72" Lights from Aquatraders

[fkshiu]

If you are serious about your corals you have two choices: the all-in-one fixtures like the aquatrader one you were looking at OR building a lighting system a la carte with separate components. There are many good fixtures out there, but the problem with almost all of them are the reflectors IMO.

There are three main components to a good lighting system: bulb, ballast and reflector. Of the three, the reflector is usually overlooked. However, a good reflector can make or break your lighting system by even spreading out the light and preventing any hotspots.

The problem with the MH reflectors in most all-in-one fixtures are their size - they are simply too small to properly spread the light. It's simply a matter of packaging for the manufacturers. The only exception I can think of offhand is the Sfiligoi Infinity which has comparatively gigantic reflectors, but unfortunately not many people can afford it.

Now if you go DIY you'll be able to utilize one of three vastly superior reflectors: Lumenmax, Lumenbright and the grand-daddy Lumenarc.

I understand that some people are uncomfortable doing electrical DIY, and would prefer a pre-assembled fixture. However, much of what you'd be doing with a custom system is simply doing some extra plugging-in and at worst matching the same coloured wires. It is more work if you have to build a hood, but the superior results you'll get will be worth it if you are planning to be in this hobby seriously and for the long haul.

[my2rotties]

We have no problem doing the DIY. Frank is building a canopy over the top anyways, but we just don't know where to start out. One option was to use the Tek Lights and some how fit the MH into the grand sceme of things. We also want to LEDs so I don't know how that will work into our plans. I guess I should check the DIY section and see if there are any pictures of what I am looking for.

Thanks to everyone for the most helpful info and sensory overload.

Pics of the tank with water are now up...

Originally Posted by fkshiu

If you are serious about your corals you have two choices: the all-in-one fixtures like the aquatrader one you were looking at OR building a lighting system a la carte with separate components. There are many good fixtures out there, but the problem with almost all of them are the reflectors IMO.

There are three main components to a good lighting system: bulb, ballast and reflector. Of the three, the reflector is usually overlooked. However, a good reflector can make or break your lighting system by even spreading out the light and preventing any hotspots.

The problem with the MH reflectors in most all-in-one fixtures are their size - they are simply too small to properly spread the light. It's simply a matter of packaging for the manufacturers. The only exception I can think of offhand is the Sfiligoi Infinity which has comparatively gigantic reflectors, but unfortunately not many people can afford it.

Now if you go DIY you'll be able to utilize one of three vastly superior reflectors: Lumenmax, Lumenbright and the grand-daddy Lumenarc.

I understand that some people are uncomfortable doing electrical DIY, and would prefer a pre-assembled fixture. However, much of what you'd be doing with a custom system is simply doing some extra plugging-in and at worst matching the same coloured wires. It is more work if you have to build a hood, but the superior results you'll get will be worth it if you are planning to be in this hobby seriously and for the long haul.