Looking for idea's and recommendations.....

[mtkid6]

Right now I have a 65 watt pc light on my 37 gallon tank. I know that its not the best but not the worst either. The tank is 30 x 12 x 22. I am would like to have the optiont to have whatever I want but I am also on somewhat of a budget. I would rather spend money once for a good light. I thought I was sold on led's but the more I read here the more I am not.:frustrat:

I would sure appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from you guys out there.

 

[mng777777]

First thing you should do is look around for a deal on something used. I found my MH's for under $100. That was a no brainer considering that the reflectors alone would cost more than that new.

 

[mtkid6]

Do you know any good sites to check out other than craigslist and ebay?

 

[little_fish]

Try talking to your lfs, they seem to know what some one is leaving the hobby and trying to get rid of stuff. Or try and find a local reefing club.

 

[mtkid6]

I only have one lfs within 150 miles here and I can't find a reef club in the state. If you have heard of one in montana or the surrounding area please let me know. Thanks...what are peoples feeling towards power compact lights?

 

[little_fish]

They are pretty shitty. Not worth the money.

 

[mtkid6]

Thanks for the heads up. I am just struggling to find a good answer for my lighting. I have a canopy and would like to keep it on. Would 5-6 inches be enough clearance for a mh pendant?

 

[daugherty]

what are you looking for heights pet center here did have some nova pros they are t5s and ron can order something different if you need

 

[little_fish]

Im not 100% sure on that, but i think you need 8 inches for a metal halide

 

[daugherty]

there is a reef club for the northwest like kalispell area and i forgot the site name if i remember it i will let you know

 

[mtkid6]

I would be happy to drive to billings to pick something up. Do they have a website?

 

[daugherty]

I only have one lfs within 150 miles here and I can't find a reef club in the state. If you have heard of one in montana or the surrounding area please let me know. Thanks...what are peoples feeling towards power compact lights?

i have seen some very nice reef tanks that were lit with just pc lights.

Thanks for the heads up. I am just struggling to find a good answer for my lighting. I have a canopy and would like to keep it on. Would 5-6 inches be enough clearance for a mh pendant?

yes 5 or 6 in is ok but it will heat up the water more. my mh fixture sits maybe 6-7 in off the water.

 

[fastrd400]

If you have a canopy, you can always buy the ballasts, stand offs and end caps, and the bulbs and do a DIY inside. But don't forget reflectors!

 

[daugherty]

I would be happy to drive to billings to pick something up. Do they have a website?

no they dont. i would do down and look to see what they have but i am packing so i can leave for work. i go in there all the time when i am home but never look at the lights they have in stock. you could call and talk to ron about a price for a nova pro light i will find the number for the store

 

[mtkid6]

I have never done anything like that before but with some help I would give it a shot. Any good links for diy t5's?

 

[mtkid6]

Thanks for the help!!

 

[daugherty]

here is the number
406-248-9310 ask for ron he is the owner

 

[daugherty]

here is componets to make your own retrofit lights

T5 Fluorescent Aquarium DIY Components

 

[mtkid6]

Opinions on this one....


Solar T-5 Aquarium Hood 30" 6x24 Watts

 

[daugherty]

i use to have a light just like that it was not the best but it worked out good.

this is what i would recomend

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+18700&pcatid=18700