I know, I know...but alas, another lighting question.

[dansemacabre]

So, I'm pretty sure I've bored most of you with my constant barrage of lighting questions...but I have another one. Since I'm building my canopy DIY (just got the lumber tonight...nice pine too) I have the option of buying my lighting in segments. I'm going to buy some initial lighting, then the LR to kick the cycle, and then complete the lighting setup as I add cleaners and stuff when the cycle finishes. Here's the completed setup:

4x96 PC for Actinic/03 .+. 3x250w MH 10,000K

Now. The PCs will only actinic. So...here's the deal. My 4x96 PC setup will run me about $325(-ish). A single MH bulb setup will cost me approx $175(-ish). So, which should I do first...a MH bulb? Or the 4x96w PC? Which woud be better for the coraline and which for any coral hitchikers (assuming any survive)? I'm thinking I could save the most stuff by having the single MH (though I know it'll look darn funny 'til I finish the setup!) as opposed to the 4x96. But here's where you glorious people come into play Which do you think? Thanks!

[astride13]

You should be able to do 4x96 for around $250.

$160 ($40 x4) for Bulbs
$70 ($35 x2) for Ballasts
$20 additional for sockets, clips and shipping.

I would still go the single MH route for now even though it will be noticeable on a 6ft tank. You can then get half of the actinics if you need to do it in steps.

[onebadgsx]

actinics would be better IMO

[dansemacabre]

astride13: See, that's what I was thinking, but I want the moisture-resistant endcaps...which just look like they are coated in rubber that fits over the bulb end...but they are like $20 a pop on hellolights. The price, when I included these, turned out to be $120 per 2-bulb set...so I figured I might as well just get the ballast kit they offer at $119, though it does _not_ come with bulbs. If anyone knows where I can get the moisture-resistant ones cheaper, do let me know!

[dansemacabre]

Hmmm...
I can get 2 Fulham Workhorse 7s for about $75
4 Moisture-proof endcaps from marinedepot for $60
Bulbs...about 4 for $160 ...so total at about $295 .. saves me some money without sacrificing quality...I think I'll go that route. Still though, $295 for 4 96watt actinics, or about $175 for 250watts of 10,000K lighting. I'm kinda leaning towards the single MH...and I can add about one MH/week after that, so it'd be filled w/ MH in 2 weeks...wait another 2, get the PCs...and by the time they're installed and I've got the money for my cleaner crew, the cycle should've completed by then.

[jamal-188]

I'm picking up a 260W PC 48" setup from Aqualight at my LFS tomorrow for $190. Buitld in fans and 2 seperate on/off switches. I have a 24" aqualight and it's worked great so far.

[dansemacabre]

Can't do a complete hood, as I'm building my own, so it all mounts directly into the 72" reflector, which already has 8 PC clamps and the 3 mogul sockets attached.

That's a pretty good price on that hood though. Good job on finding that! =]

[astride13]

I'm picking up a 260W PC 48" setup from Aqualight at my LFS tomorrow for $190.

That is only 48", I think he needs it to be 72".