Lighting help

orbit · 09/13/2007, 04:56 PM

hi guys

im kinda on a tight budget

and i'm trying to set up a 20L nano reef

im looking to buy a lighting the the range of 100 - 200 bucks

is that possible? im kinda just looking to keep soft corals..nothing fancy

any suggestions on the light i can get to fit my budget

thanks
Orbit

kev apsley · 09/13/2007, 05:09 PM

is this going to be an opened top tank?

orbit · 09/13/2007, 06:33 PM

hmm i am not 100% sure wut opened top tank means... are they the ones where u hang them off the ceiling?

i was looking at something along the lines of this

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=484

i was reading some of the other posts here and some ppl mention "PC Lighting"...can someone explain to me wut those kind of lighting are?

any suggestion of what lighting i should get would be great

Thanks again ppl
orbit

Southern Boy · 09/13/2007, 06:48 PM

Those lights you are lokking at are PC's(power compacts).That is kinda expensive for a 2 65watt pc set.And open top is where you hang them from the ceiling,have lights on legs, anything that dosn't involve a closed hood.You oght to check out some t5's.They seem to be alot better way to go.

Southern Boy · 09/13/2007, 06:50 PM

I'm kinda rusty on the metric system.What is the conversion from leters to gallons for that 20L?

orbit · 09/13/2007, 08:04 PM

i checked around for some t5's and noticed that most are 24" or 36 " but my tank is 30" so they wont fit

i am kinda debating between these three

1st
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12109

2nd
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...7&pcatid=13637

3rd
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_Orbit.html

which ones do u think are better?

thanks again!
Orbit

loosecannon · 09/13/2007, 09:08 PM

Orbit I got 2 65 watt pc. from aqutraders for 49$. some years back.

BurntOutReefer · 09/13/2007, 09:29 PM

first of all....what you going to keep. That decides what light you need.

dzeadow · 09/13/2007, 09:31 PM

I just got my t5's in the mail from championlighting.com and the legs on them are adjustable with a set-screw .. they may hang off the side of the tank a little on both sides, but still useable.

http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=633

orbit · 09/13/2007, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BurntOutReefer
first of all....what you going to keep. That decides what light you need.

hi since im am just starting saltwater i was think of just keeping soft corals such as Cabbage Leather, Mushrooms, Green Star Polyps

or maybe buy a pack or nano coral packages like these

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...fm?pCatId=2033

so will the coral life or current usa orbit lighting do? and which one do guys recommend

thanks
Orbit

lesages · 09/14/2007, 12:24 AM

The Orbit will be fine for what you want to keep. I used to use one before I got into SPS. I still have it and it's for sale but it's the 24" model.

sprinj76 · 09/14/2007, 12:59 AM

I just purchased the Dual Satellite fixture and have had it for about 1 day now. I love it, it is well built, very bright, and a great value. I also like the look of the satellite better over the orbit but thats just my opinion.

If you go with the dual satellite you will not be disappointed. Good luck with what ever you get. Out of all 3 of those I think any one you choose would be a great light.

orbit · 09/14/2007, 09:41 PM

BUMP!!

i was looking around and kinda decided to go the opposite way
instead of buying a light i was think of buying individual pieces to assemble my own lighting

i was think of something like this

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1401

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=462

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=569

after i buy the three components do i just connect the wire and plug it in? lol

also how high above the water should this be for my 20 L tank..im probably goin to use a 150 W light bulb even though i kno it says 250W.... im only getting the 250W so just in case in the future i want to get a bigger tank i dont have to buy new light bulbs

any suggestion on wut kind of bulbs i should get

can i build a canopy for something like this? i so do i need cans to cool the lighting

i kno im asking alot in this post but thanks alot guys

Thanks
Orbit

kau_cinta_ku · 09/14/2007, 10:00 PM

1st off if you only want 150 watt bulbs you will need a 150 watt ballast and a 150 watt bulb. when you upgrade you will need a diff. ballast and diff. bulb. they won't work using a 250 watt ballast with a 150 watt bulb.

but 150 watts will do great on that tank. most ppl keep them 8-10 inches off the water. fans will depend on how hot the room is and such but are good to have to cool down the tank if needed.

orbit · 09/15/2007, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kau_cinta_ku
1st off if you only want 150 watt bulbs you will need a 150 watt ballast and a 150 watt bulb. when you upgrade you will need a diff. ballast and diff. bulb. they won't work using a 250 watt ballast with a 150 watt bulb.

but 150 watts will do great on that tank. most ppl keep them 8-10 inches off the water. fans will depend on how hot the room is and such but are good to have to cool down the tank if needed.

lol cool man thanks for the heads up..i didnt know the light bulbs dont work that way ROFL

i thought it was like regular light stands where u dont have to use the max Wattage

but that cool ill just get the 150W one

so can i build a canopy and put this under it or does it have to hang from the ceiling?

