Suggestions Please!

[monique27]

I am looking into purchasing a T5 High Output Fixture for my 60Lx18Xx24H reef aquarium. So far, I have three in mind but would appreciate any feedback, recommendations, or suggestions. I really want to find a fixture that is suitable for some sps corals and clams, yet something that is affordable.

Here are the three fixtures I have in mind and the best prices I have found for them brand new;

48" 6x54W Aquaticlife T5 HO Light Fixture w/ 4 LEDs ($450)
48" 6x54W Hamilton Fiji Sun T5 HO System w/ 16 LEDs ($420)
48" 6x54W Tek Light Fixture by Sunlight Supply ($314)

I would also appreciate any feedback if you know of any places located in L.A. County/O.C. County or websites that may carry any of these fixtures for less.

Thank you

 

[ramdude]

I have the deepblue xtreme on my 150 tall.

I know alot of people do not like them, least my LFS the workers do not. But I love mine

But it's only 4 bulbs not 6.

 

[monique27]

Out of those three fixtures, which would you recommend? I also forgot to mention that I think the Aquaticlife is the only one that includes a controller but for financial reasons it isn't a must.

 

[TimeConsumer]

Of those three, I'd get the Tek.

You don't want the ATI Sunpower or the Tek Elite?

 

[monique27]

The ATI Sunpower was a little to pricey for my budget

 

[monique27]

Do you know of any places I could find any of these light fixtures used?

 

[TimeConsumer]

Craigslist, Ebay, local reef club forums.

Here, once you get to 50 posts and have been a member for 3 months.

 

[1Fish]

Lights

Lights

I know you didn't have catalina aquarium fixtures on your post but give them a look. I have had my solar T-5 6-54w for 3 yrs now with no problems. And good prices. Heres website just take a look.

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=71_190&products_id=1810

 

[monique27]

I need some more advice

Since my aquarium is 60Lx18W a few people have been telling me to go with a 60" fixture. What do you think would look best and would be best for my marine life, a 60" fixture with only 4 bulbs or a 48" fixture with 6 bulbs. I am new to this hobby and don't know much about lighting so I thought that if I had a 6 bulb I would have more light output as well as color variation, please correct me if I am wrong.

I plan on hanging my light fixture and heard that a 48" fixture would be fine but I will have some shading on the ends of my tank. I just want to make sure that this wouldn't be something so obvious.

I may just be freaking out to much about lighting its just that I am a struggling college student who found myself hooked with this pricey hobby. If I am going to put out some money on lights I want to make sure I get something that looks great on my aquarium yet affordable.