Which Light would You Choose?

G.SMITHII · 10/03/2008, 11:08 AM

i have an 18 gallon tank.

its 20" wide, and 10" deep.

im goin to get a T5 fixture.

i was initially into this 6 bulb 108watt one
http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Ex...p/rcu01083.htm

but am wotrried about the lack of 18" bulb options.

so im debating goin with a 96watt 24" fixture w/ 4 bulbs so i can like, have a variety of bulb options.

sooooo if i want down that route, id be between these 2 fixtures
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...putt5fixture24

or
http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Su...p/rcu01150.htm

what would you do?

Nanz · 10/03/2008, 12:39 PM

To be honest I would get a larger tank.. Eventually you will want a larger tank anyways as this hobby tends to grow on you, heheh.

Mark426 · 10/03/2008, 01:01 PM

I kinda agree that the 20" wide tank is always going to be a pain. I had a tank similar to yours 20x20 and ended up with a MH pendant so I wouldnt have the ghetto look of a fixture hanging off each end. If your not up and running...I STRONGLY suggest getting a 24" wide tank.

If your going to keep your tank....Stick with the 18" Current fixture or go with a MH.

areze · 10/03/2008, 01:19 PM

29g tank is around 40$ here. worth it! if Im paying to light 24" you better believe Im going to GET 24"

G.SMITHII · 10/03/2008, 01:37 PM

that really helps. thanks

crvz · 10/03/2008, 01:38 PM

Indeed, a new tank may be the best choice, and a 24" tank shouldnt break the bank. In any case, I'd probably lean towards the nova extreme pro line, but make sure you get a T5 fixture with individual reflectors.

G.SMITHII · 10/03/2008, 01:41 PM

really not trying to re-do the whole tank,

just tryin to upgrade the light.

but all 3 fixture seem to have a 10k daylight only limitation.

see, i dont need to fix whats not broken, just make it better

Mark426 · 10/03/2008, 04:18 PM

I use T5's and I am a big fan of them. But...because of the limitations you have I still think I would get a 150W MH fixture with a Phoenix 14K lamp. I feel like you do about the 18" Current fixture, limited bulb selections.

You never said what your using now.

10/03/2008, 11:08 AM	#1
G.SMITHII Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Eldorado Springs, Co. Posts: 559	Which Light would You Choose? i have an 18 gallon tank. its 20" wide, and 10" deep. im goin to get a T5 fixture. i was initially into this 6 bulb 108watt one http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Ex...p/rcu01083.htm but am wotrried about the lack of 18" bulb options. so im debating goin with a 96watt 24" fixture w/ 4 bulbs so i can like, have a variety of bulb options. sooooo if i want down that route, id be between these 2 fixtures http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...putt5fixture24 or http://www.marineandreef.com/Nova_Su...p/rcu01150.htm what would you do? __________________ -The problem was, she new what she wanted and it wasn't me. I know more women like that than any other kind.- Bukowski Current Tank Info: 15 Gal. Mantis Tank. (20gal. tank, w/ 5-6" DSB, 25Lbs LR, so like 15gal. of water.) G. Smithii (Bane), A lot of Zoa and Paly frags, MGSP, Mushies, Candy Canes, other stuff... Fire Fish, Damsel, Peppermint Shrimp, and fluctuating CUC:)

10/03/2008, 12:39 PM	#2
Nanz Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,389	To be honest I would get a larger tank.. Eventually you will want a larger tank anyways as this hobby tends to grow on you, heheh. __________________ S.G. = 1.025, Temp = 78.5, pH = 8.00 Ca = 550 ppm, Alk = 176 ppm (9.85 dKH), Mg = 1300 ppm NO3 = 0.97 ppm, PO4 = 0.07 ppm Nuvo 30, Razor Nano LED, Tunze ATO, Tunze 9004 skimmer, Vortec mp10,

10/03/2008, 01:19 PM	#4
areze Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,048	29g tank is around 40$ here. worth it! if Im paying to light 24" you better believe Im going to GET 24" __________________ current tanks:240g of wallet draining capacity.

10/03/2008, 01:37 PM	#5
G.SMITHII Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Eldorado Springs, Co. Posts: 559	that really helps. thanks __________________ -The problem was, she new what she wanted and it wasn't me. I know more women like that than any other kind.- Bukowski Current Tank Info: 15 Gal. Mantis Tank. (20gal. tank, w/ 5-6" DSB, 25Lbs LR, so like 15gal. of water.) G. Smithii (Bane), A lot of Zoa and Paly frags, MGSP, Mushies, Candy Canes, other stuff... Fire Fish, Damsel, Peppermint Shrimp, and fluctuating CUC:)

10/03/2008, 01:38 PM	#6
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	Indeed, a new tank may be the best choice, and a 24" tank shouldnt break the bank. In any case, I'd probably lean towards the nova extreme pro line, but make sure you get a T5 fixture with individual reflectors. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

10/03/2008, 01:01 PM	#3
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	I kinda agree that the 20" wide tank is always going to be a pain. I had a tank similar to yours 20x20 and ended up with a MH pendant so I wouldnt have the ghetto look of a fixture hanging off each end. If your not up and running...I STRONGLY suggest getting a 24" wide tank. If your going to keep your tank....Stick with the 18" Current fixture or go with a MH.

10/03/2008, 01:41 PM	#7
G.SMITHII Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Eldorado Springs, Co. Posts: 559	really not trying to re-do the whole tank, just tryin to upgrade the light. but all 3 fixture seem to have a 10k daylight only limitation. see, i dont need to fix whats not broken, just make it better __________________ -The problem was, she new what she wanted and it wasn't me. I know more women like that than any other kind.- Bukowski Current Tank Info: 15 Gal. Mantis Tank. (20gal. tank, w/ 5-6" DSB, 25Lbs LR, so like 15gal. of water.) G. Smithii (Bane), A lot of Zoa and Paly frags, MGSP, Mushies, Candy Canes, other stuff... Fire Fish, Damsel, Peppermint Shrimp, and fluctuating CUC:)

10/03/2008, 04:18 PM	#8
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	I use T5's and I am a big fan of them. But...because of the limitations you have I still think I would get a 150W MH fixture with a Phoenix 14K lamp. I feel like you do about the 18" Current fixture, limited bulb selections. You never said what your using now.