What to do...decisions, decisions

mac77 · 10/23/2008, 07:05 AM

I need a lighting system for my new 55g set up. To save a little $ I was considering buying a used system. I have run up on two deals:

1. Used Tek 48 in, 4 light, 54w, t5....150.00

2. Used 75g reef ready Oceanic tank, stand, hood, and lighting system (icecap 660 ballast with 4 sets of endcaps and VHO bulbs)...300.00

I was going to use the icecap system over my 55g for now (if I purchased option number 2, and put the 75g set up back until I was ready to upgrade to a larger tank. Opinions?? I did not really want to go with a VHO set up (I like the T5's)....but getting the 75 reef ready would be nice. I am new at SW so I don't even know if I would use the larger tank.

Any advice would be helpful...I have to make a decision today.

Thanks!!

crvz · 10/23/2008, 07:17 AM

The tek unit is probably adequate, depending on which fixture it is (do you have any more information on it)? For a 55, it may be plenty and surely a better solution that VHO bulbs (though you could switch those out for T5s).

mac77 · 10/23/2008, 07:26 AM

All I have is that it is a Sunlight Supply Tek T5-HO 54W 4 bulb. Made on July, 2006. I don't know how old the Icecap system is...of course if I did change that system over to T5, I would have to buy reflectors and endcaps...maybe $200...I don't know if it would be worth it.

mac77 · 10/23/2008, 08:27 AM

bump

m3fan8ic · 10/23/2008, 08:38 AM

Start off first with the tank, if you have the tank you want then lights can be purchase/replace. It's very hard to setup a tank and replace/upgrade to bigger.

mac77 · 10/23/2008, 12:45 PM

I just got off the phone with a guy that has 30 years experience in the marine aquarium business...he says to definately go with the Icecap system...he said more versatility, will last a lot longer, bulbs will last longer, and it is just a better around pick.

lkirkt · 10/23/2008, 12:52 PM

I'm with the 30 yr guy. My icecaps have never given me trouble and are very versatile. But as you get going you won't be able to stop yourself from trying different set ups. It's what this hobby does to us.

10/23/2008, 07:05 AM	#1
mac77 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 162	What to do...decisions, decisions I need a lighting system for my new 55g set up. To save a little $ I was considering buying a used system. I have run up on two deals: 1. Used Tek 48 in, 4 light, 54w, t5....150.00 2. Used 75g reef ready Oceanic tank, stand, hood, and lighting system (icecap 660 ballast with 4 sets of endcaps and VHO bulbs)...300.00 I was going to use the icecap system over my 55g for now (if I purchased option number 2, and put the 75g set up back until I was ready to upgrade to a larger tank. Opinions?? I did not really want to go with a VHO set up (I like the T5's)....but getting the 75 reef ready would be nice. I am new at SW so I don't even know if I would use the larger tank. Any advice would be helpful...I have to make a decision today. Thanks!! __________________ Mac "Its easy to get great reefkeeping advice...everyone is always right."

10/23/2008, 07:17 AM	#2
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	The tek unit is probably adequate, depending on which fixture it is (do you have any more information on it)? For a 55, it may be plenty and surely a better solution that VHO bulbs (though you could switch those out for T5s). __________________ -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?

10/23/2008, 07:26 AM	#3
mac77 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 162	All I have is that it is a Sunlight Supply Tek T5-HO 54W 4 bulb. Made on July, 2006. I don't know how old the Icecap system is...of course if I did change that system over to T5, I would have to buy reflectors and endcaps...maybe $200...I don't know if it would be worth it. __________________ Mac "Its easy to get great reefkeeping advice...everyone is always right."

10/23/2008, 08:27 AM	#4
mac77 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 162	bump __________________ Mac "Its easy to get great reefkeeping advice...everyone is always right."

10/23/2008, 12:45 PM	#6
mac77 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 162	I just got off the phone with a guy that has 30 years experience in the marine aquarium business...he says to definately go with the Icecap system...he said more versatility, will last a lot longer, bulbs will last longer, and it is just a better around pick. __________________ Mac "Its easy to get great reefkeeping advice...everyone is always right."

10/23/2008, 08:38 AM	#5
m3fan8ic Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: N.VA Posts: 52	Start off first with the tank, if you have the tank you want then lights can be purchase/replace. It's very hard to setup a tank and replace/upgrade to bigger.

10/23/2008, 12:52 PM	#7
lkirkt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 57	I'm with the 30 yr guy. My icecaps have never given me trouble and are very versatile. But as you get going you won't be able to stop yourself from trying different set ups. It's what this hobby does to us.