Need Help - trying to decide on a new lighting system

[RondaGP]

I'm feeling overwhelmed researching a new lighting system for my 75G (48x18x20) reef. The only coral I currently only have are a few polyps, mushrooms, and zoanthid, but would like to not be too restricted in future selections.

Does anyone know about or have experience with these?
I'll take any advice with recommendations to which ones to stay away from, which ones pull the least electricity or would be the least expensive to run or replace lamps for, which ones would be the easiest to operate, or something else better out there in the same price range.

I'm sort of looking for "complete package" since I know little about making hoods or retrofitting anything.
I own a GLO 48" T5 HO 2x54 (w/6700K & actinic bulbs) that's available for this tank and just add a MH clamp or pendant if that's all I need. This would be the cheapest but I don't want to skimp out so I'm thinking one of the below would be a better choice. (?)

My choices reflect research I've done which has led me to believe that 2 150w MH will be more than enough with my tank only being 20" deep.

1) Current USA Outer Orbits 48" 2x150w MH HQIs + 4x54 T5 & 18 Lunar Lights ($722)
http://www.marineandreef.com/Outer_Orbit_T5_48_inch_150W_Current_USA_p/rcu01072.htm

2) 48 inch Current USA SunPod 2x150w 14K HQI-MH w/ 18 Lunar Lights ($500)
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...duct~CU01064~idCategory~FILTFIMHMMMDMLM6.html
(Does anyone use MH alone? I would need have some T5's and would the one I have work or would the two take up too much room?)

3) Aqua Medic 48" 2x150w HQI + 2x54w HO T5 Ocean Light System ($724)
http://www.discountmarinesupplystore.com/servlet/the-168/Aqua-Medic-48"-150w/Detail
(This one seems expensive compared to similar systems?)

4) 4ft Captive Sun Deluxe Hood Lighting System - 2x175w MH + 2x110W VHO -Bulbs NOT Included ($479 w/o bulbs)
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

5) 4 Foot PFO Custom Hood with 2 x Metal Halide + 2x110w VHO ($598)
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~PF69935~tab~1.html
I couldn't find the type of lamps this one takes or if I need anything else to go with it.

Thank you so much for any time spent helping me figure out what's the best for me to buy.
Ronda

 

[mr_X]

hi. alot of these are going to be personal preference. i don't think you need the vho's, since the t-5's will do the trick for actinic supplement with half the wattage.
2 x 150 watt halides will allow you to keep whatever you want, and all will pull the same electricity. one of those fixtures is just as easy as the next to operate, and replace lamps.
i like actinic supplementation, so i'd scratch the sunpod.

all the rest will do the job.


you can also consider a straight t-5 unit. 6 or 8 t-5 lamps with individual reflectors will allow you to keep wahtever you want also, with less heat.
i much prefer the shimmer of halides though.

 

[RondaGP]

Thanks for the reply.
That makes sense about the VHOs.

Because I already have the 2x54 T5 VO lights, I'm also looking into a way to just add MH to that.

At one time I had reseaeched this to the point of making my ideal wish list but now that its time to actually buy, I'm scared to commit to anything, lol.

 

[RondaGP]

A 250w MH pendant wouldn't be to much on a 75g that's only 20" deep right?

I think I found one I want to buy used for only $150 with a ballast and bulb.

 

[Anonymous]

Shouldn't be, just ramp up the hours it is on over a period of weeks and watch the coral for any signs of stress until things get used to the additional light.

 

[camaroracer214]

just get a tek light. i have an 8 bulb t5ho unit over my sps/clam dominated 90 gallon aquarium and everything has been thriving for years.

 

[RondaGP]

just get a tek light. i have an 8 bulb t5ho unit over my sps/clam dominated 90 gallon aquarium and everything has been thriving for years.

After seeing pictures of your tank last week, I seriously considered it. It was those pictures that finally convinced me you don't actually have to have MHs.

With all the stuff I need to purchase for our tank this month I went with the $150 MH because I can add it to some HO T5 lights that I already have and be able to buy other things with out skimping out on anything.