Need New Lighting Fast Help!

Been Lurking lately getting use to the site and absorbing as much info as I can, sorry my first post has to be an issue, so I can order, and or buy before things start to die.

So I thought my 10k daylight bulb had burned out, so I bought a replacement today, I was wrong, Seems like a ballast may of gone out, not very handy, so this may be a good excuse to buy just a new setup, and cut my loss at a bulb, ballasts replace and do a new t5, halide.

Question is, Which is better to do, as Ive stated im pretty much doing a fish and live rock tank, maybe a few anemones here and there or other thing that might like light, I dont have a canopy and mainly just looking for a hood type setup, and something safe, Also with whatever system I go with will a chiller be needed then with 1 vs the other? I heard with the halide Its prob. recommended, where the t5 may not be needed, but will require a lot more bulbs and maybe a canopy? any help super appreciated as I need to get something bought or ordered as I only have my anatic light running.

Would this be a good one?
http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Ex...p/rcu01080.htm

Seems like a nice setup, hopefully wont heat up water to much so I wont need a chiller I would think, Then Id make a small removable canopy mainly just for the front, How does all that sound?

Also my other issue is my tank length is 30 1/2 This is 36, so There will be over hang I guess Ill have to figure out how to mount it to look alright and work, but my only other option is a 20inch which is to small, Good thing is my tank is about 18inch width, or so, and the light is 12 inches so there isnt a lot of light escaping so I can do a half canopy look or something. How does all that sound and the light look?

 

That light setup should be okay on any tank that is 30 inches in length (just make sure that your tank depth is no more than 18-24"). You should be able to keep any soft coral and most LPS with that light setup as well. Anemones may be a different story, but that's a whole other discussion. In regards to the chiller- shouldn't need one with T5's as they are fairly good when it comes to heat output, unless you live in a very warm climate. Keep an eye on your tank's temp and you can decide for yourself if you need one... If your tank's temp sits anywhere over 80 on a regular basis, i'd consider buying one as a preventative measure- all it takes is one hot day and thats it. Overall, T5's are a good choice, and can handle anything except most SPS, and most anemones.

 

i bed to differ! T5s can handle any SPS, anemones, and clams. if you get a properly sized t5 fixture to do what you wanna accomplish. I am running T5's on an SPS tank, i have two maxima clams on the sand bed! I can assure you everything is more than happy with the lighting.

 

for that price you can get a much nicer t5 setup that will support any corals or light demanding animals...you should check out the sponsors here on 3reef for other options.

 

Well, if that's the light you're looking at, here's a better price:

Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5HO - 10K / 460nm Actinics Light Fixtures

Please explain.

 

Ok well figure roughly $300 for a 6 lamp fixture....If you have ever used current lamps and used other t5 lamps so you have a basis of comparison. You would agree that current lamps are not so great so you are gonna have to spend another $100-$120 in bulbs alone to make the fixture work nicely to keep anemones,clams, and SPS. So now you are looking at $420 plus paying two shipping charges. One for the fixture and then you will most likely have to go somewhere else to get better lamps. just for arguements sake lets forget shipping costs and just look at the price of the fixture along with 6 new lamps.... roughly $420 and change. Personally id rather spend the money on a nicer fixture with better electronics and reflectors and pay a little more money to get more bang for your buck. For example the Tek Light is relatively in the same price range. its like $385 for the fixture (it doesnt come with bulbs because you are paying for a better fixture) plus the $100-$120 for lamps. So now your looking at $485-$505 in comparison to $400-$420ish. for $80 or so extra you get a much better fixture and the bulbs you will end up switching to once you realize your animals arent as healthy as you would like them to be. Now as reefers we all know that $80 is not really that much in the grand scheme of things...wouldnt you pay the extra $80 and not worry about being able to support the animals you wish to keep?
Now dont get me wrong the 6 lamp current fixture is a good fixture but the lamps that come with it are not the best (to put it nicely) So why pay for lamps that are gonna need to be replaced before you even fire up the fixture....
I know someone who uses this fixture is going to disagree and say the lamps that come with it are fine and their light demanding livestock is doing just fine....But before anyone makes that claim...Have you ever used any other lamps to make a comparison?

 

this guy has great deals on lighting and they are some good lights

Aquarium Lighting - Metal Halide System

 

wow those are really good deals, if i had not just bought a new lighting system i would have definately considered buying from that website.

 

Wow, This is a 30 gallon or so tank, correct ?
If you go with 5 or 6 watts per gallon , good lighting for reef, you land roughly at 160

At 3 watts per gallon you could get the sundial
Current USA Sundial T5HO - 10K / 460nm Actinic Light Fixtures
which would fit nicley/ At the depth of that tank, 3 watts per gallon could do nicley.


\Just my .002