lighting for a 20g reef

sir_dudeguy · 07/19/2013, 11:08 AM

Hey everyone, I've kinda been out of the hobby for a couple years and I'm not sure what lighting to use on a tank I'm getting. I had great results with a 4x39w t5 retro (I believe it was ati with icecap reflectors) over a 40b. I bought it from reefgeek but I can't find a similar 24" retro from them now???

My question, which brand makes a good t5 setup with individual reflectors? I'd prob consider a retro again because I'm planning a canopy but I don't have one yet.

Or should I go mh? If so what size/brand? I like the LED idea but some of those prices are insane it seems. I'm looking to grow whatever I want, so I need something bright!

Thanks!

Donkeykong · 07/19/2013, 02:09 PM

I would say a four bulb 24" ATI SunPower fixture would light that baby real well. LED's do have a steep entry point, but factor in no yearly bulb changes and lower cost of energy to run them and the prices even out pretty quickly.

toky916 · 07/21/2013, 06:36 AM

You could pick up used Kessil 150 for a really good price and its a nice light only negative no moon lights or dimmer but that could be solved with other ways. They sell 3 blue moon lights on smith& fosters and you just attach then to the fixture .

moondoggy4 · 07/21/2013, 12:22 PM

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5-...rofit-kit.html two of these

07/19/2013, 11:08 AM	#1
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 10,841	lighting for a 20g reef Hey everyone, I've kinda been out of the hobby for a couple years and I'm not sure what lighting to use on a tank I'm getting. I had great results with a 4x39w t5 retro (I believe it was ati with icecap reflectors) over a 40b. I bought it from reefgeek but I can't find a similar 24" retro from them now??? My question, which brand makes a good t5 setup with individual reflectors? I'd prob consider a retro again because I'm planning a canopy but I don't have one yet. Or should I go mh? If so what size/brand? I like the LED idea but some of those prices are insane it seems. I'm looking to grow whatever I want, so I need something bright! Thanks! __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!!

07/19/2013, 02:09 PM	#2
Donkeykong Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grover Beach CA Posts: 1,847	I would say a four bulb 24" ATI SunPower fixture would light that baby real well. LED's do have a steep entry point, but factor in no yearly bulb changes and lower cost of energy to run them and the prices even out pretty quickly.

07/21/2013, 06:36 AM	#3
toky916 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,794	You could pick up used Kessil 150 for a really good price and its a nice light only negative no moon lights or dimmer but that could be solved with other ways. They sell 3 blue moon lights on smith& fosters and you just attach then to the fixture .

07/21/2013, 12:22 PM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5-...rofit-kit.html two of these