Best light fixture or Retro fit for $100-50 or less

[Louie3]

My Nano tank is going through its cycle and is under 15 screw in PC on a desktop lamp. So what lights are best for $50 and under?

[JimD]

ummm, How big is the tank and what will you want to keep in it eventually? For $50 or less, theres not many worth while choices.

[Louie3]

hmmn It's a 10g, Im going to start it out with softies then head for sps. So there is a retrofit or anything around? for $50. What about $100>. like PC's or T-5's? would regular flouresctns work?

[JimD]

If your ultimate goal is sps, dont waste money on something youre just going to have to replace, do it right the first time, save your money and get a 150 watt halide settup, eventually, that 10 gallon will get crowded once the addiction takes place and youll want to get a larger tank. 150 watts of metal halide would be good on a tank up to around 30 gallons or so depending on dimentions. Take a look here...
www.hellolights.com

[Louie3]

Guess you didnt know that I have a 55g reef at the momment ( 48" coralife Double). I wanted to set this mini tank in the kitchen. and 150w MH seems way to much for a tank that size!

[prof]

CF or T-5 is what I would start with. You will want to go MH for sps.

[Louie3]

do you know of a descent fixture for under $100?

[prof]

Look for DIY or used. Watch the for sale section or used at pet stores. I have bought many of my fixtures from hellolights.

Something like this would work nicely.
http://www.hellolights.com/2xbalkit1.html

Double check the length. I don't remeber the measurements for a 10g.

[matt]

A good site for PCs is ahsupply.com. I had a nice 10 gal nano with a hood from them. But, if I were doing it over, I'd do as Jim says and find a small mh pendent. It'll look alot nicer. You can find 70W small pendents for not too much money.

[Louie3]

Today I will be going to my petstore and hopefully I find something good, I'm hopething they still have this used 150wMH up for grabs