Lighting 120g, limited Budget

kwirky · #1 06-06-2006, 05:02 AM

thanks for the help guys. I'll be going with a 10k dual 250w HQI setup, supplemented by NO actinics for dawn/dusk transition. I'm probably gonna get two PFO Mini HQI pendants with PFO HQI ballasts, and XM 10000k bulbs. I priced out ballasts separate, and reflectors, and comparisons between mogul and DE bulbs, and made my decision.

if I was to DIY everything, let's say... XM 10000k mogul on PFO standard 250w, with half decent reflector, and UV shielded glass, I would only save about $100 all together. I'm willing to pay the extra $100 and get something that works, without loads of tinkering

Denis · #2 06-06-2006, 03:45 PM

I love these pendants, good choice. 2 will be just right.
When you build your rock work, don't pile it up against the back wall, instead build a ridge in the middle as these pendants focus the light into a narrow area.
You'll be surprised how bright these are.
I used to run 2 x 400W SE in spiders with about the same intensity.
Later when you get more money upgrade to VHO actinics.
Acro was selling some Icecap ballasts earlier, check with him.
Have fun.

kwirky · #3 06-06-2006, 06:07 PM

thanks dennis... just needed some confidence in my buying decision. I've only got so much moolah, and I want to make sure I don't buy the wrong lighting system.

Oh, maybe you know a thing or two about skimmers. I was debating between the euroreef 135 and the euroreef 180. I will probably be running a second tank eventually off my sump (maybe a little cube), so I was thinking the 180 would be the way to go. I will be running mainly an invert tank, with only a few fish... any suggestions, or maybe another brand that's just as good that's a few $$ cheaper?

muck · #4 06-06-2006, 06:32 PM

Check out the ASM skimmers. They are pretty similar to the Euroreefs but cheaper because of cheaper materials used to build them.

vanreefer · #5 06-06-2006, 06:35 PM

I am a big fan of ASM

Denis · #6 06-06-2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwirky

thanks dennis... just needed some confidence in my buying decision. I've only got so much moolah, and I want to make sure I don't buy the wrong lighting system.

Oh, maybe you know a thing or two about skimmers. I was debating between the euroreef 135 and the euroreef 180. I will probably be running a second tank eventually off my sump (maybe a little cube), so I was thinking the 180 would be the way to go. I will be running mainly an invert tank, with only a few fish... any suggestions, or maybe another brand that's just as good that's a few $$ cheaper?

Sorry dude, I'm not much expert on skimmers, I build my own air driven CC skimmers.