cheap light, good enough?

rafa316 · 07/16/2007, 11:38 AM

Hello,

I am ready to move to tryig to keep an anemone and maybe some polyps corals. I was wondering if you guys think this light might be good enough for that purpouse? I would like to stay away from the MH cause I know the bulbs are expensive.

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=293

or

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=333

Thank you for your time.

drummereef · 07/16/2007, 11:42 AM

It's fine for the polyps, but probably not enough for the anemone. You might want to look into T5 lighting as an option.

Andrew · 07/16/2007, 11:42 AM

I would avoid buying anything from aquatraders. If it's too good to be true, don't buy it. Many people have problems with stuff they buy from them and one guy bought a light from them and it caught on fire. I'm not here to bash the company but it's just a good site to deal with.

chris31 · 07/16/2007, 11:44 AM

dpmt cheap out on the light trust me youll regret it in the future and you dont need a MH to keep different corals there are many diff lights that will sure the purpose

wadewood · 07/16/2007, 11:51 AM

I would go with T5 HO lighting. Low heat, great output, high density. The trend is towards T5 as best option for fluorescent lighting.

papagimp · 07/16/2007, 11:58 AM

If you purchase that light, I'd call ahead of time and make darn sure they include the splash guard on it, they left mine out and the reflector rusted up within a year tot he point that it's doing me no good anymore. Other than that and the fan rattling, it's worked fine. I'm also using their smaller 29" PC fixture, works just fine, as well as the 250MH 24" fixture I got from them. I've ordered from them many times and so far that splash guard issue is the only problem I've had.

rafa316 · 07/16/2007, 11:59 AM

mmmm
what about this?
48" 432 watts 8-54 watt
it is really pushing the budget

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113030

papagimp · 07/16/2007, 12:01 PM

8 T5 bulbs like that and you can have a very nice all SPS and Clam tank

Iv'e got a 6 bulb unit on my 55g and get comments all the time on how I'm overlighting everything, once I finish the upgrade to my new 75 I'll probably keepthe 6 bulbs on it. I do hand them extremely high compared to most light fixtures because of this.

4 - 6 bulbs would be better, 2-4 if you only want softies and paly's.

Andrew · 07/16/2007, 12:03 PM

Check out hellolights. They have some pretty cheap T-5 retro kits as well that you could wire together and make a simple canopy or mounting stand. The T-5 light you posted from D&S is nice but doesn't have individual reflectors which are pretty much a must with T-5s.

der_wille_zur_macht · 07/16/2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by papagimp
8 T5 bulbs like that and you can have a very nice all SPS and Clam tank

Iv'e got a 6 bulb unit on my 55g and get comments all the time on how I'm overlighting everything, once I finish the upgrade to my new 75 I'll probably keepthe 6 bulbs on it. I do hand them extremely high compared to most light fixtures because of this.

4 - 6 bulbs would be better, 2-4 if you only want softies and paly's.

If he's concerned about the cost of replacing a pair of MH bulbs, I'm not so sure that an 8-bulb fluorescent rig is right for him, either - since the cost of re-lamping will be about the same.

The overall cost to operate an MH rig will probably be higher (depending of course on what wattage of MH bulb you choose) but likely it'll have a far greater light output as well.

rafa316 · 07/16/2007, 01:01 PM

So retrofit kits mean pretty much DYS?

papagimp · 07/16/2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht
The overall cost to operate an MH rig will probably be higher (depending of course on what wattage of MH bulb you choose) but likely it'll have a far greater light output as well.

This is very much still open to debate, I have personally seen PAR readings higher with T5 fixtures over MH's. I run a 250w on a 42g and a 6 x 54w T5 on a 55g, the T5's definatly are out performing the MH, even when only utilizing 4 of the 6 bulbs. I bought my 250w more as an experiment since it was cheap, but it told me enough that I'll probably never buy another MH fixture again. T5's are much cheaper, cooler running, and basically seem to do a better job, only downside for me is the shimmer effect that I love, I love the corals more so I give em the better light IMO.

der_wille_zur_macht · 07/16/2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by papagimp
This is very much still open to debate, I have personally seen PAR readings higher with T5 fixtures over MH's.

Without numbers and an explanation of the lighting rigs measured to back that, I wouldn't believe it - unless there was some odd circumstance, like using an MH bulb known for low output (most of the high K bulbs) or without a reflector. Granted, there are lots of variables, but go read around in the lighting & equipment forum - the generally accepted standard is that MH is the most intense light source for reef tanks, and possibly the most efficient as well.

