Help!!!! I need some info on lighting

The difference is in the reflector. The PC reflector is flat and a good T5HO fixture has reflectors that curve around the bulb sending more light into the aquarium.

Those bulb brands and models that I listed.

 

Before making any decision, at least if you want, post a link to the fixture you are talking about. Depending on what it is and the types of reflectors, I would have my doubts. Remember, in this hobby, you get what you pay for.

 

If you go with a pendant, actinic LED supplements are always an option. That way you can still have a dawn/dusk effect, high par Halide bulb, and a fair inexpensive to operate lighting setup.

 

theres this t5ho light 30" - 32" T5 HO Aquarium Light Marine Cichlid 96W SALE! - eBay (item 110526681450 end time May-30-10 11:00:41 PDT)

and then theres this metal halide setup 30" Metal Halide Aquarium Reef Marine Light 250 Watts - eBay (item 300420315776 end time May-21-10 21:25:21 PDT)

which one do you guys think is best?no matter what,i know you get what you pay for but i already dished out enough cash for the lights i have now.so im on a budget...besides,feedback is good.

 

The T5 fixture's reflector is not a good one, don't get that unit.

If you get one of those get the MH.

 

The design of that halide unit is very similar to my current sunpod.I use the 24inch one on my 44gal. corner tank,mine is a 250watt with a 14k phoenix bulb and lights my tank very well.The price on this one is really good though the quality may not be as good,particularly the bulb and ballast.Upgrading the bulb is easy and can be done at another time.Using a m/h will add some heat to your tank which could be another problem to deal with,adding a fan to blow across the surface,using your a/c more...etc.

 

it will stand off the tank.as high as possible.the lights im running now actually sit on the tank approx.3 inches from surface of water.2x65 watts the mh would sit a couple inches higher.like 5 or 6 inches higher.maybe the heat wont be so bad.or ill have to hang from ceiling.if the halide comes with a 14 or 15k bulb ill use it till it blows then get a new one.if the ballast goes ill do the same.im sure i can find a good used ballast at a good price locally on craigslist.my main concern would be if i need any other lighting?i read around and it seems that if you have a 250 watt mh you dont need to get actinic bulbs. so the mh fixture should do the trick.....?????

 

that light will be fine power wise. if stock mh bulb is really white and not bluish. just get a good 14k-20k mh bulb and you wont need actinics for the glow factor. my LFS uses xm 20k bulbs and they look good to me. LEDs will help a little but mainly as lunars. also ive bought items from that ebay seller.. never had any problems with them..

 

cool,thanks.he seems to have good prices.and if you say youve bought from him before.then im going to go ahead and get this mh light.