And it comes down to 2 - You make the call! (Lighting)

So, I finally have made the choice to replace my light (was good for the old tank, but not the new one) The choices are...... (Drum roll please)
1) Aqualight Elite Metal Halide/Compact Fluorescent Fixture
Outstanding combination metal halide and compact fluorescent fixture comes complete for quick "plug and play" installation. Includes 10000°K

[hr]
in mogul base metal halide bulbs with remote magnetic ballasts and Actinic 03 Blue compact fluorescents with internal electronic ballasts. Independent on/off switches allow timer operation to simulate dawn to dusk lighting. Attractive anodized black aluminum housing features ventilation grills and built-in cooling fan to reduce heat build-up for optimum performance. Tempered-glass lens cover protects bulbs and highly polished reflector makes aquarium illumination even brighter. Removable suspension brackets and mounting legs included for dual mounting options. 15-1/4" x 6" high.
OR
2) Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixture
Rethink T-5 fixtures with the Nova Extreme Pro. These professional T-5 fixtures boast high light output that measure up to metal halide fixtures but with reduced heat and energy consumption. SlimPaq T-5 fluorescent lamps are optimized with individually contoured reflectors to direct useable light into your aquarium. Sleek aluminum housing combined with two cooling fans and highly efficient electronic ballasts dramatically reduce heat while maximizing light output. Nova Extreme Pro T-5 Fixtures include 10,000°K SlimPaq and 460 nm actinic SlimPaq T-5 lamps. Features independent controls for dawn/dusk applications, splash lens and docking mounts. Measures 12" x 4-1/4" high.
It would be going on the 110g, 30" deep. There is only a $10 difference between the 2 systems! Both of them would be the 48" length models. So I guess which one will give me the most bang for my buck as they say? I am in the middle and need some help tipping one way or the other so I can place the order.
Thanks!!!!
 
Here are are images of each......
1)
http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20060412210443/www.**************.com/images/Categoryimages/larger/lg_25743_34641.jpg
2)
http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20080203165541/www.**************.com/images/Categoryimages/larger/lg-32831-44012-fish-supply.jpg
 

05xrunner

Active Member
as much as I like T5..I think you are going to need to use the MH since the tank is 30" deep. At that depth i would think you would need a Min of 8-10 bulbs with the T5
 
C

cmaxwell39

Guest
+1. With a tank that deep you are going to need the metal halide to have the punch to reach the bottom of the tank. BTW what is the wattage of the metal halide bulbs in the coralife fixture. You are going to need at least 250W bulbs I would think.
 
Originally Posted by cmaxwell39
http:///forum/post/2903086
+1. With a tank that deep you are going to need the metal halide to have the punch to reach the bottom of the tank. BTW what is the wattage of the metal halide bulbs in the coralife fixture. You are going to need at least 250W bulbs I would think.
1) 48" - 692 watt (2-250 watt, 2-96 watt)
2) 324 watts --3-54 watt 10,000°K & 3-54 watt 460 nm actinic
 
So.... if I go with the Aqualight Elite will I need a chiller because of the MH's? It will be hanging from the ceiling.
Thanks!
 

05xrunner

Active Member
I doubt it..its a 110g tank..I use to have 2x250w halides on my old 75g tank and even in the summer the temp of the tank only went up like 1-2 degrees...the fixture had fans in the top and pulled the hot air out..does that light have fans in it?
 
Originally Posted by 05xrunner
http:///forum/post/2903244
I doubt it..its a 110g tank..I use to have 2x250w halides on my old 75g tank and even in the summer the temp of the tank only went up like 1-2 degrees...the fixture had fans in the top and pulled the hot air out..does that light have fans in it?
This has fans on the sides by the looks of it, just like my current one with PC's.
 
I am just realizing neither one of these fixtures include any kind of lunar lights, my current one has 4 built in. What are my options for installing lunar lights? Can I mod the unit and install some there or do I have to do something else? Do most people run lunar lights or is that just a bunch of hype?
 

sharkbait9

Active Member
Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/2903403
I am just realizing neither one of these fixtures include any kind of lunar lights, my current one has 4 built in. What are my options for installing lunar lights? Can I mod the unit and install some there or do I have to do something else? Do most people run lunar lights or is that just a bunch of hype?
i don't bother with the lunar lights. No point in a closed system.
You won't need a chiller either. I run 250s on my tanks and don't even need a chiller in the summer.
 

moprint

Member
The Elite would be my choice on a 30" deep tank. The price on the Elite can't be beat for a metal halide fixture.Lunar lights are overated IMO, just another gadget.
 
Originally Posted by moprint
http:///forum/post/2903640
The Elite would be my choice on a 30" deep tank. The price on the Elite can't be beat for a metal halide fixture.Lunar lights are overated IMO, just another gadget.
I just got the Current USA Outer Orbit (PC and MH) with moonlights. They might be a gadget but (and call me stupid) but I like looking at the tank with them on and imagine that's what the reef looks like at night with a full moon
(I know, I know.. .dumb but hey, I've seen dumber)
 

rmeaux

Member
Just received my Nova Extreme Pro 6x54 and love it. Was gonna recommend it to you until I went back and looked at your tank dimensions. I would grab the MH fixture.
 
I did it!!!!
I just placed the order for the Aqualight Elite, will see it hopefully in about a week. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can get away without a chiller since it wil not be mounted in a canopy. Thank for all the advice everyone!
 

05xrunner

Active Member
I have one question..you said there is only a $10 difference between the Elite and the nova pro..I was looking at those elites and I see the 48" is like 800bucks..if its so cheap are you sure its even coming with ballast for the halides
 
Originally Posted by 05xrunner
http:///forum/post/2905363
I have one question..you said there is only a $10 difference between the Elite and the nova pro..I was looking at those elites and I see the 48" is like 800bucks..if its so cheap are you sure its even coming with ballast for the halides
You have to look at the right web site
Yes, it comes with everything, shy of the hanging kit. They are having an incredible sale on the fixture, major web site, i am sure you can figure it out
 
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