FWIW, Wikipedia reports MH outputs ranging from 65 - 115 lm/W, and fluorescents averaging from 50 - 67 lm/W:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_halide_lamp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_lamp

gsbobcat · 07/16/2007, 01:40 PM

I bought a 36" PC odessea light from there in April, no problems so far. Everyone said they were loud, but i can't even tell the fans are on until I put my hand over them. I too am working with a budget and the only thing I could afford was this light & it seems to be OK. I also have an anemone in the tank for about 3 weeks now and I see no ill effects on him. Just go with the best you can afford. No sense in buying a $300 plus light if it is going to take you 6 mos. to put anything in your tank. Just my opinion.

der_wille_zur_macht · 07/16/2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gsbobcat
No sense in buying a $300 plus light if it is going to take you 6 mos. to put anything in your tank. Just my opinion.

Even less sense in buying a $150 light, then spending $150 on creatures that it can't support. Low-light tanks are great, just be sure you understand the limits set by your equipment choices and your budget. Measure your success by keeping things happy for years, not weeks or months. The smartest move is to look at the big picture and long term, unless you plan on getting out of the hobby or upgrading everything within a year or two.

FWIW, if you are on a budget, look at DIY or used lighting. You can DIY any of the major styles of lighting for much cheaper than most quality fixtures run.

Regardless of going the DIY route or buying a fixture, make sure you pay attention to every component in the system. Like Andrew mentioned above, things like reflectors can be absolutely critical - as can the make and color of the bulb(s) supplied. Just because you are buying X type of light doesn't mean you'll get the same results as anyone else with that style, especially if your fixture uses cheap flat reflectors and low-quality bulbs & ballasts.

Nanz · 07/16/2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rafa316
mmmm
what about this?
48" 432 watts 8-54 watt
it is really pushing the budget

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113030

That is exactly the light I was going to buy.. Its a good light but the reflectors are what make the T5 lights bright. The Nova has only one reflector while the Tek has indivual reflectors. I ended up getting a Tek-6 lamp.. If you look at my tanks you can see the order of the bulbs that I have in it. Its a couple hundred more than the nova but I think it puts out better light and it runs at 108watts less and it does not have a noisey fan.

I would not skimp on the lights. Get the best you can and the most efficient for upkeep.

plummike · 07/16/2007, 01:57 PM

I wanted some more light on my 125 and added 2 MH fixtures from Lowes. They are under $70 each. Mine is built into a wall where I can hide them so appearance doesn't matter.
I also use the 250 w bulbs from there they are like 10K's $26

der_wille_zur_macht · 07/16/2007, 02:08 PM

plummike, make sure those are "real" MH bulbs and not sodium or mercury vapor lamps. There are many types of HID lighting sold at HD, Lowes, etc that operate very similarly to MH, but generally have vastly different output spectrums that are not appropriate for photosynthetic creatures in a reef tank.

rafa, I'll reinforce what Nanz said - the light you posted is OK, but does not take advantage of the best feature of T5 lighting - the small bulb size which makes really good reflectors possible. You'd be better served to save more for a T5 rig with better reflectors, or DIY one yourself. Or just go with MH.

Dubbin1 · 07/16/2007, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rafa316
mmmm
what about this?
48" 432 watts 8-54 watt
it is really pushing the budget

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113030

For that kind of money you could get a couple MH retros. Sure the bulbs may cost more then PC's BUT they last a whole lot longer.

07/16/2007, 11:38 AM	#1
rafa316 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 411	cheap light, good enough? Hello, I am ready to move to tryig to keep an anemone and maybe some polyps corals. I was wondering if you guys think this light might be good enough for that purpouse? I would like to stay away from the MH cause I know the bulbs are expensive. http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=293 or http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=333 Thank you for your time. __________________ "if I asked the general public what they wanted they would have said they wanted a faster horse" Henry Ford Current Tank Info: 75g. - Rena xP4 Canister Filter - 65w T5 -2 inch sandbed - 60lbs live rock - 2 Ocellaris Clownfish - 1 Yellow Watchman Gobie - 6 Nassaiurs Snails - 1 Bumblebee Snail - 2 Emerald Crabs - 1 Red Legged Hermit Crab

07/16/2007, 11:42 AM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	It's fine for the polyps, but probably not enough for the anemone. You might want to look into T5 lighting as an option. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

