final step in getting my lights(last questions)

these were the list of lights that people told me to get and that i have been looking into.


1. Odyssea 36" 156W (4x 39W) T5 HO Light Fixture no lights at $90 dollars

2. Aquarium Reef T5 Light 36" 4 x 39W T5 Tek Light with no lights at $287.00

3. 36 inch 4x39 Watt 460NM/12,000K T-5 Light Fixture by wavepoint with lights starting at $220

4. 36" 4x39W Tek Light T5 High-Output Fixture w/ Bulbs (Black
from ReefGeek > Aquarium Supplies for Marine, Reef, and Saltwater Aquariums with light bulbs for $306

i really would like to know what everyone thinks is the best lights and the brands that they come with.

and I'm open to other lights that you may have that i did not list up on top.

 

1. I personally have one and it's not bad. not great either and you dont want the bulbs that come with it either as they are crap. You will have to replace the bulbs so that's another $100 It comes with bulbs btw. Also, I'm not sure where you are buying that fixture from but buy it from aquatraders.com. You will have to replace the bulbs so that's another $100 on top of that. (doesn't sound too great does it?)
2. why not buy #4 then? bulbs are about $25 each so that's a great deal.
3. wavepoint is descent but again bulbs arent that great. better than #1 though.
4. I also have a tek light. awesome for the price.

I would look into the sunlight supply as they aren't too bad for the price. Personally if I were to do it over again I would go with a retro kit and 6 bulbs over 4. However, if you got the money maybe look into some LED like the AI kit or even metal halide. personally it's expensive to replace all the t5 bulbs and metal halide is cheaper with about the same bulb replacement time. LED should last over 50.000 hours. so add that up in your head and you come out in the end with the led's. save your money and buy something quality. do not sacrifice your lights, it's the single most important thing in your reef. have fun and happy reefing.

 

Go with the Tek from Reef Geek definitely the best unit in your list by a long way. I think the Wavepoint is a step below the Tek.

 

Agreed ^^ Go with the TEK from reefgeek w/bulbs for $306.00 That's what I did and love the lights.

 

k sweet doing it now. i will show it off when I'm done my canopy

 

The Tek fixture isn't really designed to be use inside of a canopy, no fixture really is. The new ones have active cooling, but it will just be recirculating hot air. If you have a canopy, go witha retro kit. Now, you can still use the fixture, but you will need to cut holes in the sides of the canopy, or top and install ventilation fans to keep things cool.

 

i will have the back open buitarman89 do you think that would be fine