Vin7250 · 09/15/2007, 08:47 AM

you can build a canopy, but MH lighting gets very hot, so you may need to install fans on the tank to keep it in a reasonable temp range. Also a lot of people are unsatisfied with the color of the MH bulbs and want to put some PC or T5 actinic for color. But your choice of MH is a very good one. Just make sure you dont completely enclose those lights or your water will get way over heated!

orbit · 09/15/2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vin7250
you can build a canopy, but MH lighting gets very hot, so you may need to install fans on the tank to keep it in a reasonable temp range. Also a lot of people are unsatisfied with the color of the MH bulbs and want to put some PC or T5 actinic for color. But your choice of MH is a very good one. Just make sure you dont completely enclose those lights or your water will get way over heated!

thanks i think im gonna go with the MH 150W..... also if i want actinic can i just buy this and only go with the actinic light bulb

https://2693887399.monstercommercesi...PROD&ProdID=16

Thanks
Orbit

kev apsley · 09/15/2007, 09:39 AM

this way down the road when the Stony Coral addiction starts you'll be set

...trust me it's coming

orbit · 09/15/2007, 11:59 AM

i just realize that the fixture is 11" but my tank is 20" ...

will the lighting be able to shine both ends of my tank?

Rockhead21564 · 09/15/2007, 01:55 PM

20L = 20 long.

Buy the ballast on ebay, the sockets from hellolights, the plugs I use a heavy duty extension cord and cut it up and use it for my connections. I use flashing from lowes as my reflectors and it's all done for less than $100. I get my bulbs from reefopticslighting.com, about $35-$45per bulb. A metal halide light goes 2' square, so it cover your tank just fine. My suggestion is to go with the 250w. You'll be able to use WHEN you upgrade, the 150w will very probably not be useful. Use 14k or 20k bulbs and you won't have to do actinic lighting, unless you just like the color.

09/13/2007, 04:56 PM	#1
orbit Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 500	Lighting help hi guys im kinda on a tight budget and i'm trying to set up a 20L nano reef im looking to buy a lighting the the range of 100 - 200 bucks is that possible? im kinda just looking to keep soft corals..nothing fancy any suggestions on the light i can get to fit my budget thanks Orbit

09/13/2007, 09:08 PM	#7
loosecannon Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: port kent Posts: 1,292	Orbit I got 2 65 watt pc. from aqutraders for 49$. some years back. __________________ I like getting WET! Current Tank Info: 44gal. 40 gal. 75 gal. 30gal. and working on a 75gal. rigt

09/13/2007, 09:31 PM	#9
dzeadow Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 2,589	I just got my t5's in the mail from championlighting.com and the legs on them are adjustable with a set-screw .. they may hang off the side of the tank a little on both sides, but still useable. http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=633 __________________ - Danny Current Tank Info: Dual 50 Breeder system, 30g custom sump/fuge, MSX200, Tank1-6x24T5 retro, Tank2-4x39T5 retro

09/15/2007, 01:55 PM	#20
Rockhead21564 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Up North Vanderbilt, Michigan Posts: 525	20L = 20 long. Buy the ballast on ebay, the sockets from hellolights, the plugs I use a heavy duty extension cord and cut it up and use it for my connections. I use flashing from lowes as my reflectors and it's all done for less than $100. I get my bulbs from reefopticslighting.com, about $35-$45per bulb. A metal halide light goes 2' square, so it cover your tank just fine. My suggestion is to go with the 250w. You'll be able to use WHEN you upgrade, the 150w will very probably not be useful. Use 14k or 20k bulbs and you won't have to do actinic lighting, unless you just like the color. __________________ Sometimes I just don't get IT ! I want IT, but she won't let me buy anything else. Well, that she knows about anyway, Bah hahahaha Current Tank Info: 280g reef w/90g refug/reef & 90g sump;210g FOWLR W/20"Pnthr Grper,10"niger,36"zebra & 24" Tiger eels. 55g clam tank w/ 9,"8",6",5"& 4" Corceas, 9" Blue &12"orange squamosas

09/13/2007, 05:09 PM	#2
kev apsley Moved On Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: LI, NY Posts: 4,424	is this going to be an opened top tank?

