KaceyJ Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 It is possible to go DIY and get a "modern look". it all depends on what you build. i am a huge DIY guy, so i might be biased. moonlights are great, but can be easily added to ANY set up for $5-$30. Fans, they are super cheap, and can be added for about $4 each. as far as MH vs T5, i have had and enjoyed both. I lean more towards t5 than mh, but it is a personal pref. if you can built your own canopy, or hanging box, you can make it look modern. depends on angles,paint, stain or trim used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derekreefer Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 I own a 36" AquaticLife 4 bulb T5 fixture. The fixture is well built and sleek looking. They come with built-in digital timers for all three lights (10K, 420nm, and moonlights) with ONE power cord. I also bought it at MarineDepot. http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLife_T5_HO_4_Lamp_Light_Fixtures_w_Lunar_LEDs_24_Inch_T5_Fluorescent_Light_Fixtures-AquaticLife-AK01035-FILTFIT54U-vi.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 I have a 120 gal with just one of the coralifes you have plus an additional 14W actinic that's on 24/7. It has purple and green watermelon 'shrooms, brown and green fingers, yellow stone/zooanthiid polyps (hate them just glorified aptasia, but they reproduced sexually, see my thread "polyp porn" for pics) and Frogspawn at all depths and all have been doing well for years. The AquaticLife HID Metal Halide fixtures will fit your tank nicely if you want to grow the more light demanding corals. Aquadome has one on a tank upstairs. Here's a link: http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLife_HID_Metal_Halide_fixtures_with_T5_HO_and_Lunar_LEDs_HID_Metal_Halide_Fixtures_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-AquaticLife-AK01055-FILTFIMHTSHI-vi.html The 48" fixture is a lot more than you've budgeted but if you ever upgraded to a 4 foot long 120 or 150 it could be moved and you'd probably have room for a second one really lighting it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myvirtue Posted July 9, 2010 Author Share Posted July 9, 2010 well honestly i would love to go retro and save money and do mh/with t5's but i have no idea what to do or start. anyone here wanna help me out step by step or hold my hand? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhart032 Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 its not difficult at all and you could save lots of cash this way. you just need to decide what you want. meaning if you want a canopy or a pendent. canopy will be easiest but the pendant would look nice too. canopy would be wood and go on top of the tank vs the pendent. if its pendent then you would need a metal frame fabricated, if you cant wield dont let that stop you you can use pop rivets instead, the wiring is pretty straight forward when wiring the lights. most the time the diagram is on the ballasts. there are lots of people that could help you here on the forum as far as advice is concerned. making everything look good is always the hardest part.. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myvirtue Posted July 9, 2010 Author Share Posted July 9, 2010 (edited) i did find a 48" NovaExtreme Pro 6x54 watt T5 HO Model#1081B W/SLRt refurbished possibly under 200$ i know there 4-500 new. with a 90 day warranty. sounds like a good deal Edited July 9, 2010 by Myvirtue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhart032 Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 That's would be a decent fixture for you if it will fit over the tank well. I have noticed in the past that light spillage over the tank is in attractive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myvirtue Posted July 9, 2010 Author Share Posted July 9, 2010 (edited) you think its too big? Edited July 9, 2010 by Myvirtue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted July 9, 2010 Share Posted July 9, 2010 you think its too big? While I know you can do a pretty tank with just the 2 bulb corallife you have I think you will be much happier with a lot more light. The Nova ExtremePro mentioned above will light up your 55 real well giving you quite a few more options as far as corals go. There are still some species/varieties you will only want to place high in the tank but if you like the looks of that fixture it sounds like a real good deal for you. You could also build a simple light box from 1x6 or 1x8 material with some fans if you aren't particularly crazy about the looks or the light spillage Mhart032 pointed out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myvirtue Posted July 10, 2010 Author Share Posted July 10, 2010 has anyone used these or know anyone? http://fishneedit.com/2-x-150w-mhl-with-2-x-2bulbs-4ft-2150224.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I don't have any experience with that website or that particular fixture but it looks like a really good price. I didn't see any dimensions given so the my main concern is it's width, just guessing from the picture it might be wider than your 55. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myvirtue Posted July 10, 2010 Author Share Posted July 10, 2010 yah its seems shady. you cant even email them, says its not setup. so im gonna stay away from them. i think im gonna order something from reefgeek or see what frags has for sell. I really wanna go mh/t5 combo but not spend 800$ i dont want a canopy yet cuz im not sure how long i will stay with a 55gallon. so, im still confused. if i can find a good deal on a t5/mh combo im all set. if not ill probly order a ati or a tek elite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 . . . you cant even email them, says its not setup . . . In this day and age!? That would raise red flags for me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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