Advice for New Lights

[boomper]

I currently run a 30 gal FOWLR but I am looking to upgrade to reef very soon. I still have the origional Florencent lights that came with my tank. What kind of lighting will allow me to do most types of corals and inverts. I would rather pay a little extra now than have to upgrade again later. Also, I have the origional canapy still on my tank (the one with the little front section that flips up)....so I need suggestions on how to mount these new lights as well. A DIY solution is also not out of the question.

 

[sov82]

Whats the dimensions of your tank? Is it a 29 or 30 gallon? I know a lot of people who have 29s round up to 30...but those two tanks have 2 completely different dimensions.

 

[boomper]

Its a 29 gal, Ill get the dimensions when I get home from work.

 

[marvida]

I have always thought a 250 MH HQI would be a great light for a 29. I am going to upgrade my 29 to that & use a 20K bulb. The tank is over 24" long so if you mounted the bulb in the center the outside margins would still work for zoos. I also like the bluer look that 20K's seem to have. In order to put any kind of upgrade in place you will probably need to replace the hood. Just my two cents.

 

[boomper]

Thanks for the info, yeah I definately planned on replacing the hood (I do have another empty 29 gal tank for future plans that I can use it with). How much would the setup you described cost? I was leaning toward the MH myself.

 

[marvida]

I do most of my scavenging on ----. I also try to build setups from component parts. I have not built a 250 yet but I'm building a 150 currently that I'm going to in for maybe $150 including bulb.

 

[sov82]

You can modify your hood to work with the light. My girlfriend and I just did that on her 45 canopy. Instead of buying a retro kit, buy a complete custom light with metal hood. They look nice ontop of the all-glass canopies.
To adapt the canopy, you just add a few small pieces of wood on the inside of the canopy. Real easy...much easier than making a new hood.
I'd recommend ---- as well for the light...Saltwaterfish for all your live stock needs!!!