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Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by jlocmac, Oct 11, 2008.

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  1. jlocmac

    jlocmac Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2008
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    Georgia
    We really need new lights for 30 gal. Any suggestions on what is good. We have a certain price range we would like to stay in if possible. Have 2 false per. 2 domino damsels, carpet anemone, rock anemone, corals, umbrellas, some snails and crabs.
     
    jlocmac, Oct 11, 2008
    jlocmac, Oct 11, 2008
    #1

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  2. silverwolf72

    silverwolf72 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2006
    Messages:
    264
    Location:
    Lake Forest CA
    What are the dimensions?
     
    silverwolf72, Oct 11, 2008
    silverwolf72, Oct 11, 2008
    #2
  3. LCP136

    LCP136 Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2008
    Messages:
    1,722
    A 30 gallons probably shallow enough to use PCs and be fine
     
    LCP136, Oct 11, 2008
    LCP136, Oct 11, 2008
    #3
  4. bmshehan

    bmshehan Fu Manchu Lion Fish

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,904
    Location:
    Columbus, Indiana
    What is that certain price range you speak of?!?!?! Heck, go with LED's!!:p
     
    bmshehan, Oct 11, 2008
    bmshehan, Oct 11, 2008
    #4
  5. reefman1132

    reefman1132 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2008
    Messages:
    251
    Location:
    Central PA
    Oh no. Now you've done and gone and started this argument again lol;D.(3reefers differ alittle on this one) I would recommend T5's. Their relatively cheap, effective and a pile cheaper than MH. Then again some have said PC's can be just as effective in the right environment. Depending on the depth of your tank you may want to go with PC's but when it comes down to it, in this situation, it's up to your preference.
     
    reefman1132, Oct 11, 2008
    reefman1132, Oct 11, 2008
    #5
  6. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2008
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    5,958
    Location:
    Chesterfield, VA
    sostoudt, Oct 11, 2008
    sostoudt, Oct 11, 2008
    #6

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  7. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    Messages:
    4,622
    Location:
    Shelton, Washington
    The typical 30g tank is 36" long. Perfect. And not deep. Another plus. MH are not necessary IMO. PCs I do not like, although you could probably get away with, as long as you do not want to keep something really high maintenance like acro or clams. That leaves T5s. Yum Yum. You don't need maximum reflectivity either. Not for 30gallons. Here is something I found on PetMountain.com for example.

    Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO - 10K / 460nm Actinic Light Fixtures
     
    PharmrJohn, Oct 11, 2008
    PharmrJohn, Oct 11, 2008
    #7
  8. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2008
    Messages:
    5,716
    Location:
    Reno, NV
    I remember your post no too long ago, and your really wanting to keep anemone's. For that reason alone I would go with nothing lower than T-5's. Wouldn't recommend PC's, though it is possible. MH, or even an MH combo of sorts (MH with T5's) being ideal. Its hard to give you exact suggestions without knowing your exact budget. But if your going to keep a reef, do NOT skimp on the lights. Lights make the reefing world go round.
     
    PackLeader, Oct 11, 2008
    PackLeader, Oct 11, 2008
    #8
  9. jlocmac

    jlocmac Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2008
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    Georgia
    The tank is 18 1/2" deep. I have anemones now, but might be trading out with my brother for some corals. At least the carpet. I really like it, but didn't know it would burn everything if it started to move. We really want to keep corals, mushrooms, that sort of thing. We don't want to skimp on the lights, but we don't want to go outrageous either. We're trying to stay under 175 or so. Hopefully lol
     
    jlocmac, Oct 12, 2008
    jlocmac, Oct 12, 2008
    #9
  10. jlocmac

    jlocmac Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2008
    Messages:
    60
    Location:
    Georgia
    Found 36" 156W(4x39W) HO T5 Fixture for good price. It says it has flipable mounting legs. Are those adjustable to make it fit my 30 gal?
     
    jlocmac, Oct 12, 2008
    jlocmac, Oct 12, 2008
    #10
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