Need some lighting help for a 75.

[brodykirby]

So this one would be better?

[justahobby]

Better in terms of bulb availability, but I can't speak for quality. That would be at your own risk. If it was me, I would grit my teeth, keep using the 36" glo and wait for a great deal here on maast. It happens quite often if you are a little patient. Alternatively, You could go retro and buy it piece by piece. After stretching out through a few paychecks you wouldn't be out much and have a very nice light to show for.

[brodykirby]

I think thats what I'll do. I need to look for a 48'' fixture correct or will a 36'' 6 bulb TEK light be ok?

[justahobby]

36" would give you a gap of 6" on each side, possibly leaving dark edges. You could raise the fixture (if you don't have a canopy) to compensate. As someone mentioned earlier: bulb replacement might be a little pricey though. Especially if you stick to only soft coral. Expect to pay around $20 per replacement bulb. Nicer bulbs will cost more and you can find cheaper ones....

[justahobby]

Aquacave is a sponsor and sells retro kits pretty reasonably. They also run specials frequently. You would spent as much on one of those off brand fixture as a name brand retro kit:

http://www.aquacave.com/ready-fit-48...pply-1263.html
http://www.aquacave.com/48-two-lamp-...lvue-1146.html
http://www.aquacave.com/48-tek-2-t5-...upply-695.html

[brodykirby]

Would I need to get 2 of those kits or is one enough? they would only put out 108 Watts correct? Is that enough for softies?

[justahobby]

Correct, they are 2 bulb kits. Two would let you view the tank, keep shrooms (but doubt they would multiply very quickly). Then in a month you could get a second one and be rockin and rollin. Decide to go SPS, add a third down the road. By that time you would probably find a used retro on here though

[brodykirby]

Thank you all for your help! I'm meeting with a member to pick up a 48'' nova extreme 8x54W.