Reef lighting

[carlos413]

I have a 55 gallon reef been up and running for eight months now. I am currently using pc lighting and looking to upgrade. I am looking for a for a HO T5 unit with four bulbs. I like to stay away from those fixtures with built in timers as I am told the timers go bad and the whole unit is worthless. I would like one ac plug if possible, and moonlighting. There are a lot of good and bad fixtures out there, I like to here what people are using. Any input would be appreciated. Oh and I am looking for a unit with the bulbs included.

 

[cajonez]

I just ordered a lighting upgrade for my 55g also...anxiously awaiting its arrival. Finding a fixture with just 1 plug might limit your choices. Most have 2 plugs (1 actinics, 1 daylight) and if it has moonlights a third plug for that. Also, how much are you will to spend?

 

[carlos413]

Originally Posted by cajonez
http:///forum/post/3173266
I just ordered a lighting upgrade for my 55g also...anxiously awaiting its arrival. Finding a fixture with just 1 plug might limit your choices. Most have 2 plugs (1 actinics, 1 daylight) and if it has moonlights a third plug for that. Also, how much are you will to spend?
Around $300. I could deal with the plugs. What brand model did you get so I can google it?

 

[cajonez]

I went with a Nova Extreme Pro. Got it shipped for $315, came with 6 low quality bulbs. Its not a great light, but it will be much better than my PCs I had before...and so far the wife hasn't noticed that I bought it.
I know a lot of people stand by TEK fixtures, if you want to spend a little extra.

 

[carlos413]

bump

 

[dragonzim]

TEK fixtures are great, but its gonna run you more than $300...

 

[carlos413]

So I have done some research and I have decided that I am going to go with A Wave Point HO four T5 lamps fixture. Check out the link. Let me know what you think. And if you have one or had one or know someone who does Id like some input.
http://www.wave-point.com/Lighting_f...xtureMain.html

 

[jstdv8]

I think it may be important to eb able to turn your whites and your blues on and off seperatley. and Im not sure if that wave point will do that. pretty sure the nova extremes/pros do though. for about the same price

 

[alvin]

The Wave Point does NOT turn the white and blue off/on separately, but I'm thinking it should be fine. My retrofit kit came yesterday and will be installing it this weekend. For the price, I can't complain. $220 for a 48" retrofit kit, and it came with the bulbs!