BEST lighting setup for ~$250
 

I was looking at upgrading my lighting for my 20H. I currently have 65W of PC lighting. It is enough, but I would like more light. For around a budget of ~$250, what is the best lighting i could get? i was thinking maybe a 2x65watt Aqualight from J&L's or a CSL 2X65W with Moonlite.
They are both around $250 with the CSL being more expensive.
Does anyone have some good suggestions?
Thank you

had to make a similar decision when i was looking for lights. i went with the csl, since the fit and finish seems better, and it matches my setup (everything's black). you also get a bigger fan (80mm i think) compared to two dinky ones, the legs are included, and of course, you get the moonlights too.

how much did you gets yours for and where did you buy it?
how do you like it?

I run a single Aqualight on my 15 gallon nano, and a 2x96W Aqualight on my 50. Except for replacing the 36" Actinic with a CSL actinic, I am very happy with both. :biggrin:

What did you not like about the actinic that came with the aqualight?
Where did you find the best prices for the lights? local? online?
thanks

I just don't like any of Coralife's actinics, and that includes the 50/50. They seem to have no punch (par?) I just like the 96W actinic from CSL better. You can buy the lights at J&L, or MOPS. J&L's prices are considerably better. :biggrin:

Why not get a
Halide ballast (175 W) PFO from J/l $110.00
Halide bulb Venkiw 10K $40 ish
and a socket and reflector setup. From J/L $75.00

Should come to $225 + tax and shipping. All you would have to do is make a box for a hood to fit on the tank?

If i went with MH, wont i need actinic supplementation as well? which would add to the cost...
thx!

Nope, you don't "nee" actinic. It only serves to supplement blue when someone feels there bulbs aren't blue enough. But certainly not needed.

but it is usually desired to have actinic supplementation tho right? how blue is just a 10k bulb?
what about a VHO setup with a WH7 and 2 URI bulbs?