noobie

ali1

ali1

New Member
Setting up a 125G (72 x 18 x 24) with sps and lps and looking for the best choice. Looking at an all in one unit that will get the job done for those corals. Ideally, I would like a light that will take care of most corals, so I dont spend twice as much because I made a mistake. Ive read this forum and it seems like most people feel that 250watts MH is needed for >20" depth. Im looking at the following units:
Coralife Aqualight 72" HQI $900
Hamilton Technology Metal Halide Fixtures, 3x175W 10K, 72 inc $900
Marineland Pro 3X150W 14K HQI Fixture with 8X39W T-5 Actinics and 6 LED Moonlights $1100
Hamilton Technology Belize: 3x250watt Bulbs & 2X80W T5 HO $1050
The outer orbit is discontinued, so that's out of the question. The marineland comes with integrated timer for setting each light. I like this. The rest I would need to buy separate timers for them, right? Correct me if im wrong, but I dont want to make a mistake in buying a $1000 light. Can i go wrong with any of these or all of these very good units? Please help me out as much as you can as I will be making a purchase soon to have it arrive with my RO/DI water. Im a total noob, so any help is totally appreciated.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
I vote marineland.....even though it has 250W metal halides, it also has the T5's and the moonlights, and the seperate timers
all +'s
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3290724
I vote marineland.....even though it has 250W metal halides, it also has the T5's and the moonlights, and the seperate timers
all +'s

I like the 175w because it is in between, not too much and not too little...however, the moonlights, T5s and timers...being all part of the unit is a huge plus and will save you money.
So I agree with Meowzer
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3290724
I vote marineland.....even though it has 250W metal halides, it also has the T5's and the moonlights, and the seperate timers
all +'s
the marineland is not 250watt though
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by ali1
http:///forum/post/3290766
the marineland is not 250watt though
I know, but it has the 8 T5's and the moonlights......You will probably change out the MH's for better ones anyway, and the T5's too
I think it would work in a 125G...it's not that deep
HECK my 29G is 18" deep and I have just T5's and I have a clam, sps, lps...etc
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3290786
I know, but it has the 8 T5's and the moonlights......You will probably change out the MH's for better ones anyway, and the T5's too
I think it would work in a 125G...it's not that deep
HECK my 29G is 18" deep and I have just T5's and I have a clam, sps, lps...etc

