Fishneedit t5 VS. Odyssea

Replacing t5 bulbs wouldn't be TOO much of an issue. it'd be like 80$ every 9-12 months for ATI bulbs. I know a couple guys on here that are able to keep hardier SPS like BN and montis with the stock bulbs.

 

haha, yeah ill have a JBJ ATO with a 5g reservoir.

 

what light were you running?

 

personally i dont think you have much to worry about as far as heat. some people run their tanks constantly at 82. corals can handle more than you think and i doubt your tank is going to reach past 85, especially if you leave the back lid on the biocube open and attach a clip on fan to increase air flow and evap, add that with your new ATO and your good to go. i think you're over thinking the lighting issue and norg is right, the diy retrofit is the best bang for your buck if you want leds, and the MH fixture you choose was really good too but why would you choose us to vote on that fixture if heat is of concern because you'd still need to add a fan, which you should still do regardless! they are like $3 at good will >.< and it'd be the easiest thing you could do. biocubes are great in that they are easy to manage - just snap off that back lid and clip the fan pointed downwards you're good to go!

nvm on the viper hqi's -- they have gone way up in price! i was totally going to get this fixture when i was first setting up my tank but i never got around to it in time. i still think MH is the way to go if you're really trying to get some growth. i have friggin amazing colors in my tank with all my leds but it's pretty slow going

 

if i go LED id like to get an AI nano. my dad gave me a trunk of his old baseball cards so ill see if i can get something out of these.

 

man i wouldnt cash in your dads old baseball cards just yet... youre how old? goto the local grocery store and get a job or something. do some kids homework for $20. shouldnt sell something your old man took time to collect and then give to you for a fishtank. you can definitely find other means of income to buy a stupid light! the biocube lights are fine!! go get a fan and be done with the heat problem!
look dude i just solved your heat problem..
two options
$7 bucks fan option numero uno
$38 bucks fan option numero cooler looking for and would fit nicely into the biocube

 

haha he didn't give them to me for the tank, he said he'd give me a cut of what he makes if i help sell them. they've been sitting in a trunk for decades lol.

i definitely like the fan idea. in fact the DIY kit from rapidled comes with an upgraded fan. but if I'm gonna spend 275$ on a dimmable plug and play retrofit id rather get the sol nano. but i will definitely keep the sol in mind. Honestly id like to lose the hood though. it would make everything so much easier.

 

If you suddenly get $500 get a Maxspect Mazarra P! lol ;D

 

Haha ok

 

Great news! On my quest for looking for lights i went to the LFS to get their 2 cents aaand.... They had a used Hamilton Tech 175w MH pendant for 50$- but it needs a new bulb. <br />
They also had a Nova extreme 20" 6 bulb t5 with 2 month old bulbs for 100$ but it needs a new splash lens. By the time i bought a MH bulb or a new splash guard for the t5 the fixtures would be about the same price. so lemme sort out the pros and cons then you guys can help me decide.<br />
<br />
<font color="Red">Hamilton tech 175w MH-</font><br />
<br />
pros- Super bright! any corals i want.<br />
<br />
cons- Hot(but I've got two fans on the way)<br />
not as customizable as far as color goes.<br />
needs a new bulb(60$).<br />
<br />
<font color="Red">Nova Extreme 6 bulb t5-</font><br />
<br />
pros- runs cool<br />
Color options<br />
<br />
Cons- needs a new splash guard.<br />
not as powerful.<br />
uses 18" bulbs(hard to find).<br />
<br />
SO! please help me decide between the two. thanks