lighting fixtures help?

dose anyone know a cheap lighting fixtures for a 36 inch tank . it will be used for only soft corals like mushrooms and stuff. i don't have to much money at the time so the cheaper the better.

 

compact flouresents from aquatraders are the cheapest i've found

 

I just found this on ebay, no idea if they are good or not but for the price and everything included it might be worth a shot. I might buy one myself. Anyone try these?

36" T5 HO Aquarium Light Marine Cichlid 156W 4x 39W - eBay (item 300405899937 end time Apr-10-10 17:33:10 PDT)

 

i found this anyone if its good Odyssea T5 High Output Lighting

 

bump

 

should i buy them

 

This is my experience with odyssea..I've read good and bad..this is mine.

36" 4x39watt t5 HO purchased 10/09. Good enough to keep even a couple LPS alive but no signs of growth. Couldn't upgrade the ballasts to IceCap 660's because the pin configuiration meant replacing the entire harness as well. Couldn't use IceCap SLR's because spacing on endcaps is to close together. On 1/31/10 there was a loud pop from the fixture, the gfi tripped but the wiring from one ballast still burst into flames. I wouldn't recommend it but like I said I've read good reviews on them as well.

 

its just there very cheap and i need new lights fast due to my old lights breaking and i am low on cash

 

Here's a few to look at.

I've heard good things about Catalina Aquarium, but have no experience with them. This one is only 2 T5 bulbs but pretty cheap: Catalina Aquarium

This guy also sells the Catalina brand via eBay, you should tell him what you want and he will give you a good deal I've heard. He listed a 4 bulb PC fixture at a good price: 36" SOLAR COMPACT AQUARIUM LIGHT HOOD 4 x 36 W - eBay (item 230189385227 end time Mar-25-10 11:38:55 PDT)

Here's an eBay listing for a Oddysea PC fixture: http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LIGHT-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3caa747199

However, IMO if you are gonig to get a fixture you shouldn't waste $ on subpar quality because you will regret it later. Find a way to add $100 more and get a really good quality light like the T5 Sunlight Supply TEK fixture: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...igh-Output_Fixture_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

In this hobby it is ALWAYS a good idea to buy quality equipment first, you will only be kicking yourself soon when you see those corals you want that your lower budget light won't support.

 

If you're in a bind you may have to take a chance but I guarentee you'll need to keep even softy's up higher with that little light. I'd recommend putting in higher quality bulbs but 2 ATI's would cost almost as much as the fixture.
If you can save your money and get a little better fixture. At the very least a 4 bulb t5ho.
I really wish I could help you out with that, I know what it's like to have corals and no light.