42G Lighting Recommendations

[mark]

Might of missed it but what are you planning on keeping? Answer to your light question would be based on your stocking plans. Example, obviously you don't need a $700 MH combo if your plan is FOWLR or mushrooms.

[JHG]

I'm looking for something that will allow me to keep more than just softies and that has "Honey, I didn't re-mortgage the house to buy this." price tag.

See above.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by JHG

I'm planning on setting up a 42G (36"x18"15") in the near future and am thinking of what options I have in terms of lighting. The tank is only 15" high so I'm assuming lighting this tank will be a bit easier than a taller tank. Please fire away with your suggestions. I'm looking to purchase within Canada on this one, if possible.

Thanks,

J

you can get away with 150 HQI, 175, 250 , 250HQi ect... ut what you got to think about is if you are ever going to buy a bigger tank. if not find a cheap 175 watt or 150 HQI set up. if you are going to have a canopy then you can just buy a reflector and case and save money over a fancy aqualight or something like that. if you might buy a larger tank laiter then go for the 250 or 250 HQI now and just mount them a little higher. (you could probably get away with one light if you raise it high enuf but I have two lights in my 36" tank. but if money is a issue you could buy one cheaper pendant now mount it higher in the middle then next summer buy another if you feel it is nessassary. (oh and when I say 250 HQI I do not mean the double ended bulb. I am talking about the ballast. if you want to run double ended bulbs it is up to you but I prefer single ended bulbs as they have a better spread.

Steve

[tbone]

how much do u think custom fees would be for to order from the states?

[akhanf]

Originally Posted by tbone

how much do u think custom fees would be for to order from the states?

I ordered my 2x250W MH setup just last week from an ebay store in the states. I'll let you know how much custom fees are when I get them. Great deal otherwise, just under $400 USD for the 2x250W coralvue retrokits with reeflux 12k bulbs.

[JHG]

Here's my 42G tank. I'd prefer to use a retrofit or whatever else works best on the canopy portion of my tank. I used to have a few standard plant and aquarium bulbs for the tank when it had live plants (freshwater) and in the picture below and using a 20" bulb as it created a nice effect with the African cichlids coming out of shadows, etc. I'm leaning towards VHO setup and hoping to keep mostly soft corals. Any decent recommendation would be welcome. Looking for most cost effective setup. Anyone use DIY kits from AHSupply?

J