.

Well the thing is we dont want a canopy, We will be hanging the custom build from the ceiling. The wife does not like the canopy look.

 

[Amphiprion]

Ah, well see if you can zero in on some good reflectors that you don't mind looking at and go pendant-style with those. You'll still be doing better than what that fixture offers.

 

[The_Browns]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11854105#post11854105 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Amphiprion
Ah, well see if you can zero in on some good reflectors that you don't mind looking at and go pendant-style with those. You'll still be doing better than what that fixture offers.

What do you mean mind looking at?

 

[will16]

I've been trying to decide the same thing as well. Where is a good place for retro kits and parts? The usual web sites i order from don't seem to have a good selection. When i price eveything together, i come in only maybe $75 less then buying a premade fixture. Am I looking at the wrong parts?

Thanks.

 

[an411]

I would check out the new lumen bright reflectors suppose to be real nice I just ordered a set from reef specialty.com they are on the sponsor page. call and talk to mike there. Real great guy helped me out alot.

 

[misfitkris]

Will16, Check out diyreef.com. I just ordered my retrofit kits from there. Awesome kits and prices.

 

[The_Browns]

Alright back on topic, Opinions on going retro fit building a custom hanging canopy or buying a Outer Orbit. Pros and Cons.

 

[walmart]

Go retro, I like the ability to upgrade.

 

[misfitkris]

Sorry didn't mean to derail your thread without giving an opinion.

While I haven't had the particular fixture you are speaking of, I have had a fixture above the tank. I personally would never go that route again for the following reasons.

1. Ability to upgrade or downgrade - I had a 125 with a 60" fixture above the tank. Now that I am going to a smaller tank the fixture is useless. Same thing goes from starting small and going bigger. With Retrofits you can add or decrease the lights that are in the canopy .

2. Looks/visual appeal - To me a canopy hides alot of things I would rather not look at. i.e. the over flow chamber, powerhead cords and the actual bulbs and sockets. It also helps keep the light in the tank and not straying out of the sides as well. This allows to keep the fixture at whatever height you like.

3. Keeping fish in the tank - With a surrounding canopy, it would be less likely that a fish "could" jump out of the tank. With a hanging fixture, you would really have to use eggcrate to keep the fish in or something similar and then see #2.

Hope this helps.

Kris