Lighting for a 65G

pf1130 · #1 01/10/2008, 07:26 PM

I'm looking for suggestions on lighting for my 65 gallon tank. It will start off as FOWLR and I might add corals later down the line. I dont want to spend too much but want the abilility to be able to keep some of the less demanding corals later on if I choose to . Price rules out metal halides. I'm looking at power compacts or T-5's currently. These put me at around 3-3.6 watts/gal. What types of coral is this sufficient for? Any other suggetions? Place with good prices, other fixtures, brands etc.? Thanks

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12109

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...=36456&catid=3

JamesJR · #2 01/10/2008, 07:49 PM

I'd take T-5 over PC any day. PC just doesn't provide the intensity. For that price though you may want to look into other fixtures, not that I have used that particular t-5 fixture.

pf1130 · #3 01/10/2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JamesJR
I'd take T-5 over PC any day. PC just doesn't provide the intensity. For that price though you may want to look into other fixtures, not that I have used that particular t-5 fixture.

Is there another fixture that you recommend? I just saw this on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/36-Aquarium-Ligh...QQcmdZViewItem

ImprezaSTi · #4 01/10/2008, 08:02 PM

If you don't want to spend too much you could head down to your LFS and look for fixtures that don't come with moonlights, seperate switches ect. for a much cheaper price.

JamesJR · #5 01/10/2008, 08:15 PM

Just make sure the T-5 fixture has individual reflectors if you want to keep clams, sps corals or anemones.

walkerbrody · #6 01/10/2008, 08:30 PM

If you are into diy at all you can buy a couple m57 ballast and sockets on ebay and wire them yourself. You can build a mh setup fairly cheaply

pf1130 · #7 01/10/2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ImprezaSTi
If you don't want to spend too much you could head down to your LFS and look for fixtures that don't come with moonlights, seperate switches ect. for a much cheaper price.

From what I have seen the moonlights don't add much to the price. Can you suggest a brand that is cheaper?

pf1130 · #8 01/10/2008, 09:18 PM

gamble?

pf1130 · #9 01/10/2008, 09:18 PM

I just saw this on ebay, has anyone heard about/have experience with this fixture? Worth the gamble?http://cgi.ebay.com/VHO-36-442W-Meta...QQcmdZViewItem

jccash · #10 01/10/2008, 10:35 PM

I have a 65 Gal and I have have Nova Extreme T5 4 bulb system. They work great, but if I was you I'd take a step up and buy the Nova Extreme Pro T-5 Fixtures (6 bulb)