30" lighting help, plleeeeeeeaaaaaaassseee!

[phrog]

I need to purchase a new fixture for my 30 gallon mixed reef. I currently have a dual lamp Glo brand T5 fixture that will be moved to my wife's 20 gallon fowlr setup. There aren't a lot of options for 30" fixtures and I'm looking for info on what online retailers are good, 24" fixtures that will fit (might have an option to hang it), and an explanation on why I should spend more money on T5 versus the Odyssea power compact 130w fixture I found for well under $100.

Really any help will be greatly appreciated.

[rockmp]

What are you going to be keeping in it? SPS? LPS? What are the dimensions of the tank?

[justahobby]

For a mixed reef, T5 will be oh-so worth it. For one thing, the bulbs last much longer. You also get better color combos and light penetration. I would go for 3-4 (24") bulbs on a 30g.

[FireWater]

For a mixed reef, T5 will be oh-so worth it. For one thing, the bulbs last much longer. You also get better color combos and light penetration. I would go for 3-4 (24") bulbs on a 30g.

Agree w/ Justin on this one. If you run a 24" t-5 fixture you can hang it easily over the tank by building a bracket that attaches to the stand. That way you won't have to worry about holes in the wall. There are several good fixtures out there - just remember that you usually get what you pay for. Look for quality ballasts and individual reflectors. Cooling fans are nice but, not a necessity right off the bat - TEK fixtures have been some of the best on the market for a long time.

[cbianco]

I need to purchase a new fixture for my 30 gallon mixed reef. I currently have a dual lamp Glo brand T5 fixture that will be moved to my wife's 20 gallon fowlr setup. There aren't a lot of options for 30" fixtures and I'm looking for info on what online retailers are good, 24" fixtures that will fit (might have an option to hang it), and an explanation on why I should spend more money on T5 versus the Odyssea power compact 130w fixture I found for well under $100.

Really any help will be greatly appreciated.

Don't fear Chris is here!!! FTW, lolololololol.

I love T5s.

You can grow anything, change the color of your tank and and use less wattage than MH, all in one pop.

Aquatraders fixtures are not known for their quality and to catch on fire among other things; buyer beware. Google "aquatraders odyssea junk." (or similar)

Buy this, be happy!



http://www.aquactinics.com/pages/TX5.html

Christopher

[phrog]

Thanks for the info. I definitely wanted to know opinions about sites like aquatraders. The aquactinics fixture looks great but is way out of my budget. Any other suggestions?

The tank foot print is 30x12, 16" deep.

[justahobby]

Is retro out of the question? You could always linger around the FS section until a good deal comes up ... if you can wait. That's your best bet if you are on a budget, but want quality. Fishneedit.com has reasonable T5 fixtures, but you won't be getting individual reflectors, quality bulbs, etc. Cheapies will work and you will grow plenty, it just won't be as good as it could be....

[cbianco]

Some budget systems to consider...

All of the following systems can be had for ~$250-$300

Wave Point 4x24W T5 HO Light Fixture
Current USA SunDial 4x24W T5 HO Light Fixture w/ Timers & LED
AquaticLife 4x24 Watt T5 HO Light Fixture

For a ready to go fixture with bulbs (that I trust), it doesn't get much cheaper than these.

If you need cheaper, you may consider retro kits (as justahobby mentioned) and build a hood to place them in.

Let us know if you need further assistance, we love spending other peoples money!!!

Christopher

[justahobby]

Let us know if you need further assistance, we love spending other peoples money!!!

Christopher

Sure do!

Chris pegged the price range:
http://www.aquacave.com/wavepoint-24...24-w-2561.html
http://www.aquacave.com/current-usa-...-led-2362.html


This one might be worth researching for $129 including bulbs by sunlight supply

http://www.aquacave.com/sun-blaze-t-...pply-2134.html

[cbianco]

This one might be worth researching for $129 including bulbs by sunlight supply

http://www.aquacave.com/sun-blaze-t-...pply-2134.html

The bulbs are an additional $49 bringing the total up to $180. This fixture is not fanned cooled, only air cooled. As well, there is no splash guard (clear acrylic sheet protecting bulbs) on this model nor does the fuxture allow for one.

I looked at this fixture a while back.

Just saying...lol

Christopher
Christopher