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New lighting question

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by marty, Mar 8, 2010.

  1. Mar 8, 2010 #1
    marty

    marty

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    So heres the deal, I have a 45 gallon Tall aquarium and around $250.00 to spend on new lighting..
    Any suggestions? I currently have a 36" 2x39 watt t5 fixture and would like something that puts out more light.
    I dont have a canopy for this tank but could easily build one to put A MH retro kit and a couple of t5 actinics in but am also wondering what a good wattage would be for this tank? Would I want to run  dual bulbs or would that be overkill?
    Also I wouldn't be opposed to a stand alone or hanging unit.
    Any suggestions/ links would be greatly appreciated
    Thanks!!
    Marty
     
  2. Mar 8, 2010 #2
    Foo

    Foo Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    A single 250 watt MH would be good. I just bought the new Lumateck adjustable ballast. You then can run ANY bulb from 175 watts to 250-HQI. with the same ballast. That combined with a Lumenbright large or LumenMax pendant would greatly increase your light. Even a Tek 36" 4 - 39 watt bulb set-up would be in your price range.
     
  3. Mar 8, 2010 #3
    marty

    marty

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    Alight Ill Have to look into those. Single end bulb or double? does it realy make a difference other than the uv glass?
     
  4. Mar 8, 2010 #4
    Foo

    Foo Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I've ran both and prefer single ended just for the fact you have more bulb choices. But with that ballast listed above you can run either in the 250 watt. If you don't want to hang a pendant from the ceiling, I've seen several build threads with them making a hanger out of aluminum tubing or conduit and attaching it to the back of their stands.

    http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1677352&highlight=pendants
     

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