open top or glass top?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by drewspuppet, Oct 19, 2008.

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  1. drewspuppet

    drewspuppet Flamingo Tongue

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    I finally committed and bought a 50g 36x18 tank. I want to grow a variety of soft corals, maybe a few hard if it works out. I am willing to commit money for a 4x T5 HO lighting system. I would like to do open water but the lighting systems I am looking at (Nova Extreme)? would seem to stand on a glass top. I want to hold a Spotfin Lionfish and maybe 1 other fish. Can you hang a system like that.

    Also, I could budget up to $400 for lighting but what would be my options for this cost? Would it be worth it?
     
    drewspuppet, Oct 19, 2008
    drewspuppet, Oct 19, 2008
    #1

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  2. wastemanagement

    wastemanagement Eyelash Blennie

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    open for gas/heat exchange
     
    wastemanagement, Oct 19, 2008
    wastemanagement, Oct 19, 2008
    #2
  3. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    Get a unit that has legs on it and definitely use open top. You can use egg crate to cover the top so nothing will jump out but yet the tank will have good ventilation.
     
    scenario1313, Oct 19, 2008
    scenario1313, Oct 19, 2008
    #3
  4. drewspuppet

    drewspuppet Flamingo Tongue

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    The one I am looking at has legs but I'm still wondering how that will work with an open top. I don't think the legs just balancing on the edges of the tank if they will even do that will work.
     
    drewspuppet, Oct 19, 2008
    drewspuppet, Oct 19, 2008
    #4
  5. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I would definitely go with open top. And a 400 dollar budget will get you whatever type of lighting you want. Well, except LED lighting......;)
     
    missionsix, Oct 19, 2008
    missionsix, Oct 19, 2008
    #5
  6. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    What fixture are you looking at?
     
    scenario1313, Oct 19, 2008
    scenario1313, Oct 19, 2008
    #6

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  7. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    i have a nova extreme fixture too and have an open top. The legs rest on the outside frame of the tank so you should be fine.
     
    GuitarMan89, Oct 19, 2008
    GuitarMan89, Oct 19, 2008
    #7
  8. drewspuppet

    drewspuppet Flamingo Tongue

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    I am thinking of 2 of the Nova Extreme SLR with individual reflectors comes in under $400 for both would be 8x39w
     
    drewspuppet, Oct 19, 2008
    drewspuppet, Oct 19, 2008
    #8
  9. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    Its not always about the number of tubes or bulbs.. Look into the Tek 960020 36" 6 Tube about 360.00 and a far better quality fixture then the Nova's .. And use UVL lamps . in what ever you buy.. I'm sure some sponors here on 3 reef sell offer both brands .
     
    Tangster, Oct 19, 2008
    Tangster, Oct 19, 2008
    #9
  10. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    Ditto
    Ditto
    Ditto
    Ditto

    Oh, and I would go with an open top.;D
     
    PharmrJohn, Oct 20, 2008
    PharmrJohn, Oct 20, 2008
    #10
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