Do I need new lights?

[scouncil]

OK, a new twist. I was looking at the 72 inch bar like Tommy's (figured I could just sell his bar for $650, make a tidy little profit, rub his nose in it- not really), but with the cost of the 24 incher being so expensive, the cost of the 72 inch (what I thought was the same thing) was only about $100 more than what Tommy's light cost (which was a very good price- he is so gullable! Thanks Tommy) and a new 24 inch light of the same type, but when I asked Tommy, I'd have to get a new bulb (it comes with 10K and his has 14k), so that would make the cost up another $100 (for the 24 incher)?

Would there be that much difference in light with the black 450w pendant that Donny has with a 14k bulb than the 250w current with the T5s? What would be the pros and cons of both. I'm asking you guys since you know SO MUCH more (about THIS stuff anyway!) about this than I do..... Help me please.
Susan

 

[bkv1997]

Susan i have pleny of moderatly used pheonix bulbs i'll sell you cheap.

Let me know if your intersted.

 

[ironman]

Susan, im not sure what you mean by 450 watt fixture? donnies fixture is a 250 watt fixture, it uses the same bulb as the rest of them you got from tommy. As for your idea about a different lighting fixture all together, I personally would want one solid fixture or a total retrofit. But you have already bought tommies which means now you either make due with what you have or sell it all and get something more apropriate. I think I would try and locate a fixture like aquamedic, or geisman if you want a more worry free lifetime. Some of these new brands are not getting a good rap for dependability. I saw a guy selling a 6month old aqua medic 72" fixture on Reefcentral for $800. I really wish it was more cut and dry, unfortunatly you seem to buy first then ask questions! LOL. I think if you slow down and discuss options we can avoid buying sub par equipment. HEHE!
If you want to keep and use the fixture you bought from tommy then its up to you what you want to use to light the extra 2ft, pretty much any 250 watt halide will do it, you do have the issue of looks since you have no canopy, and I dont know if you bought the 24" matching canopy if it would be able to vent properly butted up against the other fixture? So maybe the fixture donny has would work better? Or one of brandons aquamedic pendants with a new ballast, it wouldnt match but it would be a good unit, and I bet he would throw in a phoenix 14k to match the other bulbs. If it were me I would try and sell all the fixtures you currently have and use that money to order the proper light for your tank.

 

[ironman]

check out some ideas

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1459858

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1462160

 

[ironman]

hey susan, If you decide to sell some of your fixtures, it will be tough here locally. Just an idea. Go to Atlantareefclub.com and register there and post them for sale on there forrums. You have a much better chance of selling them to someone in atlanta, and then you can arange to drop it off at macna if you find someone who wants one. Just an idea

 

[scouncil]

I guess I should post my 72inch bar there and see if anyone wants it. Brandon, do you pendants that you are selling have the phoenix bulbs in them? How much are you asking for one (Tommy said setting 2 up in that corner would make and awsome SPS area, but are the small enough to fit 2 over 24inches sideways?) and how much would the ballast cost? Is that going to be a huge diffence in light (appearance in the tank)?
Susan

 

[scouncil]

Something like this? And is this a good price?- http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1460455

 

[ironman]

I think it would look stupid to put two of them side by side, totally different light output. Just my 2cents. One would be fine. The ballast you pointed out is what you would need, but he wants to much for a two year old ballast in my opinion. see how much donny can get you one for.
Just keep in mind before you spend anymore money that pretty much no matter what you do with your current lights you will end up with the same money as you would to buy one good fixture. Again my 2cents. Im gettin kinda tired of you spending alot of money and not getting the right equipment! LOL :biggrin:

 

[ironman]

This wood be the perfect quality light for your tank

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=AM-75095&Category_Code=Oceanlight-T5

 

[ironman]

your gonna have $1000 in one used fixture and one fixture that matches nothing. with all used bulbs needing replacement soon. which will put you over $1200 in the next 6 months

 

[ironman]

brandon is more of a lighting expert, why arnt you giving advice here man?

 

[scouncil]

I'm not sure where you got the $1000. You mean the total cost of all lighting if I bought Brandon's pendant?

 

[scouncil]

I think he was in Atlanta yesterday, or maybe it was Saturday.

 

[ironman]

well take what you paid for tommied, then add what you pay for brandons or donnies and a new ballast, and used bulb. I bet by the time you have light over your tank you will have $1000 with 3 used bulbs

 

[ironman]

I just want to see you end up with trouble free equipmnet. You dont need to have equipment that needs tinkering or has problems ya know. and if you end up with abunch of used equipment that looks rigged hanging over your tank for the same price as top end new equipment then it bothers me.

 

[ironman]

Oh ya, i forgot about the used T5 bulbs to, you will have to replace those soon to I bet. figure that into the value as well! LOL

 

[ironman]

I hope you or tommy doesnt take this the wrong way, I think tommy gave you a good deal. and it is a nice light, I just wasnt best for your tank im my opinion

 

[bkv1997]

I'm here whats the question you need my advice on?

 

[ironman]

Read the thread and you will know! LOL! Basically she is torn as to whether to buy another small fixture to add to the fixture she bought from tommy and have the same amount of money invested with used bulbs and used fixtures as she would to sell all the fixtures she has and buy a new aquamedic 72" fixture with T5s. and have all new bulbs and new unit.

 

[bkv1997]

I'll just say what i'd do if I were susan.

I'd make do with the one she bought from tommy for a while and focus on getting a decent skimmer..... The lights are working, but if I were you i'd seriously reconsider completely redoing my sump/plumbing and get a skimmer you didnt have to tweak or worry about....

I do agree with bryan about slowing down and researching before you buy good long term purchases may cost a bit more up front but will save you money and headaches many times over.

Brandon