What lights to use? DIY?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by philip_r5, Jan 27, 2008.

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  1. philip_r5

    philip_r5 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2006
    Messages:
    228
    Location:
    Daytona Beach, Florida
    Hello, I am currently debating on doing a DIY light project for my tank. I have a 120g tank. It will be hosting fish and reef. I will probably mostly host softys and some other misc stuff. I have read tons and tons of forums and search ads on lights. I get all different answers and I read pages and pages on lighting, however, I stil have yet to find out what is best to use. I know ppl have their different opinions so stat them and let me pick a side :) If you suggest something tell me all about it if you can. Thanks I simply want user end answers not scientific stuff that i cant understand :p
     
    philip_r5, Jan 27, 2008
    philip_r5, Jan 27, 2008
    #1

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  2. geekdafied

    geekdafied 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
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    It gets to a point of personal preference and budget. I run T5HO and metal halides. The are downsides to both but are pretty equal other then cost.
     
    geekdafied, Jan 27, 2008
    geekdafied, Jan 27, 2008
    #2
  3. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2007
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    7,933
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Geek is basicly right, it all depends on three factors.
    1. Your budget, this is usually the main factor.
    2. What your planning to stock your tank with. Some corals need better lighting than others.
    3. Your personal preference, some ppl like the shimmering effect that MH give.

    I personally like MH's over anything else. I had Power Compacts for many yrs and it was nice, but cant compare with MH. Only negative factors with MH's is the light fixture and bulbs are expensive and they produce alot of heat. The heat can be compensated with a fan. Hope this helps, Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Jan 27, 2008
    lunatik_69, Jan 27, 2008
    #3
  4. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2007
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    joliet,il
    the lighting issue will always be a lengthy subject is this hobby. its all personal preference as far as what type of lighting. if your going reef than 7-10 watts per gallon is a start. i prefer metal halides.
     
    reef_guru, Jan 27, 2008
    reef_guru, Jan 27, 2008
    #4
  5. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2006
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    5,644
    Location:
    Va/Ct
    Build yourself a 3 set 250 w or 400 w M/H and a set of 2 VHO's for actinic and you could not do any better. If on a tight budget ? Contact me via A P/M and I can get you almost new H/K ballast for a good deal and put all you VHO needs together in a package deal for you.. Bulbs and anything you need .. We custom build a far better set for less then you can buy . Several here run our set ups. Even come with mounting screws LOL
     
    Tangster, Jan 27, 2008
    Tangster, Jan 27, 2008
    #5