Lighting

[two11devan]

Hello, I have a 120 gal tank and got a lighting hood when I purchased the tank, I don't know the brand of the hood but its a MH with PC's and moonlights. I don't know how old it is but my MH lights arent working anymore. It looks like the bulp is faintly lit but will not fully fire. I tested the sockets and if i remember correctly, they were around 215 volts. Im guessing the ballasts arent working correctly. Question is, do I replace both ballasts, get all new bulbs and hope it works well or just suck it up and buy a new fixture.

The tank is 66 inches long and 20 inches deep. I was looking at this model http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12113&N=2004+113352. Would the 48'' strip work? I would eventually like to have some corals in the tank.

Currently the tank only has one of the actinic lights working, its been this way for a couple weeks and I want to get light in there asap. Any other lighting suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[timbo2]

IMO it would be more economical to just replace the bulbs and ballasts. You can get replacements from many different lighting supply stores. The hood should have a label of some sort depicting the maker (unless gone over time). If you are not mechanically inclined and would rather just buy a new hood, then the one in Dr Foster would work well.

 

[two11devan]

It almost looks like the hood was put together as a kit. I would have no problem replacing everything but I also like the idea of having a new hood that is much thinner and could be hung above the tank. The one I have now is big and sits on top of the tank. I have to move it every time I feed or maintain the tank. So, getting a new one wouldn't be a total loss. So, the Dr. foster 48" would be plenty of light right?

 

[timbo2]

IMO I would check these out before making a decision.

Marine Depot Choice 1

Marine Depot Choice 2

Marine Depot Choice 3

I have shopped Dr's before and prefer MD's better prices and better customer service.

Just a thought.

 

[cmor1701d]

Why not look at some 60" units Custom Aquatics is one place that carries a good selection as does Marine and Reef. There are quite few others too.

 

[morgan24]

if it were me, I would buy the new one. I have heard nothing but good things about the coralife but i would shop around on different sites to look for a better price. Its hard to dr foster and smith though.

 

[two11devan]

Should I get the 150 or 250 watt???

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

 

[timbo2]

I would go with the 250's. Much more light for the money.