noobie

ali1

ali1

New Member
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'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

thats what i was looking for. If i have 3x250watts, why do i need the 8 T5s?
What am i truly after? I'm just starting the saltwater hobby and I would like to buy the correct lighting so I don't have to buy a new fixture when i find myself limited. My goal is to have lps, clams, sps, etc.
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3290879
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......
I figured for $1000, I can get a really nice unit for my tank that will support the corals listed. I will read more on DIY lighting to do what you suggested, but I know nothing about lighting fixtures, ballasts, reflectors, etc. Is there a good tutorial for explaining how to construct a lighting fixture with the equipment you touched upon (ballasts, reflectors, LED)
Thanks :)
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
For about a $1,000 you can get an IceCap Reef Illuminations 72" fixture. It comes with 3-250W MH's, 2-T5 bulbs and 2-Tubular LED strip light bulbs. You would be able to keep whatever you want with that fixture and it's not overkill on the T5's.
It doesn't have built in timers but it's a quality fixture. You'd have to shop around to find the best price, but I've seen them on one site for $1,077 dollars, only thing there is you'd have to buy the MH bulbs and T5 bulbs seperate. Otherwise it's going to be close to $1,300 dollars.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Originally Posted by 2Quills
http:///forum/post/3291048
For about a $1,000 you can get an IceCap Reef Illuminations 72" fixture. It comes with 3-250W MH's, 2-T5 bulbs and 2-Tubular LED strip light bulbs. You would be able to keep whatever you want with that fixture and it's not overkill on the T5's.
It doesn't have built in timers but it's a quality fixture. You'd have to shop around to find the best price, but I've seen them on one site for $1,077 dollars, only thing there is you'd have to buy the MH bulbs and T5 bulbs seperate. Otherwise it's going to be close to $1,300 dollars.
Agree!!!!!
I wasn't arguing or trying to debate the effectiveness of T5's by any means....My point was with the MH's 8 T5's is way overkill, and yes they would and should be used for supplementation, unless your looking; planning on running something like Radiums, and then your talking about a whole different setup.
Bottom line I would look at stepping up to the (3) 250W MH's and supplementing with T5's......Again the 175's would suffice, but can't actually say what kind of numbers you'd read at the bottom of the tank, and it might limit placement of corals......With the 250's alittle more cash up front, but regardless you'll have plenty of penetration of light, coral placement won't be limited, and in the even you go to a deeper tank of the same length, the lighting system is a direct swap over, and the worse case scenario you'd add a couple more T5's in the mix. 2Quills (Corey) is pointing you in an excellent direction. With IceCap reputation and service, I'd spend the extra cash to buy their products!!!!!!
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Originally Posted by ali1
http:///forum/post/3290960
I figured for $1000, I can get a really nice unit for my tank that will support the corals listed. I will read more on DIY lighting to do what you suggested, but I know nothing about lighting fixtures, ballasts, reflectors, etc. Is there a good tutorial for explaining how to construct a lighting fixture with the equipment you touched upon (ballasts, reflectors, LED)
Thanks :)
I will see if I can find an old thread with some figures as far a bulb ballast combination and it will give you some idea.....Sanjay has a good site, I will see if I can find it and link his info as well. He's probably the leading expert in this area........
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Thanks everyone for muchooo support. I checked reviews for both icecap reef illuminations and the Hamilton technology...
Both have mixed reviews, at the same time both have very little reviews. Any other light fixtures that are comparable? I am checking out those links about lighting as we speak!
I checked out the geisser fixture and thats $3500+ Wow, is that the mercedes benz of the lighting industry or are you just paying for the name?
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Are you referring to Geisemann fixtures? Yes they are the Mercedes Benz......IceCap I find hard to believe they have mixed reviews....Maybe on that product line, but their ballast/customer service is unmatched as is Tunze.....Some companies you just stick with.......I still honestly believe the easiest, and best of both worlds is a DIY lighting setup.....You can mix and match your components, and get the best you can at half the price....The DIY portion is super easy and enough of the tech guys are always here to get you through it......
 
ali1

ali1

New Member
Originally Posted by acrylic51
http:///forum/post/3291311
Are you referring to Geisemann fixtures? Yes they are the Mercedes Benz......IceCap I find hard to believe they have mixed reviews....Maybe on that product line, but their ballast/customer service is unmatched as is Tunze.....Some companies you just stick with.......I still honestly believe the easiest, and best of both worlds is a DIY lighting setup.....You can mix and match your components, and get the best you can at half the price....The DIY portion is super easy and enough of the tech guys are always here to get you through it......

got any links to DIY fixtures? Im open to give it a try :)
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
No real links to DIY fixtures, other than looking at the different type (manufacturer) of ballasts, reflectors, and bulb types......Basically you figure what you want and hunt it out.....
My recommendations would be IceCap MH ballasts or CoralVue dimmable ballasts, LumenBright reflectors, bulb choice is totally up to your preference. For your supplemental I'd again look in the direction of IceCap to drive the T5's.
 
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