07/16/2007, 11:58 AM	#6
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	If you purchase that light, I'd call ahead of time and make darn sure they include the splash guard on it, they left mine out and the reflector rusted up within a year tot he point that it's doing me no good anymore. Other than that and the fan rattling, it's worked fine. I'm also using their smaller 29" PC fixture, works just fine, as well as the 250MH 24" fixture I got from them. I've ordered from them many times and so far that splash guard issue is the only problem I've had. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

07/16/2007, 11:59 AM	#7
rafa316 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 411	mmmm what about this? 48" 432 watts 8-54 watt it is really pushing the budget http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113030 __________________ "if I asked the general public what they wanted they would have said they wanted a faster horse" Henry Ford Current Tank Info: 75g. - Rena xP4 Canister Filter - 65w T5 -2 inch sandbed - 60lbs live rock - 2 Ocellaris Clownfish - 1 Yellow Watchman Gobie - 6 Nassaiurs Snails - 1 Bumblebee Snail - 2 Emerald Crabs - 1 Red Legged Hermit Crab

07/16/2007, 12:01 PM	#8
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	8 T5 bulbs like that and you can have a very nice all SPS and Clam tank Iv'e got a 6 bulb unit on my 55g and get comments all the time on how I'm overlighting everything, once I finish the upgrade to my new 75 I'll probably keepthe 6 bulbs on it. I do hand them extremely high compared to most light fixtures because of this. 4 - 6 bulbs would be better, 2-4 if you only want softies and paly's. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

07/16/2007, 11:42 AM	#3
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	I would avoid buying anything from aquatraders. If it's too good to be true, don't buy it. Many people have problems with stuff they buy from them and one guy bought a light from them and it caught on fire. I'm not here to bash the company but it's just a good site to deal with.

07/16/2007, 11:44 AM	#4
chris31 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: long island NY Posts: 928	dpmt cheap out on the light trust me youll regret it in the future and you dont need a MH to keep different corals there are many diff lights that will sure the purpose

07/16/2007, 11:51 AM	#5
wadewood Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 38	I would go with T5 HO lighting. Low heat, great output, high density. The trend is towards T5 as best option for fluorescent lighting.

07/16/2007, 12:03 PM	#9
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Check out hellolights. They have some pretty cheap T-5 retro kits as well that you could wire together and make a simple canopy or mounting stand. The T-5 light you posted from D&S is nice but doesn't have individual reflectors which are pretty much a must with T-5s.

07/16/2007, 01:01 PM	#11
rafa316 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 411	So retrofit kits mean pretty much DYS? __________________ "if I asked the general public what they wanted they would have said they wanted a faster horse" Henry Ford Current Tank Info: 75g. - Rena xP4 Canister Filter - 65w T5 -2 inch sandbed - 60lbs live rock - 2 Ocellaris Clownfish - 1 Yellow Watchman Gobie - 6 Nassaiurs Snails - 1 Bumblebee Snail - 2 Emerald Crabs - 1 Red Legged Hermit Crab

07/16/2007, 01:40 PM	#14
gsbobcat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Green Springs, OH Posts: 52	I bought a 36" PC odessea light from there in April, no problems so far. Everyone said they were loud, but i can't even tell the fans are on until I put my hand over them. I too am working with a budget and the only thing I could afford was this light & it seems to be OK. I also have an anemone in the tank for about 3 weeks now and I see no ill effects on him. Just go with the best you can afford. No sense in buying a $300 plus light if it is going to take you 6 mos. to put anything in your tank. Just my opinion.

07/16/2007, 01:57 PM	#17
plummike Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: near Pittsburgh Posts: 271	I wanted some more light on my 125 and added 2 MH fixtures from Lowes. They are under $70 each. Mine is built into a wall where I can hide them so appearance doesn't matter. I also use the 250 w bulbs from there they are like 10K's $26

07/16/2007, 02:08 PM	#18
der_wille_zur_macht Team RC Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 17,749	plummike, make sure those are "real" MH bulbs and not sodium or mercury vapor lamps. There are many types of HID lighting sold at HD, Lowes, etc that operate very similarly to MH, but generally have vastly different output spectrums that are not appropriate for photosynthetic creatures in a reef tank. rafa, I'll reinforce what Nanz said - the light you posted is OK, but does not take advantage of the best feature of T5 lighting - the small bulb size which makes really good reflectors possible. You'd be better served to save more for a T5 rig with better reflectors, or DIY one yourself. Or just go with MH. __________________ Inconveniencing marine life since 1992 "It is my personal belief that reef aquaria should be thriving communities of biodiversity, representative of their wild counterparts, and not merely collections of pretty specimens growing on tidy clean rock shelves covered in purple coralline algae." (Eric Borneman)