How can i change them for better ones ? If its a 150watt fixture, doesnt it mean I cannot stick 250watt bulbs in it? I can only change the Kelvin right?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
RIGHT!! Most likely it will come with current bulbs......10k at that, and the T5's will be 420/460 actinics
I would use them first....since you have them, and to break in the tank and the light....then SAVE UP...and depending on what look you are looking for.....get different bulbs
For example....I got Phoenix 14k for my metal halides now
for the T5's..I now use 4 ATI blue plus, 2 UV Super Actinics and 2 KZ Figi Purples
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Sounds good , thanks for the help . While researching more, I came across this Hamilton 3x250 watt 14k MH, 2 x T5 420nm 80 watt, 4x LED light, comes with individual power chords, includes mounting legs and hanging suspension kit. Is hamilton a reputable company or a generic company? Same price as the marineland pro. Would this be a better buy since its got the included hanging suspension, 250 watt MHs?
http://www.aquasythe.com/Products/BE...T-HT-BL72.aspx
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
IDK anything about Hamilton.......I mean it sounds ok....
....I'd kinda rather have more of the T5's though...you can alternate different bulbs....BUT I just can't say for sure about it
LOl...I just noticed they have the same light I do.....the outer orbit 72" with the 3 250W MH and the T5HO
I can tell you about that one....LOL...
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3290827
IDK anything about Hamilton.......I mean it sounds ok....
....I'd kinda rather have more of the T5's though...you can alternate different bulbs....BUT I just can't say for sure about it
LOl...I just noticed they have the same light I do.....the outer orbit 72" with the 3 250W MH and the T5HO
I can tell you about that one....LOL...
Talk to me about it... 72" CURRENT USA OUTER ORBIT 3X250W 10,000K HQI-MH W/ 8X39W T5 HO & 24 LUNAR LIGHTS this model right? i thought they discontinued this model. Any pics of your setup with this?
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Hamilton has been around a long time, and more expeience in the lighting Arran than the others as well.. I'd still opt the AquaPro unit by coralife. The 250 is important , whereas the smaller wattage will work, but could be limiting in instances, plus if you ever upgrade to a deeper tank, the 250's are a perfect fit!!!!
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3290800
RIGHT!! Most likely it will come with current bulbs......10k at that, and the T5's will be 420/460 actinics
I would use them first....since you have them, and to break in the tank and the light....then SAVE UP...and depending on what look you are looking for.....get different bulbs
For example....I got Phoenix 14k for my metal halides now
for the T5's..I now use 4 ATI blue plus, 2 UV Super Actinics and 2 KZ Figi Purples
Wouldnt you be able to actually buy a fixture that has those bulbs in it stock? or at least the T-5's from API or soemthing?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by Jstdv8
http:///forum/post/3290850
Wouldnt you be able to actually buy a fixture that has those bulbs in it stock? or at least the T-5's from API or soemthing?
I have no idea......I have seen some fixtures where you can pick the k of the Metal halide
and other T5 fixtures that you can buy bulbless and pick your bulbs
I have not seen a mh/t5 fixture with that option....thst DOES NOT mean it doesn't exist....LOL....I just have not seen it
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
I just thought maybe ATI had one, but maybe they just use T-5's
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3290844
Hamilton has been around a long time, and more expeience in the lighting Arran than the others as well.. I'd still opt the AquaPro unit by coralife. The 250 is important , whereas the smaller wattage will work, but could be limiting in instances, plus if you ever upgrade to a deeper tank, the 250's are a perfect fit!!!!
So are are you saying I should get the 250watt hamilton fixture or suggesting the coralife? The unit I listed is a 150watt fixture. The coralife 250watt is out of my budget, around $1500.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
This is a VERY important part of your aquarium....AND a VERY expensive part......take your time and read all the reviews you can on these lights......
Acrylic knows what he is talking about.....I can only tell you about my Outer Orbit....and the fact that I really like it....
he is saying if you go with the 250W lights...you will never have to 2nd guess.....for the couple hundred difference I also would go 250W....
The only think I DON'T like about the Hamilton is the 2 T5's......I like the fact that mine has 8 because I am able to add different bulbs as I stated earlier....
Your tank is not set up yet (right?)...so you are in no rush....you don't even needs lights to start your cycle going.....
also read the reviews that come with the lights....google the brands, and you can get even more reviews
all I can tell you is read....read..........and read some more
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
With MH's.....I really see no point in having 8 T5's.....what's the real purpose??? If you using them for supplementation, I'd run UVL bulbs over any for my 03 lighting.....Still old school, but tried, tested, and proven IMO......
I'm not really 1 to skimp when it comes to certain equipment...(none). The hobby is expensive, but you will find yourself over time when you do skimp, repurchasing equipment, that you should have done correctly in the first place. I have personally used the Coralife fixtures, not on my own tanks, but customers, and they are really impressive......Again I like to base some of my purchase decisions on track records to start the search.....Marineland has what real track record in the lighting industry? They have copied (probably) as most companies do, so they are innovative IMHO.
With the ones you listed on your initial post the only one that truly fits is the Hamiliton 250W MH's......Your questioning the extra cash to step up to the 250's from the 150's or 175's. What are you truly after with the MH's????? Why not looking at going straight T5's? I would spend the extra cash on the Coralife 250's or the Hamilton 250 setup. If it means putting the purchase off a bit, that's honestly what you should do. Again somewhere down the road making a rush purchase; you'll be kicking yourself in the rear, and yes the depth penetrations are pretty accurate, and by skimping on penetration ability, you limit possibly what you can keep, and where they are placed. I never like being limited, when I have the ability to widen my options or choices...
Again I'd opt for the 250 MH's over the 150's.....and I see no real need for major (8 T5's for supplemental lighting) as well....JMHO
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Originally Posted by ali1
http:///forum/post/3290864
So are are you saying I should get the 250watt hamilton fixture or suggesting the coralife? The unit I listed is a 150watt fixture. The coralife 250watt is out of my budget, around $1500.
If Coralife 250 is out of your price range, Hamilton would be my next choice....I went away from Hamilton years ago only because of price......I think they are salty!!!!!
Honestly you could take 2 IceCap or CoralVue dimmable ballasts, 2 good LumenBright reflectors, some decent LED for supplemental lighting to give you the pop, I know you want and shimmering affect, a couple moonlights.....6 good quality moonlights is way overkill for that size tank. You would be way under that budget, and IMHO, and numbers would prove it a better light setup hands down......
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3290878
With MH's.....I really see no point in having 8 T5's.....what's the real purpose??? If you using them for supplementation, I'd run UVL bulbs over any for my 03 lighting.....Still old school, but tried, tested, and proven IMO......
I realize that some people say you don;t need the "actinics" BUT.....personally I like the looks....also you can add different color spectrums with the different bulbs I have mentioned previously
of course I am a plug & play type
...Acrylic and some others could help you put something together....I can not....
 
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