which package halide should i get ?

its the 6' one . its a 125 gallon tank goign to be mostly sps's.
after a few weeks of research i came down to the light im getting .. i was wondering which package deal would you get ?

if you pick the one with lights or not what is a good halide and t5 bulb ?

http://saltycritter.com/lighting/sunlight-supply/maristar.htm

 

I'd go with the third package if it were me...with 3 single ballasts. As far a bulbs go, it depends on what color you like. I'm sure Dingo or Whisky could give you much more detailed answers and combos to use.

 

If you're handy you can build one for around $600.
Find 3 used icecap ballasts...they are always under $100 each....like $75
Find 3 used pendant/reflectors...same prices

Not too bad....then you have money left over for frags;D

 

I agree...I was just answering your question about which package. You can find lights a lot cheaper than $1100+ that will work just fine for you.

 

I'm in the same boat. I know nothing about electrical works. is there a really dumbed down diy thread that shows how to wire a light fixture?

 

Some ballasts will have a diagram right on them...others do not. Search for a diagram of the certain ballast you have...then wire it accordingly. Black is your lead, white is your common.

 

I admire people who enjoy DIY projects, but when it comes to electricity, I don't mess around and would not trust my self to wire it properly. All you need is one bad connection, it could arc and then catch on fire or short out destroying the bulb and potentially the ballast. I'm just saying this as you seem a little hesitant to DIY.

Second, the Maristar fixture has gotten really good reviews. It's well built, quality components and works great. I would get the package with 3 single ballasts and the bulbs (depending on what bulbs you get to choose from). 3 Single ballasts are good b/c in case one fails, you still have two to run your fixture until you get the broken ballasts replaced/fixed.

You can also look into pendants. I bought 2 SLS Lumenmax 3 pendants with Galaxy ballasts and have them just hanging over my tank. I don't use T5s any more and just run the MH with a bluer bulb. I like it so far.

 

thank you ..

 

thanks for all helpful responses .. what t5's should i use

 

if your going with the maristar fixture, I would recommend going with :

MARISTAR 72" 3x250W HQI & 4x39W T5 Combo Fixture by Sunlight Supply* - AquaCave

They got a sale for labor day 10% off everything until tomorrow. It comes with neat bulbs as well.