Lighting upgrade advice needed!

[jemshores]

We have a 50g flat back hex--36x24x12; running 50/50 65W (complete hood system-flourescent). Its a FOWLR and would like to possibly add a few "easier" corals; and I know we need more light! I have read till my eyes are crossed and still don't understand the whole process and what is required to keep them happy! The light now is 21", but do we go with 30" or 36"-know I would have to retro fit the system. Looked at the dual satellite 2x65 w/lunar lite and wondered if it would work. Dual daylight 10000K and 6700K and dual actinic 420nm and 460nm with 3x the light output of flourescents. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. I know how important lighting is and really need some professional advice from you all!

 

[mr_x]

i would get away from the power compacts all together. what do you mean you know you will have to retrofit the system? are you looking into purchasing a retrofit kit to mount in your canopy, or are you considering a fixture? if the tank is 36" long, then i'd go with a 36" fixture. the nova extreme is ok, but i'd go with the nova extreme pro if i could. 24 inches to the sand bed needs a decent amount of light to reach it.

 

[moprint]

Nova Extreme Pro is what I have only in the 48" model. You can find the 36" around $285 if you shop around. I switched from power compacts and wow what a difference.

 

[jemshores]

Originally Posted by Mr_X
http:///forum/post/2733017
i would get away from the power compacts all together. what do you mean you know you will have to retrofit the system? are you looking into purchasing a retrofit kit to mount in your canopy, or are you considering a fixture? if the tank is 36" long, then i'd go with a 36" fixture. the nova extreme is ok, but i'd go with the nova extreme pro if i could. 24 inches to the sand bed needs a decent amount of light to reach it.
The tank cover is one-piece; light and lid ( not a canopy), with just about 2" in the back for equipment. I would like to "save it" if we could-being a 6-sided hex. I guess that's what I meant by retro fit! There are 2 bars across the top though (front to back) would I need a cover? Or could I use egg crate & the lighting. Don't think I have any jumpers but I like the fact that its covered. 36" sounds great, but what wattage/actinics do I require to get to the bottom, and should I purchase one w or w/o reflectors? All those numbers boggle ones mind...filtration was not a problem but with the expense I don't want to goof and buy too much and sunburn or buy to little and starve them for light! Thanks Mr. X-I truly respect your knowlege in this hobby.

 

[moprint]

Get a T5 retrofit with individual reflectors. A 36" would be ideal. How big is the tank cover where the light is? I found a retrofit kit that is 35" x 3" x 1.5". It is a two bulb kit with individual reflectors it runs $116.

 

[jemshores]

My light is 30", so I think to retro fit that fixture might not give me enough lite. I would like to keep some kind of cover and go with a 36" We are looking at the Current USA Dual Satellite 36" 2x96w with (2) 10K daylight and (1 ea) 460 420nm actinics. Also has lunar lites...do you think that would be OK for a few corals down the road? Did not read many good reviews on the Nova Extreme Pro and pricey too! This will fit our budget. Hope its not too bright, whatch think? Will have to devise some sort of glass or arcylic cover too. Its always something