Lighting question

[Tbird165]

I am making a hood for my 30 gal tank and was going to use t5 lighting. Problem is I can't find t5 ballasts at Lowe's only t8, t12, and t12ho. Now are any of those good for reef tanks? Or should I wait for the price of leds to drop?

 

[cloak]

What about something like this?

https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/reef-breeders-value-led-fixtures/

 

[Tbird165]

A little bit out of my price range and have to have a hood on the tank. I have a 3 year old that likes throwing things in the tank

 

[Tbird165]

A t8 4 bulb setup will cost me $30 to make

 

[Reefing Madness]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_599717-3-50997___?productId=50260905&pl=1&Ntt=electronic+light+ballasts


http://www.ebay.com/itm/165W-Dimmab...0370&clkid=7306528903339164361&_qi=RTM2067270

 

[Tbird165]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_599717-3-50997___?productId=50260905&pl=1&Ntt=electronic+light+ballasts


http://www.ebay.com/itm/165W-Dimmable-LED-Aquarium-Light-Full-Spectrum-Reef-Coral-Marine-SPS-LPS-Lamp/131261397845?_trksid=p2050601.c100085.m2372&_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=32103&meid=f6abfb4c2fc54094a5192e041184cd38&pid=100085&rk=4&rkt=4&mehot=pp&sd=121153870370&clkid=7306528903339164361&_qi=RTM2067270

I went there today and was told they are not carrying them any more but they might be able to special order them but it was going to cost me more

 

[Reefing Madness]

Special order would cost you more?? Thats a load of crap!! If the warehouse for Lowes still has them, they can get them for you at cost. They are just giving you crap. Go to the manager!!
Or order them online.

 

[cloak]

A t8 4 bulb setup will cost me $30 to make

What exactly is your price range? Figure $30 to DIY and about $15-$20 for each bulb and your at about $110. You'll also have to replace these bulbs each year as well.
If your planning on keeping a wide variety of corals, I think you would be better off just biting the bullet and paying the extra money for the LED's now. JMO, GL.

 

[Tbird165]

Special order would cost you more?? Thats a load of crap!! If the warehouse for Lowes still has them, they can get them for you at cost. They are just giving you crap. Go to the manager!!
Or order them online.

That's what I was thinking the samething. But still trying to figure out what way I want to go. I wanted to hide the lights in the hood and yes the t5 or 8 would cost more in the long run but everything would be hiden. Would love to run leds because they pull less power and dont create as much heat. So I keep going round and round on what way I want to go

 

[Reefing Madness]

Why can't you hide the LEDs in the hood??

 

[Tbird165]

Thanks for the idea. Now another thing I need to ask is this. I've heard from the lfs and read online that some lights if to close to the tank will burn or bleach coral if it's to close to the tank. Is this true?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Thats why you get one that is dimmable. And yes, the high intensity lights if the corals are not acclimated to them, will burn and bleach.

 

[Tbird165]

Any kind of heat issues with the unit being hid like that?

 

[MontiFanatic402]

if you decide to go the T5 route, I have a fulham workhorse 5 that I would let go for cheap! I think its able to power 2-4 24w T5HO and I have 2 spare reflectors

 

[Reefing Madness]

No issues with mine, my canopy is open in the back, the unit has a fan on it. No problems.

 

[Tbird165]

if you decide to go the T5 route, I have a fulham workhorse 5 that I would let go for cheap! I think its able to power 2-4 24w T5HO and I have 2 spare reflectors

Thanks will keep that in mind but the more I keep talking to reefing madness the more I think I'm going to end up doing leds