lrg Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 I have a 72G Bowfront set up and need to upgrade my lighting so I can add coral Does anyone have any "cost effective" suggestions? - I like the idea of all in one systems but they are kind of pricey. I have looked at the following on e-bay but I'm not sure I trust them: 48" Metal Halide 48" Metal Halide 2 Maybe someone has some other suggestions? I hope this post is in the right place - I'm a nube so please have patience ! Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddybluewater Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 I would try to stay away from noname lights. Most of the time you get what you pay for from ebay lighting deals. Your best deal is going to be a retro kit to save money. I think vwmike still has a 48" t5 retro that he wants to sell. you could either go with more t5's or add some mh's to it and be in great shape. I would look into hellolights they have good prices on lighting and I think that is where mike's came from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 I've had good success w/hello lights. Muddy is right that retro kits are cost effective, you'll just have to be willing to put the work into mounting everything/measuring/running wires, etc. Sounds like cost is most important to you, so retro would be a good way to go. I can also point you to some good deals I've found on Reef Central recently if you are willing to buy directly from someone via the internet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrg Posted October 26, 2009 Author Share Posted October 26, 2009 Yes I am willing to buy directly and also willing to try retro kits - I would like if possible to set it up so I don't need a chiller. Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caferacermike Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 I run 2x 250w mh and 2x 100w PC over my 75g and have never needed a chiller. However, I do keep the lights about 8" above the water and don't have a top on my canopy, heat rises. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Yes I am willing to buy directly and also willing to try retro kits - I would like if possible to set it up so I don't need a chiller. Thanks for your help. I've got a T5 retro kit still new, never used. Includes: • Parabolic clip on reflectors (42.5" x 2" x 1") • Universal or Sylvania T5 HO ballast runs 2 lamps (16.75" x 1.25" x 1") • IP67 Moisture Resistant German End-caps • End cap Stand-Offs • 33 ft 18g solid wire • 6 ft grounded power cord Willing to make a deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrg Posted October 26, 2009 Author Share Posted October 26, 2009 I do have a canopy but it is 'semi open' ie the top is not fully enclosed. The lighting I have now is: 2 x 20" Sun Paq 2034 65 watt Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k 2 x 20" Sun Paq 2036 65 watt Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm I don't think this is good for much? I'm leaning towards MH Mike but if you want to Email me please feel free: Email me Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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