09/13/2007, 06:33 PM	#3
orbit Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 500	hmm i am not 100% sure wut opened top tank means... are they the ones where u hang them off the ceiling? i was looking at something along the lines of this http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=484 i was reading some of the other posts here and some ppl mention "PC Lighting"...can someone explain to me wut those kind of lighting are? any suggestion of what lighting i should get would be great Thanks again ppl orbit

09/13/2007, 06:48 PM	#4
Southern Boy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fort pierce, Florida Posts: 671	Those lights you are lokking at are PC's(power compacts).That is kinda expensive for a 2 65watt pc set.And open top is where you hang them from the ceiling,have lights on legs, anything that dosn't involve a closed hood.You oght to check out some t5's.They seem to be alot better way to go.

09/13/2007, 06:50 PM	#5
Southern Boy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fort pierce, Florida Posts: 671	I'm kinda rusty on the metric system.What is the conversion from leters to gallons for that 20L?

09/13/2007, 08:04 PM	#6
orbit Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 500	i checked around for some t5's and noticed that most are 24" or 36 " but my tank is 30" so they wont fit i am kinda debating between these three 1st http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12109 2nd http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...7&pcatid=13637 3rd http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_Orbit.html which ones do u think are better? thanks again! Orbit

09/13/2007, 09:29 PM	#8
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	first of all....what you going to keep. That decides what light you need.

09/14/2007, 12:24 AM	#11
lesages Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Wiesbaden, Germany Posts: 153	The Orbit will be fine for what you want to keep. I used to use one before I got into SPS. I still have it and it's for sale but it's the 24" model.

09/14/2007, 12:59 AM	#12
sprinj76 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: WI Posts: 495	I just purchased the Dual Satellite fixture and have had it for about 1 day now. I love it, it is well built, very bright, and a great value. I also like the look of the satellite better over the orbit but thats just my opinion. If you go with the dual satellite you will not be disappointed. Good luck with what ever you get. Out of all 3 of those I think any one you choose would be a great light.

09/14/2007, 09:41 PM	#13
orbit Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 500	BUMP!! i was looking around and kinda decided to go the opposite way instead of buying a light i was think of buying individual pieces to assemble my own lighting i was think of something like this http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1401 http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=462 http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=569 after i buy the three components do i just connect the wire and plug it in? lol also how high above the water should this be for my 20 L tank..im probably goin to use a 150 W light bulb even though i kno it says 250W.... im only getting the 250W so just in case in the future i want to get a bigger tank i dont have to buy new light bulbs any suggestion on wut kind of bulbs i should get can i build a canopy for something like this? i so do i need cans to cool the lighting i kno im asking alot in this post but thanks alot guys Thanks Orbit

09/14/2007, 10:00 PM	#14
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	1st off if you only want 150 watt bulbs you will need a 150 watt ballast and a 150 watt bulb. when you upgrade you will need a diff. ballast and diff. bulb. they won't work using a 250 watt ballast with a 150 watt bulb. but 150 watts will do great on that tank. most ppl keep them 8-10 inches off the water. fans will depend on how hot the room is and such but are good to have to cool down the tank if needed.

09/15/2007, 08:47 AM	#16
Vin7250 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Connecticut "The Big East" Posts: 1,144	you can build a canopy, but MH lighting gets very hot, so you may need to install fans on the tank to keep it in a reasonable temp range. Also a lot of people are unsatisfied with the color of the MH bulbs and want to put some PC or T5 actinic for color. But your choice of MH is a very good one. Just make sure you dont completely enclose those lights or your water will get way over heated!

09/15/2007, 09:39 AM	#18
kev apsley Moved On Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: LI, NY Posts: 4,424	this way down the road when the Stony Coral addiction starts you'll be set ...trust me it's coming

09/15/2007, 11:59 AM	#19
orbit Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 500	i just realize that the fixture is 11" but my tank is 20" ... will the lighting be able to shine both ends of my tank?