What do you think of these fixtures for my 29g?

[aquadonkey]

Hello everyone.

Do these look like good choices and good buys?

Lighting:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...egory=FILTFIT54U&child=CU01151&tab=0&size=30"

and protein skimmer:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Na...o_100_Gallons-Tunze-TZ5311-FIPSISVSUH-vi.html

The tank is 29g - 30" long.
I plan on having a few small fish with softies and LPS.
I'm also putting together a 15g sump with fuge - that's where the protein skimmer will go.
I'm still quite wet behind the ears, so any input is appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Chiefsurfer]

have heard good things about the tunze, but no experience.

That light fixture you have chosen was my runner-up fixture to the aquaticlife fixture I bought.

Both should work just fine.

 

[Robby.F]

Light looks good I bought a nova fixture from the same company about a week ago and it works great same wattage and number of bulbs but its 24 in and has no moon lights. So far my corals are loving it and are growing like crazy!

 

[DC_40gallon]

Look at marineandreef.com. Better prices on skimmers and lights. I would pass on a current USA fixture. Everytime I turn around or go to a LFS I hear if people complaining of current USA fixtures. I've heard of massive returns and all new fixtures from current USA now come with poor quality bulbs. Best thing that I've heard of with current fixtures is to immediately toss the bulb and buy new ones.

Look into wave point fixtures. Amazing quality and many LFS have said here on RC that the factry bulbs are near equal with gieseman bulbs.

For the $150 for a skimmer look at eshopps. Eshopps skimmers are insane quality and unreal power. They make hang on backs or insumps. Mine produces thick skimmate cake in the cup, just what you want it to do.

 

[Chiefsurfer]

^^^Agree, I also have the eshopps hang-on and love it.

I went with the aquaticlife, and basically replaced all the bulbs because of bad color and quality. I assume your "affordable"(under $400) T5's will have pretty generic bulbs. Don't know about the wave-points. The t5 you are looking at, and I got both have buiolt-in timers in the hood, which is a nice feature. Mine came with a single cable, and digital timer, and those features were worth the extra $80 in bulbs for the fixture, as bulbs are easy to replace, as installing digital(or even mechanical timers) are not.

 

[aquadonkey]

Thanks for all the input! I went to marineandreef.com and they seem to have cheaper prices! I'll look into the eshopps skimmer - they are out-of-stock on the smallest size right now which is a bummer.......

 

[leeit2me]

eshopps is good, Vertex even better with the bubble plate. the IN-80 model is perfect for the 15gal sump.

 

[shackman]

Get a sunpod, I have one on my 29 and it seems like it is just right. I'm a beginner so I don't know too much but from what I can see it is great.

 

[Lateralus]

I've had that same light fixture on my 29 for about 6 months now. The timers work well and its pretty bright so overall Im pretty happy with it. The only complaint I have with it is that the 10k's are on the yellow side but you cant tell when the actinics are on so I havent replaced em yet but when I do Im definiatly gettin better bulbs.