What's the best I can get for $200 (Reef Lighting)

[carlos_fb]

I have a 48" x 15" (60 gallon tank) and a $200 budget for lighting it up.

What do you think is the best I can get for that price? PC, VHO or T5? What kind and wattage? any suggestions?

 

[Krish]

Hmm...Do you plan on keeping all types of corals Carlos (even high light demanding ones like clams)? That will determine for starters which direction of lighting you'd need to head in. Then from there, we can figure out what's the best light for the price. Lighting can get very expensive and retro kits are usually the cheapest way to go. Even more, a retro kit that someone is selling in pretty good shape is even better. You can also buy retro kits piece piece so you could start out by maybe buying the reflector and bulbs one time and then buying the ballast and sockets another time etc. Just a thought

 

[carlos_fb]

Hmm...Do you plan on keeping all types of corals Carlos (even high light demanding ones like clams)? That will determine for starters which direction of lighting you'd need to head in. Then from there, we can figure out what's the best light for the price. Lighting can get very expensive and retro kits are usually the cheapest way to go. Even more, a retro kit that someone is selling in pretty good shape is even better. You can also buy retro kits piece piece so you could start out by maybe buying the reflector and bulbs one time and then buying the ballast and sockets another time etc. Just a thought

Once again, thank you very much for your responses.

I don't plan to keep any clams in my reef, I'm not into them but I'm not familiar with all the high light demanding corals so I guess I should check them out before I decide. Any website available where I can take a look?

My local store is selling me a PC Light Kit ready to install with 4 x 65 Watts double bulbs for a total of 260 Watts which is what they suggested using the rule of 3 to 5 watts per gallon of water. They are charging $189

I read somewhere that PC lights are good but they get too hot and unfortunately the canopy I have is not really tall so I'm not sure it's a good idea to add a kit that will be so close to the water.

Let me know what you think...

 

[Reefdaddy1]

There are many T5 lighting you can go with, Some more expensive then others, But retro kits can be had for your budget for sure, it just depends on your needs, I use them extensively and have great results with any type of corals.

 

[Krish]

Well, I see Bob has replied and he's a good person to talk to. You can take a look on his website and see if he has anything that would interest you. You can even pm him or give him a call! I talked to Bob over the phone before and is a really nice and helpful guy with quite a bit knowledge. IMO, if you aren't going with metal halides, T-5's are the way to go. They don't produce half as much heat either from what I understand

 

[Reefdaddy1]

<bows> Thank you Krish for the Kind words, Now iam gonna yell at ya, You have Vonage right? Well bro I never got your number when you called, I havent heard from you eons. LOL well jst busting your chops bro!! thanks

 

[carlos_fb]

There are many T5 lighting you can go with, Some more expensive then others, But retro kits can be had for your budget for sure, it just depends on your needs, I use them extensively and have great results with any type of corals.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your the info. Any idea where can I get a T5 kit around that price and what specifications should I look for in it?

 

[Krish]

<bows> Thank you Krish for the Kind words, Now iam gonna yell at ya, You have Vonage right? Well bro I never got your number when you called, I havent heard from you eons. LOL well jst busting your chops bro!! thanks

ROFL!!! I'll give you a shout this week

 

[Reefdaddy1]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your the info. Any idea where can I get a T5 kit around that price and what specifications should I look for in it?

Shoot me A pM with your number I can direct on certain stuff, Best time to call what have ya. Best way to do it.