Buying it right the first time

I have a 37 gallon that's nearing the end of the cycle process and I'm looking forward to adding fish soon, but that's not what I'm posting about.

I'm looking down the road 6 months or more when I want to add a few easy corals to the mix, but I'm having troubles finding lighting that's no longer than 20" that would fit the bill and I don't want to break the bank. ( My tank is cube shape)

I've looked at Marineland led double bright and Current USA power bright led modules. According to their individual web sites none of them are strong enough for corals.

I haven't seen any T-5's that put out any serious watts in the 20" range, and metal halides are out of my price range.

Right now I have a single T-8 10k/15 watt bulb.

Any suggestions?

 

Unfortunately 20" T5's are very limited, like you've found out.

Have you really shopped around for maybe a single MH pendant or clip on?

If you don't want to keep anything super high light intensive you might be able to get by with something similar to this.
Aquarium Lighting for Nano Reef Aquariums: Viper HQI Metal Halide Clamp Lamp

Keep in mind sometimes you get what you pay for so going cheap on a light fixture may mean you're replacing it in a year or so when a part wears out or a ballast dies etc.

What kind of price range are you looking at, maybe some people more familiar with MH systems can provide some good options. I think LED's are going to be way too expensive if you want to support coral. MH might be your best bet.

 

Honestly, If you're trying to stay as cheap as possible.. I'd get a 24" T5 fixture from fish need it;lights; food;Sponge. Their fixtures have a clear plastic piece that slips into the fixture below the bulbs so you could pull it out and electrical tape the outside 2" on either end and then mount it. It might look a little off, but seriously... 2 inches on each end is not much.

This would be your cheapest plan of action. Good luck!

 

Hi guys,im new here and about to start out for the first time,Im planing to start with a 38 gal and 70 gal overflow system.
hope to hear from u guys soon,

 

You should start a new thread in the "Say Hello!" section.

 

We had a 24" fixture on our 20" wide 45 tall. It actually looked nice with the small hangover, and then you know you are getting full lighting to the entire tank.

I got mine from Catalina Aquarium, i got the 8 bulb T-5 with bulbs, and controllable moons for 350 shipped to my door. So far so good the light is awesome. I would call them though the guy is pretty cool and can do custom wiring and anything else you need.

 

If you do a single 150w pendant, it's really not that expensive. Look for used equipment. That's what I would do if I was in your situation or do a custom canopy.

 

I was hoping someone knew of a 20" light setup that would work.

$200 is what I was looking to spend. Those metal halides would be the cats meow. I'm surprised I didn't see the Viper HQI Clamp Lamp that's a possibility.

I was also thinking about a 24 inch T-5, I just wasn't sure how it would look with overhang. ( I have to take into account my wife's opinion ;D)

I have a few months to think about it and I'll have to keep an eye on FeeBay.

Thanks for all the input.

 

Here is one right at your 200 mark. It would work for ya.

Metal Halide Reef Aquarium Lighting: IceCap Metal Halide PAR Pendant Fixture

 

One last question.
Are those metal halides energy hogs?