Decent Lighting for a Standard 29g

rpritch · 06/12/2013, 03:18 PM

I have recently decided to beef up my 29 gallon tank. Over the past few months I have gone from a brackish set up for my puffers to a full marine system. I've added a couple fish and a protein skimmer.

All of my fish are reef safe. This, of course, tempts me to improve my lighting for corals.

Does anyone have suggestions for a basic light system. I want something under $200 that will sustain softies and lps. I don't care what kind of lights (T5, led, etc).

Thanks!

rpritch · 06/12/2013, 04:03 PM

Any opinions on this light?

http://www.aquatraders.com/30in-Meta...ht-p/54262.htm

rpritch · 06/12/2013, 04:13 PM

What about this one?

http://fishneedit.com/30in-4bulbs-fixtu304.html

SeedlessOne · 06/12/2013, 04:27 PM

I would suggest spending more on lighting.

Both fixtures are of very low quality.

30 inches is going to be hard for t5. No company makes a decent 30" bulb. I would look at 24" fixtures. Maybe a 24" ati fixture would fit the bill? Maybe more than your original budget but you atleast know you are getting one of the best fixtures for your tank. You will also get quality bulbs unlike the first two choices where you would need to replace the bulbs upon purchase. Don't skimp with crappy lighting now just to rebuy quality later.

Or a small clip on halide fixture. Someone with more experience with smaller tanks can give some better input.

rpritch · 06/12/2013, 04:42 PM

I certainly don't want to exceed this budget. It may be better for me to wait if I can't find anything in my budget. I've went top of the line for my biocube (and it's paid off). But, because of that splurging, the other tank drew the short list.

SeedlessOne · 06/12/2013, 04:45 PM

Well then you are looking at bottom of the barrel if you go with a new fixture. I wouldn't use either of the two you listed if I had your budget IMO.

I would suggest finding something used. Good luck.

rpritch · 06/12/2013, 04:47 PM

Fair enough. I'll start looking used! Thanks!

moondoggy4 · 06/12/2013, 09:41 PM

Go to Aqua Cave and check out the Aqua Medic MH pendant setups.

Michigan Mike · 06/13/2013, 08:04 AM

I have the 30" fishneedit with 4x24w bulbs, the reflectors, ballasts & bulbs suck but after you replace bulbs its okay.

So ya, you can do better, and I would get a used 4x24w TEK or something if you can hang the fixture otherwise a 30" fixture with legs or a 150w metal halide in a reef optix or similar pendant should be fine.

The 30" coralife fixture is the one you want to avoid because it uses 31w (30") bulbs that only coralife makes so you can't get good ATI bulbs for it.

Dodger745 · 06/13/2013, 08:12 AM

I have a 24" fixture on my 29g tank. It works great for what I have. It's a current usa power compact fixture from several years ago. It has 2 65w dual bulbs. I have one dual actinic and one half actinic half 10,000k. The fixture has a fan and also moonlights. I have a large torch, some trumpet corals, and an acan that is growing rapidly. I'd say you could find one of these on eBay or amazon. Bulbs aren't all that expensive for it either.

Dodger745 · 06/13/2013, 08:13 AM

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371132824.057163.jpg

ladysabertooth · 06/13/2013, 08:54 AM

The 30" coralife fixture is the one you want to avoid because it uses 31w (30") bulbs that only coralife makes so you can't get good ATI bulbs for it.

yeah I learned that as I have one on my freshwater 29 gal tank

TY31088 · 06/13/2013, 09:27 AM

No LED suggestions?
(I also have a 29g. Didn't realize LED's existed till I saw them a few weeks ago in FS. I'm looking for lighting too.)

moondoggy4 · 06/13/2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TY31088

No LED suggestions?
(I also have a 29g. Didn't realize LED's existed till I saw them a few weeks ago in FS. I'm looking for lighting too.)

Look into the Kessil's a150 or a 350 or 360's Reefbreeders and Apollo.

rpritch · 06/13/2013, 03:30 PM

I know, I know, I know....it's cheap...

