Teevee is right, if your handy at all you should be able to build your whole setup with a halide for the $300. I just finished making my Stainless Stell hood and the total cot was less than $300 including the Stainless. :cool:

Clinton

How does this look:

MH Ballast (PFO Lighting TAR) - $109
MH Bulb Socket (Mogul) - $13.95
Mounting Bracket - $18.95
8' Quick Disconnect Cord - $11.95
175w Mogul Base MH Bulb (10000K) - $114
-----------
Total = $267.85

OR

2 Bulb VHO Lighting Ballast Kit - $189.95
24" 75w Super Acintic VHO bulb - $32.95
24" 75w 10000K VHO bulb - $35.95
-----------
Total = $258.85

Both are using parts and prices from JL. Both systems seem very good. What I'm worried about is whether or not I need to add an acintic bulb to the MH since I read that corals do better with Acintic.

Again, thanks to everyone for their replies!

personally i'm going with dual 400w 10k halides over my 150, which is going to be focused on SPS. i'm going to leave enough room in the canopy so that if i decide i want actinics, i can add them later. maybe that is also an option for you.

Are either of those quotes including reflectors?

The smaller footprint of your tank (~30x12") may lend itself better to VHO or PC as these bulbs are typically mounted lengthwise and sold with reflectors that will take better advantage of a smaller tank.

The studies done with MH bulbs and reflectors refer to a spread of approx. 2' by 2' and reflect their suitability for use on larger tanks.

It's not a rule, but a guideline. The front-to-back spread from most MH will be more than you can use with your tank, IMO.

Neither of the quotes include reflectors. That is pretty interesting info there AJ_77. I'll take that into consideration.

No trouble. Do a search here on the term "MH reflector" and you'll get some good reading, a page or so of threads.

Do the same search at Reef Central and you'll be there for weeks...

Good luck!

lighting
 

have you thought about the round pendants? they look ok and easy to adjust for height to compensate for heat when that becomes an issue.

Re: lighting
 

I have, but since I live in an apartment, I really don't want to be drilling and putting hooks in the ceiling. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Here is the new hood i just finished building for under $300.

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/winger9/hood1

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/winger9/hood2

Clinton

:eek:

That looks great! Where did you get the sheet metal for the canopy? You built that all for under $300? Are those VHO or just NO flourescents?