Need lighting advice from my fellow reefers...

[BMW Rider]

Originally Posted by Reefhawk1

The power bill has gone up by 35 dollars a month, its worth it though my corals a thriving compared to when I was using power compact bulbs.

http://www.cooltouchlighting.com/index.asp

I know that story, mine jumped nearly $50 per month with the new reef tank. My wife was a little stressed out for the first couple of months with that. Now I pay the bill instead of her. I'm trying to cut my power consumption in other areas of the house with energy efficient lights and such.

I did the DIY thing for my lights. I'm running 2 x 250W MH on Icecap ballasts and 2 x 96W PC - 1 actinic and 1 6500k. I bought the kits from J&L, then built the hood myself from 1/2" plywood. It does help that I have a full workshop to build in, but if you can get the wood cut when you buy it, you should be able to assemble it at home. If you like, I still have the drawings for mine, and I could send you them with a cut-list as well.