Reef lighting for minimal price

Hey i was searching for t5 lighting and ive come across a bunch of stuff including lighting to grow plants, is there a difference other than not having a mount. i understand the amount of heat may be different but i want to know the other aspects if you say get the correct bulb colors and wattage for your tank. I have a 55 gallon standard tank and will be starting it as the funding comes in. I plan on having probably soft corals for now but may move on to sps and stuff like that in the future. I am possibly building a custom top to mount lighting etc in(i would also be more than likely putting in vent fans too. would it be cheaper/better to make a diy lighting system or buy something cheap, I'm looking for any opinions and recommendations. I would also like to hear your insight on diy lighting as well if you have any.

On a side note keep in mind that I am a full time college student. Which means i have limited budgeting and cash flow is more at a trickle so the cheaper the quicker i can get up and running. I have a 20 gallon hex fish and LR/LS tank and a 5 gallon local tank with stuff from the Long Island Sound. The 55 gallon tank that I am trying to get started, so far I only have the tank and a heater so also any other recommendations on filters etc would be nice.

 

This is the light that I plan on buying when I get the chance. 36" 156W (4x 39W) T5 HO Light Fixture Extendable Series

Package includes:

1x 36" T5 Quad fixture
2x 39W T5 HO lamps 10000K (Free Item)
2x 39W T5 HO lamps Actinic Blue (Free Item)
4x LED(Free Item)

Price: $79.90

 

You will need 2 T5HO bulbs for your starter corals, but will want to have 4 bulbs to keep any corals you want. I suggest looking into retrofit kits since you are looking to built a canopy. I suggest getting the kit from Aquarium Lighting Superstore! - Hellolights.com - Metal Halide, LED, T5, Compact Fluorescent. Mount the bulbs about 6" above the tank at least.

 

also i have a whole bunch of construction work lights like the big yellow ones that use 250w and 500w halogen bulbs, assuming you could find the correct temperature bulbs and very well ventilated canopy if i pulled these apart and fitted them on the inside would that work? sorry if that is a stupid question but something like that would save a whole ton of money that could be put toward the other contents of the tank lol.

 

The odyssea 4 bulb t5 fixture is the best entry level light you can get imo. Its inexpensive and ready to go right on your tank, plus it can support most corals you will wanna keep. Trying to jerry rig stuff will just cost you in the long run, and lighting is one of the most important things for a reef tank.

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I am starting as well and have been researching and pieceing together equipment. +1 to the odyssea like insane said. I've read that people have had good luck with them although most change the bulbs after a couple of months to something better. I had looked into DIY LED's but decided against as it wasn't going to save me any more money than a decent t5 fixture, plus you have to remember shipping costs and all the little pieces and parts you will need that the DIY stuff doesn't come with.

For other equipment, I could only really comment on powerheads. I would recommend the Hydor Koralia Evolutions. If you read around you will see alot of people really like them and recommend them. I have gotten 3 so far. 2 of the 550 models and a 425. If you look on ebay(where I bought mine) you can find them at very reasonable prices. All 3 of mine were less than $30 a piece shipped

 

I'm not sure if this is violating any rules of the website, I'm new here, but also if anyone has anything that fits the description of what i could use on my tank for a good price also let me know. I'm looking for something that is 220+ watts for a 4' 55 gallon tank. I understand new these things are out of my price range, I'm trying to keep it under $150 for something used that would be a good fit for this tank. If this post is violating any rules let me know and I'll remove it immediately.

 

This light should fit your budget. Odyssea T5 Aquarium Lighting

Price: $98.90

Package includes:
1x 48" T5 Quad fixture
2x 54W T5 HO lamps 10000K (Free Item)
2x 54W T5 HO lamps Actinic Blue (Free Item)
4x LED(Free Item)

 

buy the right equipment, or you'll end up guying 2x.

 

this is the exact fixture i had on my old 55 (except it was 48 inches and cost $100 and i got it on ebay with free shipping) i read some reviews on oddysea and they have fixed a lot of their problems with their old fixtures so the new ones IMO are wonderful for us reefers on a budget (hey im a dog groomer, its one of those jobs where you do it for the love of the dogs...because you dont make no dang money in this buisiness hahha). I couldnt have been happier with those lights expecially for the price! i only wish i could have put them on my 120 because i HATE these stupid MH haha!