Lighting question

[navy_guy]

I am looking to upgrade my light to a 250 watt 14K metal halide. What brand would be the best, but not cost so much? Should I go with a combo lighting system T5's, metal halide and moon lights? I just want to get it right and not buy the wrong one.

 

[aquaguy24]

depends on ur budget and if ur a diy person..and do u have a canopy..im not a diy person so i bought an all in one system..i went with current usa outer ordit and couldn't be happier...very pleased with the performance and quality..it has 2x250w mh with 4x54w t5 actinics..it come with 10k bulbs but i switch to pheonix 14k...growth and color are just awesome..the complete system cost me a little over $800 brand new...

 

[jackri]

Originally Posted by aquaguy24
http:///forum/post/3026566
depends on ur budget and if ur a diy person..and do u have a canopy..im not a diy person so i bought an all in one system..i went with current usa outer ordit and couldn't be happier...very pleased with the performance and quality..it has 2x250w mh with 4x54w t5 actinics..it come with 10k bulbs but i switch to pheonix 14k...growth and color are just awesome..the complete system cost me a little over $800 brand new...
I did the EXACT same thing for my 90 gallon to a Tee and love it

I also have just a ice cap ballast, pendant and phoenix 14k 250w bulb on my frag tank and think the color off that is even better without the actinics.... I may do some different coloring with my actinics with my canopy next time I order the t-5's but I like the phoenix bulbs for my halides.

 

[navy_guy]

thank you for the help. I have a 44 gallon pentagon tank wich means its a deep tank. I really don't want to spend over $500.00 for a light if I don't have to. What does diy mean? I do have the original canopy but after looking at all the different types of fixtures the canopy will have to go.

 

[salt210]

DIY is referring to buying the lights in pieces or buying a kit rather than buying a lighting fixture

 

[salt210]

Originally Posted by Navy_Guy
http:///forum/post/3026609
What does diy mean? I do have the original canopy but after looking at all the different types of fixtures the canopy will have to go.
if you buy a kit then you will be able to use the canopy. you could even hang a light from the ceiling and have it sit in the center of the canopy as long as it is short enough

 

[aquaguy24]

Originally Posted by Navy_Guy
http:///forum/post/3026609
thank you for the help. I have a 44 gallon pentagon tank wich means its a deep tank. I really don't want to spend over $500.00 for a light if I don't have to. What does diy mean? I do have the original canopy but after looking at all the different types of fixtures the canopy will have to go.
u should be able to find a 250w pendent for less then $500..like a clip on type..u can go with a xm 20k bulb..so u don't need the actinics supplement..there are plenty of options under $500

 

[navy_guy]

ok, thank you all for your help. Hope to find a light soon?

 

[aquaguy24]

ok good luck..don't worry if it takes u a while to find the right light...it took me months of research before i pulled the trigger on my lighting system..