Which fixture would you choose.

[fijiwigi]

Looking at light fixtures for x-mas I am debating between these. Please help me choose


Its for a 46g bowfront Reef tank

 

[roka64]

Are you looking at a reef...also tank size. I like the Nova Extreme Pros.

 

[fijiwigi]

I am looking to upgrade my reef aquarium to be able to keep more types of corals. I put my choices into a poll to vote on. Any suggestions are appreciated. Its for a 46gallon Bowfront. It has a center brace which may shield some of the MH light if the MH is in the center of the fixture.

 

[fijiwigi]

Another thing I am considering is bulb cost. To replace the CF every 6months is kinda spendy. $90 twice per year is $180 which really adds to the long-term expense.The bulbs I have now are at about 1year because of the cost. Does anybody have an idea of what the cost is to replace 6 T5 bulbs? And how often do the MH bulbs need to be changed don't they last a bit longer? And If I got the t5 fixture wouldn't I still be limited on what I can keep. Like A Clam? Or an anemone

 

[roka64]

Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures
I bought mine off ebay, brand new for a lot cheaper.

 

[melosu58]

VHO Aquarium Lighting: Hamilton Magnetic SuperPower VHO Systems

Could go a cheaper route and go with VHO retro fits

 

[fijiwigi]

VHO Aquarium Lighting: Hamilton Magnetic SuperPower VHO Systems

Could go a cheaper route and go with VHO retro fits

I am nervous that this would not be enough lighting. the bulbs are 95watt x2 it would be the same wattage as what I have now just a different type. Would VHO allow me to do SPS at under 4watts per gallon

And is the 6bulb t5 fixture enough lighting to keep pretty much anything I want? The fact that they run cooler than MH, and the bulbs are cheaper is a great plus. But is it enough??

I am nervous big time about the decision I don't want to have to buy another fixture for this tank ever again.

 

[fijiwigi]

bump

 

[fijiwigi]

Interesting such different opinions. I need some more votes to help me feel better about a decision. I got votes to keep my Compact Flourescent bulbs for SPS corals I have been told this is definately not enough light.

 

[melosu58]

You`d have to do a double set like I do.

 

[fijiwigi]

You`d have to do a double set like I do.

I priced it at DrFosters&Smith for a double set with 4 bulbs @380watts VHO and the cost not including shipping is $422 So its not really cheaper.

CD-880143 SuperPower VHO Systems 36" 2-95W $161.49 x = $322.98 CD-160990 Actinic "03" 36" 95W $19.49 x = $38.98 CD-161049 AquaSun 36" 95W $29.99 x = $59.98

Subtotal=$421.94

 

[thincat]

You don't seem to know exactly what you want to keep. That is why I voted for the highest wattage...440w. That way you can keep just about anything you want.
melosu58 has the most beautiful mix tank and under t-8,or was it t-5, lights to boot. I believe that the t-5's last 1-1 1/2 years. not bad...

 

[fijiwigi]

I know I don't want to have to buy another fixture. So I want high light and low light corals I guess. I am pretty much stuck between the Nova Extreme and the Outer Orbit. I found the Nova Extreme cheaper on E-bay for $305 I think with the Nova Extreme I should be able to keep both low-light and high light corals. But is it intense enough for an anemone? If I decide to get one? The Nova extreme T5 fixture is $100 cheaper and the bulbs are much cheaper. But the Outer Orbit is more intense MH lighting. DIY lighting would be awesome but doesn't seem to save me any money$$$
I think I just talked myself into the 6bulb T5 fixture I just need re-assurance I can keep anything I want with that fixture.
If I can't keep whatever I want with the T5 fixture I will spend the money on a more intense fixture. But then will that prevent me from keeping the lower light corals.

Decisions Decisions Decisions ????

 

[thincat]

I don't think 234w is enough light for long term anemone upkeep. How long is your tank? I think the benni of DIY is you can buy the equip. piece mill and break down the cost that way...ie $200 this month, $200 next month until you have what you need.

 

[fijiwigi]

I don't think 234w is enough light for long term anemone upkeep. How long is your tank? I think the benni of DIY is you can buy the equip. piece mill and break down the cost that way...ie $200 this month, $200 next month until you have what you need.

36" The Nova Extreme Pro with 6 t5 bulbs @ 39W each on a 46g would be 5.08 watts per gallon of T5 lighting currently I have 4.26w of Compact Flourescent. The DIY way doesn't seem effective long-term.

 

[cooltop]

Here is a site with The Nova Pro and there is free shipping on everything here

http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Extreme_Pro_T5_36_inch_Current_USA_p/rcu01080.htmhttp://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Extreme_Pro_T5_48_inch_Current_USA_p/rcu01081.htm

I have not ordered from them before but was going to try them out here in the next couple of weeks

 

[fijiwigi]

Here is a site with The Nova Pro and there is free shipping on everything here

Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 6X39 Watt, 36 inch

I have not ordered from them before but was going to try them out here in the next couple of weeks

Marineandreef definately has the best prices I was anticipating to most likely order from them when I do place my order

 

[cooltop]

have you placed your order yet?

 

[fijiwigi]

Not yet this will be a X-mas present for me

 

[Ziggy953]

I would look at something that has the HQI MH and T5HO actinics. PC bulbs are expensive, get hot and don't last very long. You can get 12+ months out of T5s.