What would you do for lighting? 150w? 250w? LED?

Milad · #1 11-27-2010, 07:52 PM

So my lights are up for renewal. I have a 180g 72x24x24

currently I have 150w fixture
I can replace the bulbs and spend around $500

or I mod the fixture to 250w with nice ballast (galaxy) for about 900

or I can build a DIY LED (which i might have fun doing) for about 1100 and then sell the 150w fixture..

someone give me some FEEDBACK! ahhhh my brain is going nuts.

ScubaSteve · #2 11-27-2010, 08:33 PM

First question, what is it you want to keep? Second, how many 150W bulbs are in your fixture?

Milad · #3 11-27-2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScubaSteve

First question, what is it you want to keep? Second, how many 150W bulbs are in your fixture?

forgot to mention mainly SPS and some zoas.
3 bulbs on 150w fixture coral life aqualight pro

Lance · #4 11-27-2010, 10:47 PM

Does the tank have a canopy? If so you can keep the fixture you have and just add a few T5's into the canopy. 24" isn't that deep. I know that fixture you have, I had one. With a couple of 39W T5's you'll have enough light for SPS.

Madreefer · #5 11-27-2010, 10:59 PM

What size are your PC's? I have a 48" fixture with 2 250MH and 2 96W 36"PC. Wanted to change out the 250MH for 400MH. Decided to change the PC's out instead to T5's. My original PC's were 36" and I was able to change them to 4 54W T5's that were 48" More light coverage and was able to do it for under $150. A cheap upgrade that i'm glad i did.

oupulino · #6 11-28-2010, 01:57 AM

lol make DIY led fixture gonna last you for almost 12 years ,no maintenance,no replacing expensive bulbs ,electricity cost cut in half this is the future

lapdog2020 · #7 11-28-2010, 01:58 AM

You said you want to do the LED thing and I would say no to that one and for that price it's not worth it. I know of a cupple of people with some really bad times with the leds. I think that the LED still need work i say give it like 2 or 3 more years before getting in to that. There is nothing wrong with T5 HO's

Frime the do it your self light man lol (thats me!!!!!)

fencer · #8 11-28-2010, 02:55 AM

My gudeline is 250watts MH for every 2 ft on std off the shelf tanks. If you can fit t5 as a supplement that's okay too. 20K bulbs are too blue...14k Phenoix bulbs are a better choice

Milad · #9 11-28-2010, 05:54 PM

lapdog2020, how is the price of the LEDs not worth it? they are cheaper than the 250w option because ill end up selling the 150w fixture. plus in a year i wont have to change the bulbs! ($500)

globaldesigns · #10 11-28-2010, 07:47 PM

my tank is 60X27X27, and I am using the Hamilaton Belize fixture. It is 2X250W with 2 foot long T5HO and 3X1W LEDS. this fixture is top notch quality, and I love it, and they make them in all lengths.

I ordered mine from JL, and had it in like 7 business days, and they don't even stock it. I paid about $1070, incl shipping and taxes. It also came with all bulbs, tank brackets, hanging brackets and deflectors if you hang it. I would recommend this to anyone.

Here is the link to the 6 foot with 3XMH:

http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/it...g-Systems-1726