Purchasing 90gal AGA / need lighting help

[anubisxero]

Hi guys. So yeah. Buying the aquarium this weekend hopefully! I've been racking my brain with what I should do with the lighting. My 37gal has a sunpod with a single MH 150w 14k. I'm aiming for a full reef with all types of corals stony and soft. I've been told to go with T-5's and have been looking over the different possibilities but It's a tough choice. I've also wanted to do the MH/T-5 mix, but they are pretty expensive, much more than just the T-5's by themselves. So, i'm open to Ideas but i'd very much like your imput. All of your imput. The tank's dimensions are as so: 48X18X24. I think the hood is about 4 - 6 inches off the water, however if going with halides of any kind i'd of course have to raise this. Thanks in advance!
Jason.

 

[anubisxero]

c'monnn :help:

 

[anubisxero]

;/ bump?

 

[joncat24]

are you wanting a fixture or a retro fit for a hood/canopy?

 

[joncat24]

if you want a fixture I would say to google "odyssea 48 inch metal halide"
I love mine. they have come a long way since the older versions

 

[anubisxero]

Originally Posted by joncat24
if you want a fixture I would say to google "odyssea 48 inch metal halide"
I love mine. they have come a long way since the older versions

I was kind of leaning toward a retro considering cost effectiveness i've heard good things about odyssea lately. I've just been largely directed toward T-5's so naturally i've been investigating them nonstop. and thank you for replying.

 

[joncat24]

yeah, if you want a fixture...I dont think they can be touched for the money....48 inch with 250 watt mh and actinics for 300 shipped!!

 

[zsqure]

Where?

 

[ninjamini]

I love this light. I would not do 250 MH unless your gonna run a chiller
Aqualight Pro HQI/Compact Fluorescent/Lunar Light Fixture
*One of the highest outputs from a single combination light fixture
*Space-saving unit performs the job of three different light fixtures
*Low profile anodized black aluminum housing
Space-saving unit performs the job of three different fixtures. Combines 10000°K HQI double-ended metal halide, actinic blue compact fluorescent, and 1 watt Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED lamps in a low profile, anodized black aluminum housing. External remote magnetic HQI ballast and internal compact fluorescent electronic ballast(s) with independent on/off switches for convenient 24-hour day and night lighting conditions. 15" x 2-3/4" high. Replacement Square Pin Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and HQI Double Ended Metal Halide Bulbs available.
Features: Highly polished reflectors, built-in cooling fan(s), acrylic compact fluorescent lens cover and glass HQI lens cover(s), and heavy duty mounting legs. Includes appropriate number of HQI double-ended bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, and Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED lamps.

 

[anubisxero]

Originally Posted by ninjamini
I love this light. I would not do 250 MH unless your gonna run a chiller
Aqualight Pro HQI/Compact Fluorescent/Lunar Light Fixture
*One of the highest outputs from a single combination light fixture
*Space-saving unit performs the job of three different light fixtures
*Low profile anodized black aluminum housing
Space-saving unit performs the job of three different fixtures. Combines 10000°K HQI double-ended metal halide, actinic blue compact fluorescent, and 1 watt Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED lamps in a low profile, anodized black aluminum housing. External remote magnetic HQI ballast and internal compact fluorescent electronic ballast(s) with independent on/off switches for convenient 24-hour day and night lighting conditions. 15" x 2-3/4" high. Replacement Square Pin Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and HQI Double Ended Metal Halide Bulbs available.
Features: Highly polished reflectors, built-in cooling fan(s), acrylic compact fluorescent lens cover and glass HQI lens cover(s), and heavy duty mounting legs. Includes appropriate number of HQI double-ended bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, and Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED lamps.
i'd totally go for that but it's just too expensive. which is also why i was looking for retrofitting.

 

[ninjamini]

Originally Posted by Anubisxero
i'd totally go for that but it's just too expensive. which is also why i was looking for retrofitting.
I know its expensive but it looks ooohhh so good on top the tank with no canopy.