retrofit lights

[adam & jeanne]

we are considering changing our fish only tank to accomodate coral. we have noticed that the retrofit light kits are very expensive at out local aquarium shop. are there any out there that can get the job done but at a smaller cost? the price weve received is two hundred dollars. we have a 55 gallon tank. thanks for all your help!!

 

[jeffsz28]

maybe check out some places on the web? i got my own retrofit set up for my six gallon reef. i got a light fixture with the hard ware together at home depo and the lights i got are two floresent bulbs made together and one is blue and other is white. the whole setup cost like $30 so i'm sure you could find something at a store like that and get the bulbs off line?

 

[jakob4001]

yep, you probably should do some research online; we shopped around for VHO retro kit; the best of course is ICECAP, but so too is it the most expensive as far as VHO lighting goes, & usually you still have to furnish additional hardware/materials for it; so we found an alternative brand that performed almost as well or just as well & provided EVERYTHING needed including the fancy 3 piece german endcaps; also depends what kinda of corals you will have; seems 1 rule is to get the best/most lighting you can fit in your budget could try www.hamiltontechnology.com or SWF.com of course the brand we got was LN VHO retrokit

 

[adam & jeanne]

ok so what are the recommendations as far as what kind of lights and wattage. im new to this and dont have any idea of what id be looking for as far as specs are concerned.thanks!!

 

[adrian]

You have a wide range of lighting options, and any good kit is going to be expensive, this is one place you dont want to skimp. It might be a good idea to get a book and research the types of corals you want to keep and the lighting options available. Natural Reef Aquariums by John Tullock would be a great place to start. HTH