New tank build....need opinion

Hey all! My 155 bowfront will be assembled and running this week as I have 110 lbs of live rock coming Wednesday! (Fiji). Broke the bank today getting 150lbs of live sand, New heaters (old ones were crappy), salt, meters, and coming monday, the overflow, return pump, and the protein skimmer came yesterday. ( Red Sea Aqua-c 1200)!

I At the LFS today, I was asking abuot lighting. He advised Metal Halide over T5. I found this on E-Bay, as I need 2 -36 inch lights and wanted the expert opinions. It seems to have all I need, but I appreciate any opinions you may have. Lighting is the last thing I need to complete this.

..P.s I will also be starting putting up pics of the build up so all can watch along!!

36 Metal Halide T5 HO Aquarium Light Moon Lunar NIB - eBay (item 180321842664 end time Feb-17-09 10:23:03 PST)

 

Well......lighting is a you get what you pay for kind of thing. This is an inexpensive variety and you will get just that. Just for comparison, check out a top rated MH set up. Google Maristar and go from there. Most people cannot afford the set up, but like I said, YGWYPF.

 

I have to agree with PharmrJohn. It may not necessarily be a "bad" fixture, but it has a 2 year warranty, but I didn't see what company made it, so who warrants it? Its things like that, that could get you later on. It also is one of those "seems too good to be true" deals, free shipping, bulbs, UV guard. In the end, its up to you. Also, on a final note, that isn't a lot of light for a 155. Total of maybe 230 watts? Thats not enough to keep almost any lps alive, maybe some softies. JMO though.

 

Anyone know where Mucaville, USA is?
This is the second link from them I've seen today.
My guess is cheap bulbs and cheapo ballasts, but I'd like to see someone who's ordered from them post their experiences with this no-name brand. And GuitarMan is Correcto that 150 HQIs won't be bright enough for the depth on that tank. Go a minimum of 3x 250 HQI, or 3 x 400w SE MH.

 

I would steer away from no name light fixtures. Skimmers and lights should be the two things in a tank you don't skimp on. They will make or break a tank in the long run.

 

yeah I think with a 155 bow you need either 250+ watt MH's or LED's

 

Thanks for all the good input. I will keep searching. Any particular brand you guys have had good luck with?

 

I bought some off brand 250W MH bulbs for my 55 and I think that their early failure is what cause my current GHA outbreak. Go with some SPS bulbs from Blue Life, I've heard nothing but great things about them!!

 

These lights are made by workhorse fixtures, and come with aquamedic bulbs.