Tank lighting question

[saltykelly]

I know this gets asked periodically, but I cant find any postings for reference. I was going to buy a HQI system by aquatraders despite everyones advice, but that is becoming very difficult. I was wondering if anyone knows of a really cheap way to buy a mh system or a t5 system for like under 150-200 bucks. My tank is a 30 cube and only 20" across. I do not have a canopy to retrofit in, but I could build a lighting box. If anyone has used systems am open to that as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dots]

By a quality system used to save money.....or put a system together yourself by buying the parts and pieces......

30gal cube........I would suggest a 250DE bulb so you can up to a 20K or 14k and not kill the PAR and not have to but the light right on the tank as you may have to do with a 150DE.

As with DEs, you can peice a pendant or buy a pendant using SEs.....

 

[Elite]

Why not get a PFO pendant, IC ballast plus a bulb. That will cost your about $300 but it will be great for your tank. Light is something you shouldn't be cheap on. It will just cost you more in the long run.

Pendant:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=PF2675

IC ballast:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=MHIC250

Bulb will be around 50-70 ..

 

[funman1]

Check out the sunpod.
Exotic has the best price on them ($249)
I have a 30 cube as well and love my sunpod!!!

 

[rockwyld]

Don't buy any lights from Aquatraders- Its all JUNK and wont last. You can always buy used through reefcentral postings. I think pcurry still has used dual 175 mh for sale cheap? Just ask

 

[saltykelly]

pcurry sold his, but does the viper 150watt hqi seem like a good lamp? Or what about a t5 system.

 

[saltykelly]

Or if I built it would it be a bad idea to buy a cheap reflector and mogul off ebay?

 

[T-T-Trigger]

if you wanna just get a cheap retro or pendant to get started:
hellolights


or Jeff's Exotic Fish in LA has the hamilton reefstar pendants onsale
hamilton

both are right around 200 - just thought id throw it out there for you.

 

[T-T-Trigger]

Woah, i just was clicking on that first helleolights link to see if it worked.... and in the 'optional' bulb selection drop down list - the first one says "free" 175w 10K bulb... can that be right? seems impossible.... but holey schmoley, that would be a nice little deal.

 

[T-T-Trigger]

i guess i'm bored... I ran through the ordering process and with the free bulb and high-temp wire nuts , it can be shipped for 149.87 to california via UPS ground...

 

[dots]

The Viper is Ok and have it over my nano....I don't like the main mounting clamp.....I think the Coralife clip on may be a better choice.

 

[fishsoldseprtly]

or periodically check up the "DRYGOODS FOR SALE FORUM" always great deals there

 

[DarkDevil]

you can also snipe on ebay for the cheapest ballast, get a good reflector from hellolight and a decent bulb anywhere and call it a day. but remember the heavy duty wires, wire caps and heavy duty sockets are not cheap also, that is if your budget is really tight. also make sure you get the highest wattage of MH u can afford, you can always make your lights higher if it's too bright, but u can't lower your lights into the water if it's not enough. Good luck!