Need lighting opinions! Help me pick #1, 2 or 3!

[mndfreeze]

So as my oher post states I'm looking for a better light for my system. Its a 12G unknown brand (maybe jbj *shrug*) without the stock top. It was a frankenstien build out of parts to get me started as an xmas present. My tank is 16" Wide, making it hard to find a standard fitting setup.


So I've been looking around and want peoples opinions on what you all think is my best option.

Option #1
A lot of stores are carrying the prebuilt LED strips now. The brand/model I was interested in is called Panorama. They have a brand that starts with a P, has 12 total LEDS, is about 12 watt, comes with everything you need. Its a full kit. Its about 120 bucks. Think it said it was 453nm. I REALLY liked the LED setup, especially the super low electric cost and almost no heat. I just dont know if one strip is enough to be 'better' then what I have as far as energy getting into my coral. If I have to buy 2 strips to be better then what I have then its to expensive. However if 1 strip is way better then my PC's, and maybe around equal to the T5's or so (meaning I can do SPS decently) then I really like this option. Plus not replacing expensive bulbs every 6 months.

Option #1 Aquatouch has a 98$ dual T5 24" kit. Comes with a 10k and atinic bulb. Has a bulb guard and individual reflectors. 2x24 for 48 watt. Not as much heat as a MH, def better then my PC's I would imagine even though th wattage is pretty similar. Cheapest as well. Obviously not as 'good' as MH for PAR, but I dont want or need 'the best of the best' Just 'works good, can do any coral'

Option #3 A Sunpod 150w MH from someone here. Its at 150$ and is about 20 bucks more then I really can/should spend, but if the other options just plain suck, I guess I can donate plasma or soemthing. ;/ Mostly I'm worried about the heat and cost of replacing bulbs. I imagine my electric wont jump super crazy since its only a 150 watt and thats 2 normal 75 watt bulbs anyways.

Money is super tight, but my crappy 2x18w PC 50/50's are dimming badly and they are 20 bucks a pop so I might as well buy a new light and gets something decent.

My tank does NOT have a chiller. However I dont keep my house at 80 either. I dont let my house go above 74/75 usually.

I really need peoples opionins here. I have to make the purchase pretty quick.

Thanks for your input! One day I wont be as noobletish!

[jnbrex]

Only way you can keep sps is with the halide. Two t5 bulbs won't be enough light.

[BigRedSpecial]

Personally, I'd look into DIY LED setups. Check the equipment forum for other's DIY builds.

[greech]

The panorama strips are nice but you will likely need more than 1 strip. The sunpod would be the best option (an a good one IMO) but you will probably have some heating from the MH to deal with. LEDs would definitetly be my preference if you can somehow swing the cost or DIY.

[sra127]

i found a used pendant light on here for 75 with a 150 14k. i have it above my 14 gallon nano and no heat issues. growing everything in there, clam, acros, monti, favias. check c****list too...