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I'm looking at MH kits for my 30 gal tank and trying to find which one is right for me, very cost conscious right now as well so that doesn't make things easy.
Now, if I were to get a kit like the Aqualight Advanced Series that appears to clamp on the back of the tank do I need to supplement with actinic compact fluorescent or is this solved just with an HQI lamp?
The problem is a pendant is troublesome because I have 12 foot ceilings and don't really want to have to mess with a permanent fixture. The only thing I can think of there is to have a buddy of mine who is a good metal worker create a custom iron hood of some kind to sit on top of the tank and hold the light.
Any insight for a relative novice? Thanks!

 

[reefer545]

If you arent going anywhere for a few years, put the light in the ceiling. You dont want extra weight on your tank - especially not the top. You should supplement with actinic. I have the sundial 150 with 2 x 32 w actinic pendant. Teh pendants LOOK GREAT hanging from the ceiling. Whats the worst that can happen? You have to fill a couple holes with plaster and paint over them when you move. Sounds like nothing to me. Sorry if I didnt help or answere how you wanted me too.

 

[veni vidi vici]

From what I've read and been told,you do not need actinics with MH lighting.You only need actinics for simulating daylight cycle.
If a pendant fits you buget better,look into building a hood.Fairly easy and cheap.If you do go the way of a hood,retrofit MH lighting may even be less expensive.You will however need a fan to cool water and lamps (I just use a 6" mini fan on ledge behind DT)
One other thing,read up on lighting.It will help you make a more informed decision.You dont want to put a 10K lamp over your tank and wish you would have went with a 14k or 20k.

 

[gatorwpb]

Check out the Sunpods for MH. Im not sure what width a 30gal tank is, but Im sure they have a Sunpod that will fit.
They dont have actinic, but I can tell you, you dont really need it. I have since supplemented with actinic, but more for color. You can upgrade the stock bulbs to 20K if you want more color. There are many options for 150w DE bulbs.