But what do you guys think for the money??? Under $70 with free shipping!

http://www.aquatraders.com/24-inch-4...re-p/52303.htm

Reefer94 · 06/13/2013, 04:54 PM

T5 manufacturer makes a big difference, due to the quality of the reflectors. I'm telling you... it's gonna cost more money to go cheap because it you are serious about this hobby, you WILL want to replace your cheap lights for something decent within a year. Thus, you'll spend even more money re-purchasing good lights. Buy it right, or buy it twice.

I'd just save up a bit more $$ or start looking hard for used fixtures. People are selling off AI SOLs (from Vega upgrades) for very cheap sometimes, they'd definitely run your tank, and used MH ballasts are relatively easy to find.

On a 29g (I'm running a 20g right now) you can most definitely get by on 4x24w T5s as well, I did it for years... but I went through a couple of bad purchases before I just gave up and got an ATI fixture. Just trying to keep you from making the same mistake.

zachts · 06/13/2013, 05:33 PM

Reefbreeders basic fixture starts under 200 for manual dimmable LEDs that are way more than enough for a tank your size and the fixtures are getting decent reviews on RC also. LED combinations are fully customizable for like $10 additional and for a bit more they have one that comes with an integrated controller........

rpritch · 06/13/2013, 06:58 PM

I think that I have decided to hold off and wait. I'm about to fill the last possible spot in my biocube 14. After eight months of enjoying the coral hunt, I didn't want to see it end.

I guess I will enjoy my little 14 gallon masterpiece until I can do the 29 gallon "right" like I did the 14 gallon.

Michigan Mike · 06/13/2013, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpritch

I think that I have decided to hold off and wait. I'm about to fill the last possible spot in my biocube 14. After eight months of enjoying the coral hunt, I didn't want to see it end.

I guess I will enjoy my little 14 gallon masterpiece until I can do the 29 gallon "right" like I did the 14 gallon.

You'll be happier in the long run, whatever you choose.

06/12/2013, 03:18 PM	#1
rpritch Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 130	Decent Lighting for a Standard 29g I have recently decided to beef up my 29 gallon tank. Over the past few months I have gone from a brackish set up for my puffers to a full marine system. I've added a couple fish and a protein skimmer. All of my fish are reef safe. This, of course, tempts me to improve my lighting for corals. Does anyone have suggestions for a basic light system. I want something under $200 that will sustain softies and lps. I don't care what kind of lights (T5, led, etc). Thanks!

06/12/2013, 04:27 PM	#4
SeedlessOne Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pooler, GA Posts: 887	I would suggest spending more on lighting. Both fixtures are of very low quality. 30 inches is going to be hard for t5. No company makes a decent 30" bulb. I would look at 24" fixtures. Maybe a 24" ati fixture would fit the bill? Maybe more than your original budget but you atleast know you are getting one of the best fixtures for your tank. You will also get quality bulbs unlike the first two choices where you would need to replace the bulbs upon purchase. Don't skimp with crappy lighting now just to rebuy quality later. Or a small clip on halide fixture. Someone with more experience with smaller tanks can give some better input. Last edited by SeedlessOne; 06/12/2013 at 04:36 PM.

06/13/2013, 04:54 PM	#16
Reefer94 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Memphis Posts: 174	T5 manufacturer makes a big difference, due to the quality of the reflectors. I'm telling you... it's gonna cost more money to go cheap because it you are serious about this hobby, you WILL want to replace your cheap lights for something decent within a year. Thus, you'll spend even more money re-purchasing good lights. Buy it right, or buy it twice. I'd just save up a bit more $$ or start looking hard for used fixtures. People are selling off AI SOLs (from Vega upgrades) for very cheap sometimes, they'd definitely run your tank, and used MH ballasts are relatively easy to find. On a 29g (I'm running a 20g right now) you can most definitely get by on 4x24w T5s as well, I did it for years... but I went through a couple of bad purchases before I just gave up and got an ATI fixture. Just trying to keep you from making the same mistake. __________________ 15+ yrs experience, tanks all sizes. I like the small ones. 20g - 10g Sump, Vortech MP10wES, AquaC Urchin PRO, AI Vega 60g Cube in the works Current Tank Info: 20g Nano, 10g Sump, AI SOL Blue LED

