Reef lighting

[addam4208283]

i was just wondering what is stopping you guys from modifying a MH light from say lowes used for a spot light into a tank light? wouldn't this be way cheaper then ordering a $2-$300 set up?

[rusty]

Well some people do go out and buy the MH fixtures from th LFS. For my self I DIY all my lighting I find it a bit cheaper and I have the tools to do it. And I find it part of the fun.

[Invigor]

I cannot tell you about t5s, but I do know with URI VHO lamps, I have -never- seen the color reproduction as nice as these. I have used the 10000k aquasun and the 12000k actinic white...and the colors from my fish...I cannot describe it the first time I turned on the VHOs. beyond amazing. downside with VHOs is high power consumption and very hot lamp ends, which is hard on the plastic endcaps.

both my actinic bulbs have now burned out, and I plan on replacing them with T5 actinic bulbs, not because I don't like VHOs, but because I want the liberty of saying I've tried both. I enjoy learning the pros and cons of all lighting setups, and T5 is what's next. I've done PC, MH, VHO, NO, it's time for t5s.

[Croman]

Originally Posted by Invigor

I cannot tell you about t5s, but I do know with URI VHO lamps, I have -never- seen the color reproduction as nice as these. I have used the 10000k aquasun and the 12000k actinic white...and the colors from my fish...I cannot describe it the first time I turned on the VHOs. beyond amazing. downside with VHOs is high power consumption and very hot lamp ends, which is hard on the plastic endcaps.

both my actinic bulbs have now burned out, and I plan on replacing them with T5 actinic bulbs, not because I don't like VHOs, but because I want the liberty of saying I've tried both. I enjoy learning the pros and cons of all lighting setups, and T5 is what's next. I've done PC, MH, VHO, NO, it's time for t5s.

Do you have pics of your tank?

[smokinreefer]

have you considered dual 150W MH?