kj

LED lights would most certainly be the way to go and yes they do have the punch of MH, Solaris is also a bad example as they were the first to make use of commercial LED's for the aquarium and technology has immensely surpassed what Solaris first attempted. I would not choose the Viper light for a number of reasons including the costs of bulb replacements, heat, and not the best quality of some JBJ lights.

Heat is a major issue on a small tank, LED's put off very little heat and with the average photo period would last about 8 years before having to be replaced.

with some of the higher end units like the Aqua illumination, you can change out individual components for such things as technology advancements, failures, or if optional upgrades are offered.

http://reefbuilders.com/wp-content/b...mination-8.jpg

http://reefbuilders.com/wp-content/b...ination-13.jpg

http://reefbuilders.com/wp-content/b...mination-1.jpg

Despite what people have to say about their experiences with the Current USA light on their nano tanks and it being "crap", I'll disagree. The bulbs are cheap (under $15 each) to replace, but they aren't the best. But they're decent, and they get the job done.

I suspect people who didn't have success with that particular light have other issues besides lighting. I have this light and my corals look pretty good:
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...k/DSC_2142.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...k/DSC_2145.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...k/PB244335.jpg

Overall, I'm satisfied with the unit and it's overall performance. I'd say go for it. You could always use it as frag tank lighting when you upgrade :)

Nice Setosa! :mrgreen:

Not sure I agree with you but your tank looks good! :lol:

Thanks Ian! It looks even better now that it's growing out healthily under crappy current USA 18" T5HO bulbs :D

I can agree that the light is no Powermodule, but it gets the job done in a format that no other fixture maker does.

My main rationale for getting it was that I didn't want the heat issues (both in the tank and in the room, as I live in a small condo).

I like your rationale, good points!

Softies and mushrooms? 6 Bulbs... T5HO? That'll grow anything you want.

Price out replacement bulbs etc but MH would be my choice, mind you I've been out of the hobby for a bit. I've said it before and I'll say it again. A few years ago I got some frags from a fellow reefer who had a very nice sps dominated tank. He was growing beautiful corals under normal fluorescent lights, (shop lights from Rona). His coral had great colour but it grew slow. Go with what works for your place, you said you want low heat so perhaps something other than MH would be good for you but a small fan may be all that's needed to make MH work for you.

Doug