06/12/2013, 04:03 PM	#2
rpritch Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 130	Any opinions on this light? http://www.aquatraders.com/30in-Meta...ht-p/54262.htm

06/12/2013, 04:13 PM	#3
rpritch Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 130	What about this one? http://fishneedit.com/30in-4bulbs-fixtu304.html

06/12/2013, 04:42 PM	#5
rpritch Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 130	I certainly don't want to exceed this budget. It may be better for me to wait if I can't find anything in my budget. I've went top of the line for my biocube (and it's paid off). But, because of that splurging, the other tank drew the short list.

06/12/2013, 04:45 PM	#6
SeedlessOne Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pooler, GA Posts: 887	Well then you are looking at bottom of the barrel if you go with a new fixture. I wouldn't use either of the two you listed if I had your budget IMO. I would suggest finding something used. Good luck.

06/12/2013, 04:47 PM	#7
rpritch Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 130	Fair enough. I'll start looking used! Thanks!

06/12/2013, 09:41 PM	#8
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Go to Aqua Cave and check out the Aqua Medic MH pendant setups.

06/13/2013, 08:04 AM	#9
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	I have the 30" fishneedit with 4x24w bulbs, the reflectors, ballasts & bulbs suck but after you replace bulbs its okay. So ya, you can do better, and I would get a used 4x24w TEK or something if you can hang the fixture otherwise a 30" fixture with legs or a 150w metal halide in a reef optix or similar pendant should be fine. The 30" coralife fixture is the one you want to avoid because it uses 31w (30") bulbs that only coralife makes so you can't get good ATI bulbs for it.

06/13/2013, 08:12 AM	#10
Dodger745 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 118	I have a 24" fixture on my 29g tank. It works great for what I have. It's a current usa power compact fixture from several years ago. It has 2 65w dual bulbs. I have one dual actinic and one half actinic half 10,000k. The fixture has a fan and also moonlights. I have a large torch, some trumpet corals, and an acan that is growing rapidly. I'd say you could find one of these on eBay or amazon. Bulbs aren't all that expensive for it either.

06/13/2013, 08:13 AM	#11
Dodger745 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 118	ImageUploadedByTapatalk1371132824.057163.jpg

06/13/2013, 08:54 AM	#12
ladysabertooth Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vancouver WA Posts: 16	The 30" coralife fixture is the one you want to avoid because it uses 31w (30") bulbs that only coralife makes so you can't get good ATI bulbs for it. yeah I learned that as I have one on my freshwater 29 gal tank

06/13/2013, 09:27 AM	#13
TY31088 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Warner Robins, GA Posts: 78	No LED suggestions? (I also have a 29g. Didn't realize LED's existed till I saw them a few weeks ago in FS. I'm looking for lighting too.)

06/13/2013, 03:30 PM	#15
rpritch Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 130	I know, I know, I know....it's cheap... But what do you guys think for the money??? Under $70 with free shipping! http://www.aquatraders.com/24-inch-4...re-p/52303.htm

06/13/2013, 05:33 PM	#17
zachts Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO. Posts: 3,259	Reefbreeders basic fixture starts under 200 for manual dimmable LEDs that are way more than enough for a tank your size and the fixtures are getting decent reviews on RC also. LED combinations are fully customizable for like $10 additional and for a bit more they have one that comes with an integrated controller........

06/13/2013, 06:58 PM	#18
rpritch Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 130	I think that I have decided to hold off and wait. I'm about to fill the last possible spot in my biocube 14. After eight months of enjoying the coral hunt, I didn't want to see it end. I guess I will enjoy my little 14 gallon masterpiece until I can do the 29 gallon "right" like I did the 14 gallon.