[hahnmeister]

To suggest that a system with a low monthly cost is an inferior one as far as longevity, convenience, or light levels isnt correct though.

Skylights for instance, provide a huge savings, and can easily have just as much if not more light than a halide lit system. Since even the most efficient halides still throw about 75% of their electricity directly into heat, and then some into IR, the lower heat transfer of a skylight to the tank and home results in additional cooling savings as well (chiller or A/C).

My $25-30 a month in electric 125g for instance, uses a light mover and tunzes, as well as a small eheim 1250 as the return pump. Sure, I could have used closed loops with high wattage pumps, and dual halides + T5s, and pay alot more for electric, but it isnt necessary.