Lighting Upgrade Options

iamjero · 09/27/2006, 11:52 AM

I have one Coralife T-5 fluorescent lamp fixture with a 28 watt 10,000K daylight and a 28 watt true actinic 03 blue. I know I need to upgrade before I try to stock any inverts, but what would be the best way to go about it?

I was considering purchasing another coralife just like the one I have, and for $65 bucks, I think I can grow shrooms, zoas, and softies. I wouldn't mind spending a little extra money to have something that would make a big difference so what are some options as far as getting better bulbs? (can I put higher wattage bulbs and put them in the existing fixture, or would I need to get a fixture with a ballast that is rated for the higher wattage bulbs?)

What about a MH? I have read a lot about how good they are, but from what I have found Im looking at dropping around $300, and I don't know if I am ready to grow things that the MH will enable me to keep.

mg426 · 09/27/2006, 12:33 PM

Look here www.hellolights.com

iamjero · 09/27/2006, 12:40 PM

Great link.. this should keep me busy for hours.....

Thanks!

cdentii1 · 09/27/2006, 12:48 PM

Here is a good lighting system of A 55G or 75G aquarium I prefer 10K Ushio bulbs with P/C attinic and this combo you should be able to keep the majority of corals by proper placement.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DUAL-175-WAT...em270033162809

09/27/2006, 11:52 AM	#1
iamjero Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 96	Lighting Upgrade Options I have one Coralife T-5 fluorescent lamp fixture with a 28 watt 10,000K daylight and a 28 watt true actinic 03 blue. I know I need to upgrade before I try to stock any inverts, but what would be the best way to go about it? I was considering purchasing another coralife just like the one I have, and for $65 bucks, I think I can grow shrooms, zoas, and softies. I wouldn't mind spending a little extra money to have something that would make a big difference so what are some options as far as getting better bulbs? (can I put higher wattage bulbs and put them in the existing fixture, or would I need to get a fixture with a ballast that is rated for the higher wattage bulbs?) What about a MH? I have read a lot about how good they are, but from what I have found Im looking at dropping around $300, and I don't know if I am ready to grow things that the MH will enable me to keep.

09/27/2006, 12:33 PM	#2
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	Look here www.hellolights.com __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

09/27/2006, 12:40 PM	#3
iamjero Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 96	Great link.. this should keep me busy for hours..... Thanks!

09/27/2006, 12:48 PM	#4
cdentii1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canton, OH Posts: 527	Here is a good lighting system of A 55G or 75G aquarium I prefer 10K Ushio bulbs with P/C attinic and this combo you should be able to keep the majority of corals by proper placement. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DUAL-175-WAT...em270033162809