hanging lighting

[jstdv8]

Just wondering if the light isnt going to be seen (in wall application) do I need to spend a load of money on these pretty fixtures that have mass wattage or can I do something that is far lass pretty but still just as effective for alot less money? I will have lots of room above the tank to hang a fixture or I can place it on top in a canopy. any suggestions? I'd like to grow corals in a reef tank but I need the lighting and all i see are fixtures for 500-1200 bucks. Im fine with that if there isnt a chaper less pretty way of doing it

 

[mie]

You can very easily spend less on a hanging pendant setup, however the cost is going to be the ballast. It all depends on the lighting you choose, and how big of a tank are you useing.

 

[jstdv8]

well, right now i have a 4' compact floresent that is only 110 watts and thats not going to be good for much more than a fuge light So i want the best bang for my buck on something for my 90 gallon tank that will be powerfull enough to grow corals efficiently. I don't know if that means 3watts per gallon or 9 so anything you can tell me would be helpfull.
So when i buy this hanging setup is there something in particular that I buy or do i make it up out of one of those retrofit packages or what?
I see some thing have german backings for superior light reflection or something. do I need to buy a ahnging set up with something like that to get the most out of my lights. Do they have a kit for that? i'm fairly handy when it comes to building things I just don't know if we are talking about buying a shop light and making it work for different bulbs or if im going to be building everything from scratch and fitting in some T-5 connectors or something? Ive looked into it online, but I keep getting a bunch of stuff that doesnt answer my question, just a bunch of hoods with 4-8 lights in differnt variations with ballasts and fans all built into a pretty little hood that looks like its worth about 300 bucks all by itself.
If anybody has any pics of stuff they've made up and had success witht hat would be great too.
thanks in advance

 

[eric b 125]

google retrofit aquarium lighting.

 

[jstdv8]

I read up on the retrofits, but im still not quite sure what tehy fit into. Does it matter, do I buy the overhead piece seperatley or make it or what?
should i be running HO or VHO or metal halide? again looking for bang for my buck

 

[mie]

More bang for your buck is arguable. Many people have their opinions on which is better. Metal halides are costly in bulb replacement, however give you a great look and alot of reefs need the metal halides for proper health and growth, vhos usually accent halide lighting. You could have a very nice looking reef with all t5's. You need to shop around and compare bulb costs and the cost of ballast's to see what suites you better.