BEST lighting setup for ~$250

Lancer · #1 11-25-2003, 06:15 AM

I was looking at upgrading my lighting for my 20H. I currently have 65W of PC lighting. It is enough, but I would like more light. For around a budget of ~$250, what is the best lighting i could get? i was thinking maybe a 2x65watt Aqualight from J&L's or a CSL 2X65W with Moonlite.
They are both around $250 with the CSL being more expensive.
Does anyone have some good suggestions?
Thank you

dekay · #2 11-25-2003, 06:32 AM

had to make a similar decision when i was looking for lights. i went with the csl, since the fit and finish seems better, and it matches my setup (everything's black). you also get a bigger fan (80mm i think) compared to two dinky ones, the legs are included, and of course, you get the moonlights too.

Lancer · #3 11-25-2003, 06:37 AM

how much did you gets yours for and where did you buy it?
how do you like it?

Bob I · #4 11-25-2003, 05:25 PM

I run a single Aqualight on my 15 gallon nano, and a 2x96W Aqualight on my 50. Except for replacing the 36" Actinic with a CSL actinic, I am very happy with both.

Lancer · #5 11-26-2003, 01:32 AM

What did you not like about the actinic that came with the aqualight?
Where did you find the best prices for the lights? local? online?
thanks

Bob I · #6 11-26-2003, 01:43 AM

I just don't like any of Coralife's actinics, and that includes the 50/50. They seem to have no punch (par?) I just like the 96W actinic from CSL better. You can buy the lights at J&L, or MOPS. J&L's prices are considerably better.

Canadian Man · #7 11-26-2003, 02:24 AM

Why not get a
Halide ballast (175 W) PFO from J/l $110.00
Halide bulb Venkiw 10K $40 ish
and a socket and reflector setup. From J/L $75.00

Should come to $225 + tax and shipping. All you would have to do is make a box for a hood to fit on the tank?

Lancer · #8 11-26-2003, 02:46 AM

If i went with MH, wont i need actinic supplementation as well? which would add to the cost...
thx!

Aquattro · #9 11-26-2003, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lancer

wont i need actinic supplementation as well?

Nope, you don't "nee" actinic. It only serves to supplement blue when someone feels there bulbs aren't blue enough. But certainly not needed.

Lancer · #10 11-26-2003, 03:05 AM

but it is usually desired to have actinic supplementation tho right? how blue is just a 10k bulb?
what about a VHO setup with a WH7 and 2 URI bulbs?