Reef lighting on a budget? .. Thereâ€™s an oxymoron!

cveverly · 07/09/2008, 07:58 PM

I have a 46 bowfront (36X16X20) that I am setting up. I am thinking a Thick Branch Birdsnest between a couple Plate Montiporas near the mid-top. Bottom to center would be a mixture of LPS and maybe some softies. I may consider a BTA but not sure on that either.

Anyway, back to the question. I have a $300ish budget for lighting this tank.

*Option1 The Nova Extreme Pro 36â€ (6X39watts) giving me 234watts for $299.

*Option 2 I have found a cheap fixture on that auction site that has a 150 watt Halide for $139. I assume it is an Odyssea. I could have two of these giving me 300watts for about the same money.

*Option 3 Another cheap auction light that is an Odyssea that has 2 175 watt MH and 2 65 watt CF. This is also $299.

The lights must be supported by the tank. I have cathedral ceilings and do not want 15â€™ of wire supporting my lights. LOL

Any opinions?

Also, the tank has a center brace that was broken so I added a piece of acrylic. I am a little afraid of a halide over the brace or I would also consider a single 250 watt halide.

Incase it matters, the skimmer is an Octopus Bh-100F. Water movement by three Koralia powerheads. Converting an old hang on filter to small refugium for pods.

Nano Chris · 07/10/2008, 12:48 AM

Id probably go with option 3, more lighting, but i don't know how the quality is on the Odyssea lights are.

moo0o · 07/10/2008, 04:17 AM

id take option 1 =) t5s are awesome.

07/09/2008, 07:58 PM	#1
cveverly Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Port Clinton, Oh Posts: 1,470	Reef lighting on a budget? .. Thereâ€™s an oxymoron! I have a 46 bowfront (36X16X20) that I am setting up. I am thinking a Thick Branch Birdsnest between a couple Plate Montiporas near the mid-top. Bottom to center would be a mixture of LPS and maybe some softies. I may consider a BTA but not sure on that either. Anyway, back to the question. I have a $300ish budget for lighting this tank. Option1 The Nova Extreme Pro 36â€ (6X39watts) giving me 234watts for $299. Option 2 I have found a cheap fixture on that auction site that has a 150 watt Halide for $139. I assume it is an Odyssea. I could have two of these giving me 300watts for about the same money. *Option 3 Another cheap auction light that is an Odyssea that has 2 175 watt MH and 2 65 watt CF. This is also $299. The lights must be supported by the tank. I have cathedral ceilings and do not want 15â€™ of wire supporting my lights. LOL Any opinions? Also, the tank has a center brace that was broken so I added a piece of acrylic. I am a little afraid of a halide over the brace or I would also consider a single 250 watt halide. Incase it matters, the skimmer is an Octopus Bh-100F. Water movement by three Koralia powerheads. Converting an old hang on filter to small refugium for pods.

07/10/2008, 12:48 AM	#2
Nano Chris Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 2,758	Id probably go with option 3, more lighting, but i don't know how the quality is on the Odyssea lights are. __________________ Chris ------- 34 Gallon Red Sea Max 130! Setup (Just got back into the hobby) Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon RedSeaMax!

07/10/2008, 04:17 AM	#3
moo0o Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SJ,CA Posts: 1,694	id take option 1 =) t5s are awesome.