Canopy Lighting How To's

I'm setting up a 90 gallon tank with a canopy which is a first for me. I wanted to use 2x DE 250 watt metal halides and 2x 48" t-5s. Does any one have any suggestions for the MH fixtures? I want somthing that can screw to the top of the canopy, do I use a retrofit kit? What Brand? I was looking at the Hamiltom reefstar kit Hamilton HQI Reefstar Lighting System but wasn't sure if that was overkill considering you won't see it.

 

I was going to recommend something like that. Why do they cost so much? $300 with no bulb?

 

Comes with bulb, fixture and ballast

 

Oh thanks. I guess I should have taken the time to read rather than just looking at the picture. That's pretty good price then. Is it a stock bulb?...:nvm. It's a good ol' Hamilton.

 

Whats your budget?
What do you plan on keeping in your tank?

I have a custom oak canopy that houses...
2 - 250w Lumen Max 3's with phoenix 14k's
2 - 48" Reefbrite LED strips
4 - 4" Coralvue dual speed Cooling Fans

Im almost maxed out with mine... all I need is the neptunes lunar lights and mine is maxed out.

I have invested some serious coin in mine.... But well worth it.

It all depends what you want.... You can go all t5's. Combo t5's with mh's like you want.

Or go with a combo like I have... 8)

 

CoralVue 250W Metal Halide Retro Kit with Electronic Ballast - AquaCave

 

check out hellolights.com. I don't think they are the cheapest(if you really shop around) but they are where I got my kit.
48" 2x250W HQI Metal Halide/ 2x54W T5 Fluorescent - 250254

 

agreed aquacave or hellolights.com are good diy options.

 

If you havent looked yet try saltycritter.com thats where I got my hamilton retrofit kit and you can even upgrade the reflectors and choose between different bulb spectrums

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I like the kit at hellolights. Is there any danger with heat when you attach a retro kit to the top of the canopy? Also with the mogul MH, I dont need a UV shield right?