noobie

Setting up a 125G (72 x 18 x 24) with sps and lps and looking for the best choice. Looking at an all in one unit that will get the job done for those corals. Ideally, I would like a light that will take care of most corals, so I dont spend twice as much because I made a mistake. Ive read this forum and it seems like most people feel that 250watts MH is needed for >20" depth. Im looking at the following units:

Coralife Aqualight 72" HQI $900

Hamilton Technology Metal Halide Fixtures, 3x175W 10K, 72 inc $900


Marineland Pro 3X150W 14K HQI Fixture with 8X39W T-5 Actinics and 6 LED Moonlight $1100

Hamilton Technology Belize: 3x250watt Bulbs & 2X80W T5 HO $1050


The outer orbit is discontinued, so that's out of the question. The marineland comes with integrated timer for setting each light. I like this. The rest I would need to buy separate timers for them, right? Correct me if im wrong, but I dont want to make a mistake in buying a $1000 light. Can i go wrong with any of these or all of these very good units? Please help me out as much as you can as I will be making a purchase soon to have it arrive with my RO/DI water. Im a total noob, so any help is totally appreciated.

 

I dont use MH so I cant say which lights are best, ect... But You are right that MH are the way to go if your getting sps and 2 or 3 250W lamps with some t5 actinics (for supplement lighting) should cover you. Just know that MH = needing a chiller and a lots of top off water (auto top off system a near must) and good ventilation around your tank for all that evaporated water you get when using MH.

I have heard many times that people using TEK T5 lighting get Great results with their sps and just ad a LED strip for some shimmer and sparkle and you'd be set-- and you should not need a chiller with those.

 

providing us links to the products themselves would help.

I personally would do a retrofit kit, 2x250's and then 2x 48" t5HO for actinics.

 

Sorry, some forums dont allow posting of links that may be competitors, I didn't know if it was appropiate or not. Here are the links

Coralife Aqualight 72" HQI $900

Hamilton Technology Metal Halide Fixtures, 3x175W 10K, 72 inc $900


Marineland Pro 3X150W 14K HQI Fixture with 8X39W T-5 Actinics and 6 LED Moonlight $1100

Hamilton Technology Belize: 3x250watt Bulbs & 2X80W T5 HO $105

 

You could do a T5HO fixture also. Get a 12X39W and buy ATI, KZ, Geisemann and UVL bulbs for it. Make sure and get individual reflectors for the bulbs.

 

I have the same tank size as you and have SPS LPS clams ect. I went the retrofit way and have 3 250w MH Hamilton 14K and a two bulb T5 Nova fixture 2X39w I have enjoyed the results and all this was purchased around $700.
Check out saltycritter.com for their retrofit prices

 

I really need an All in one Unit combo. This is my first saltwater setup. I dont even know what a ballast is, or what reflectors to buy and not familair with any of the bulbs you have listed, hence why the subject "noobie" is directed towards me


Most T5 fixtures are up to 48", so I don't have a choice there

 

I have an Outer Orbit system. 2 X 150W MH 2 dual actinics (which is 4 lights) and 6 LED lunar lights. I wish now I would've gotten the 250W system because I upgraded my tank and I don't think the 150W are going to do the trick. I also have a lot of evaporation and heat so I will need to get a chiller soon as well. If you are looking to have a colorful/stocked tank then I would go with the 250W and plan on spending some money on chiller/RO/DI unit/sump/skimmer/etc.

Not a cheap hobby!!!

 

Ditto

 

I definately agree and don't mind paying the extra money, just don't want to waste money because i didn't ask the right questions.

Sounds good , thanks for the help . While researching more, I came across this Hamilton 3x250 watt 14k MH, 2 x T5 420nm 80 watt, 4x LED light, comes with individual power chords, includes mounting legs and hanging suspension kit. Is hamilton a reputable company or a generic company? Same price as the marineland pro. Would this be a better buy since its got the included hanging suspension, 250 watt MHs? The marineland pro has the 150watt fixture, and no suspension kit included. Both are roughly the same price.


BELIZE SUN 72" HQI +T5 + LED Lighting System by Hamilton Technology* - AQUASYTHE.com