Lights for 30 Gallon?

[UTSAltwaterEnthusiast]

Determing what type of lights i should get for my 30gallon tank. t5ho or MH? any suggestions? trying to keep it with 100-200.

[UTSAltwaterEnthusiast]

was looking at this LIGHT (http://www.marineandreef.com/Coralife_Aqualight_High_Output_T5_24_inch_p/res08600.htm) WOuld it be able to handle basic coral growth?

[ErikH]

yes that light would handle basic growth. Put better bulbs in it or find a setup with single lamp reflectors and you would be better off.

I use a workhorse ballast and bought the setup from B&B for cheap. It came with the Tek reflectors and Giesemann Bulbs.

It was retrofit though... I would look for the single lamp reflectors in a slightly more expensive setup. It will be well worth it in the long run.

Welcome to MAAST.

[ErikH]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/Powermodule_Fixtures/
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/

With bulbs 300. for a Tek fixture. :)

[alton]

I have 4 T5HO lamps on my 29 and run them off of a Work Horse Ballast with individual reflectors. Two lamps will not be enough, my two cents.

[tony]

Two lamps will not be enough, my two cents.

agree

[FireWater]

Spend as much as you can for a quality set up now.
4 bulb t-5 over a 30 gallon is the minimum effective lighting in my opinion. Plus the more bulbs you have the more you can adjust the lighting to your preferences.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/
Also, several local stores carry different brands and levels of lighting in store. I know Aquarium designs had a decent selection of t-5 fixtures

[rockmp]

4 bulb T5 is good light. I have a 150w SE halide over mine and everything is growing like crazy. Good luck and Welcome to MAAST!

[UTSAltwaterEnthusiast]

hmmm yeah i was hoping I wouldnt have to spend more than 200 on lights. But once everything begins to grow it will seem like nothing.

[UTSAltwaterEnthusiast]

Any one buy 2 T5HO 2x24 instead of one T5HO 4x24? Might save a little bit of money since you can buy them from 70-90...

[tony]

if you want to get out for less than 200 pick up a used 150-250 metal halide ballast on here, put a new bulb on it and you will be golden for $150-200

[ErikH]

Any one buy 2 T5HO 2x24 instead of one T5HO 4x24? Might save a little bit of money since you can buy them from 70-90...


Sure, for the wrong ones. :)

You need individual reflectors if you are going to go the T5 route. No one here is steering you wrong, you just can't cheat the system. It will save you money now to this the lights the right way the first time. Seriously.

Yes, you could probably get away with some small easy stuff growing in there, but that quickly changes into wanting more. :angel: This is by no means a hobby, and by all means an addiction. "It starts out as a weekend thing".... LOL :bigsmile::bigsmile:

[UTSAltwaterEnthusiast]

Lol yeah, I have yet to really start to cycle my tank and im already seeing all the endless possibilities for saltwater. im just trying to keep myself under budget, especially when my final semester starts and i have to pay nearly 300-400 on just books.


Sure, for the wrong ones. :)
Yes, you could probably get away with some small easy stuff growing in there, but that quickly changes into wanting more. :angel: This is by no means a hobby, and by all means an addiction. "It starts out as a weekend thing".... LOL :bigsmile::bigsmile:

I guess i should just be patient and wait for a used one go for sale on here or craigslist.

Thanks everyone for the help now i know what to get to make sure i have a great setup for the future.