Advice on lights PLEASE - PC vs T5

[street fish]

Hello Manhattan Reefers,

I am debating one of the following 3.

I have a FOWLR tank, but someday down the line, may add VERY EASY TO CARE FOR CORALS...

Which of the following lights would be the best?

Number 1:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LIGHT-...2BUA%2BFICS%2BUFI%2BDDSIC&otn=12&po=LVI&ps=54

Number 2:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-LIGHT-...in_0?hash=item3ca5fba2a6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Number 3:
http://www.current-usa.com/novaextremet5hox2.html

Please note I have an acrylic canopy - so heat will be an issue...

Thank you all for your help

 

[Awibrandy]

Number 3:
http://www.current-usa.com/novaextremet5hox2.html

Please note I have an acrylic canopy - so heat will be an issue...

Thank you all for your help

IF I had to choose, I would go with #3! I don't think the others will be able to support corals. But I'm sure others will chime in soon.

 

[KAHASH]

i have the nova extreme pro's both 6x18 watts, they are fan cooled really no heat comes off them and everything in my tank is growing great, and my tank is 30 inches deep. i really like them.

 

[Mreefer]

i would probably go with the t5 as well. i have used coralife pc 4x65 watts before over a 55 gallon tank and you will grow practically all soft corals and many lps as well. however, your bulb choices will be limited. if you do decide to go pc, pick a fixture from coralife or current, etc. not jebo. also, you can try the new uvl pc bulbs which will probably make your corals look better. use 2-3 actinics for everyone white bulb and it will make your corals pop.

if you decide on t5 retros, hellolights just sent me an email about their new t5 retro setups with 4x t5 bulbs with ballast, individual German reflectors, endcaps, and tru bulbs for $200. here is the link:

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=705

 

[dubs]

i think the current is the better fixture of the 3 imo

 

[street fish]

Thanks everyone for the adviceee

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

i have the nova extreme pro's both 6x18 watts, they are fan cooled really no heat comes off them and everything in my tank is growing great, and my tank is 30 inches deep. i really like them.

If you are going to add corals I would also go with this. Nice light. No moon lights but you can add them easily!

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/3958/product.web

Lighting is a very important decision. You want to make sure you don't have too little and too much as well. Temp has been beautiful since switching to this fixture. My controller turned them off once this summer due to the tank getting too warm.

 

[House of Laughter]

I would say neither of those FIXTURES would be satisfactory for keeping corals (they appear to be 2 bulb T5's)

if you're asking about BRAND, then the Nova by far is a superior fixture. If the tank is over 12" the 2 bulb T5 is not going to do any justice on corals. I have this very 2 bulb fixture and it can't keep mushrooms colored up in an 18" tank. I would make sure you get one with more bulbs than that.

The new wavepoint light is really nice and affordable as well.

House

 

[street fish]

Thanks!

 

[street fish]

Would something like the Nova Extreme 4 bulb t5 light melt acrylic, if used on without legs, sitting directly on top of the acrylic top?

The acrylic top has two large open rectangles - while is covered with a hinging acrylic canpoy

 

[E.intheC]

Would something like the Nova Extreme 4 bulb t5 light melt acrylic, if used on without legs, sitting directly on top of the acrylic top?

The acrylic top has two large open rectangles - while is covered with a hinging acrylic canpoy

You'd want to add legs here, IMO. Not only for the acrylic top, but for the bulbs. Air flow is very important. You can add fans much easier when there are legs.

As for light fixtures, I agree with the above. The Nova is the best route out of those IMO.

 

[Master Shake]

honestly none, go with a single pendant halide or better company ho t5

 

[InfernoST]

MH is going to get the light you need for a tank that deep.