New Lighting Suggestions!

Thats what i was wondering..if t5 watts were more powerful compared to pc watts..

I have also been looking into something like this if i were to go with halides..
Metal Halide Reef Aquarium Lighting: Aqualight Advanced Series HQI Metal Halide Fixture
any input on these fixtures?

 

The clamp on fixtures really are a pretty clean solution for small tanks. The other option would be looking at a MH/T5 combo pendant, toss in a 10k MH bulb with some actinic T5's. You may end up spending a bit more, but its a hard to beat solution.
Just to get an idea, check out these:
Current USA Outer Orbit HQI + T5 HO + Lunar Light Fixture
Captive Sun Deluxe Hood Lighting System

 

ehh those are a litttlle pricey lol 300 is about my max..if i WERE to get the clamp-on..would i be okay without actinics? If it would look like it does now with just my 10k daylights and not the actinics on i'm not sure if i would like that..i like the bluish look..

 

With some digging you may be able to find a combo setup in the 300+- range, just may take a little bit of investigation. If you really like the blueish look, check into a nice 14k-20k bulb. Toss in a Phoenix 14k for around 60 bucks and you have a stellar PAR output with great(IMO) coloration.

 

Okay I think this is what i want!

https://plus35.safe-order.net/tropicalfishstore/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=5

scroll down to the 150W 14k

 

yeah..98% sure i'm gonna order that..i've been looking at pictures of tanks with 14k bulbs and i really like the look..that's for a reasonable price too!

 

Keep in mind that for various reasons both positive and negative, not all bulbs of a specific K rating are going to look the same. Also keep in mind that your el-cheapo no-names will shift color much quicker, if they are even at the right temp to begin with. My advice is to order, but plan on potentially swapping the bulb out for a quality replacement if not immediately at least when its time for new one.

 

yeah i plan on getting a quality bulb from the get-go..at least to have ready if the "stock" bulb doesn't last long

 

quick question..it says hqi..this is the type of bulb correct? so any hqi double ended bulb would work?

 

Yes. The two most common MH bulb types you will see for aquarium us are Mogul(single ended) or HQI(double ended). Right now Marine Depot and hellolights both have the phoenix 14k's for $60 and they are excellent bulbs.

EDIT: Any HQI double ended bulb of the correct wattage! Not sure if you meant that, but a MH ballast can only fire a bulb of the wattage meant for it. IE 150 to 150, 250 to 250 etc.