which one would you get?

[nemo_66]

ok, so im setting up a 5.5 gallon, and i was thinking about the lights. i didnt really want anything extrodinarily expensive, but i dont really want to mess up either. i want it right the first time.
i have 3 choices now. T5 HO fixture, DiY MH pendant, or MH pendant.
T5 HO nova extreme fixture. 2 bulbs, 20 watts each. 40 watts total.
Pros
*Fixture
*Cheap replacement bulbs
*about $60 without shipping
Cons
*no shimmer
DiY MH pendant. going to buy from a memeber on --. everything works. 70 watt
Pros
*Shimmer
*only $70 shipped
*strong light
Cons
*Hot
*an eye sore
*Bulbs a bit pricey
MH pendant 70 watts. off E-bay
Pros
*Nice looking
*shimmer
*strong light
Cons
*$110 shipped
*pricey bulbs
*no bulb included
everyone knows what a nova extreme looks like, so no pictures for that, but here are the other two. im leaning towards the pendant though, since its only about 40 dollars more expensive, but it looks professional. i do realize that the Pendant really is only a reflector, but it looks good enough to hang like that...
DiY MH

Pendant

EDIT: all i want to keep in the 5.5 gallon is softies, LPS and maybe an orange monticap. thats about it, but the shimmer is a BIG plus. but what would you all pick?

 

[loopy101]

since your only going to be keepings softies and lps i would go with the t5's
cheaper in the long run less elec,and less heat, cheaper bulbs and easier to create a full light cycle (dawn to dusk) look

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by loopy101
http:///forum/post/3072777
since your only going to be keepings softies and lps i would go with the t5's
cheaper in the long run less elec,and less heat, cheaper bulbs and easier to create a full light cycle (dawn to dusk) look
+1...although I feel like this is deja vu...LOL