Newb Question

First I have a 48 in long, 24 in tall and 13 in wide. (long 60 Gallon)

Everybody tells me to go with T5 lighting. But my local fish stores are telling me just use VHO or flourescent lighting. Because I won't be keeping hard coral in the tank. Just soft coral, live rock and fish.

I just want to get the right lighting with out wasting my money. So before I order T5 lights I need some other opinions.

Like what do you think of Coralife flourescent lights? It has 260 watts. And the t5 lighting only has 216 but its also 50 buck cheaper than the coralife light.

Or any other options. ( I dont want metal halide-to expensive)

Just give some input about what need to get.

Thanks, Eric

 

I found my mh cheaper than t5's. I found a hydroponic mh and replaced the bulb. I like the t5's because they are energy effiecent and run cool. I would just do your homework and not take the lfs as gospel.

 

You want to think of the future. Maybe you will get into hard coral. Then you will wish that you had mh.

 

What prices are you getting for those light fixtures? What's your price range?

 

for just about any photosynthetic coral flourescent lighting just won't do.
VHO will work but i'm not a big fan. I would go with t-5 or mh.

 

I dont want to spend any more than 230 for the main light. Then later mabey get a single or double bulb 14K.

So I will prolabley buy this T-5 Aquarium Lighting: Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights and then later Aquarium Lighting for Freshwater and Reef Systems: Nova Extreme Compact T-5 System but with 14k bulbs.

What about that? Any input will help.

Thanks, Eric

 

I have heard good things about the Nova Extreme. Tek is also a good brand. Do not go cheap on lighting. It will be a mistake if you do. I fell into that trap before coming to 3reef. Oops. Good think it only cost me $120. Get good quality. A good, powerful T5 array will support almost any life. I have heard those say that T5s are every bit as good as MH. MH will take care of it all. It just depends on you, your budget, your set up, etc. Just don't skimp.

And, as stated in a previous post, think to the future. You may very well change your mind. I did. That's why I have to replace my lights.

Peace.......John.

 

So, you're willing to spend $339.96 for your lights from DrsFosterSmith.com

$186.99 + $14.99 shipping = $201.98 Nova Extreme 4 bulb.
$124.99 + $12.99 shipping = $137.98 Nova Extreme 2 bulb.
6 bulbs total. Not individual reflectors.

If I were you, I'd buy this light:

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

Nova Extreme Pro 6 bulbs. Individual reflectors. $336.70 + $9.95 fragile handling charge = $346.65

That Nova Extreme Pro will flat out smoke the Nova Extreme setup you're looking at and will only cost $6.69 more. Trust me, you'll like it better. I've seen GrimReefer do a comparison of some T5 light fixtures and the Nova Extreme Pro had a par rating of 245 at 17 inches of water-depth. The 4 bulb Tek fixture put out 152 par at the same depth (remember that was a 4 bulb Tek fixture (bulbs cost extra) vs a 6 bulb Nova Extreme Pro fixture (bulbs included)). The Aquactinics 5 bulb fixture had a par value of 194. That put the Pro on the level of a Metal Halide. He was shocked at how well it performed. So am I.

Post 15 on page 5 of the included link:

Reef Central Online Community - Nova Extreme Pro EXCLUSIVE!!! just arrived

 

I would go with the T5s with individual reflectors if you can afford it. The bulbs last longer than PC and VHO so that can help off set the costs in the long run. Also if you ever decide to sell it you will sell this light a lot easier and for more money than a PC or VHO.