Lighting: Most Bang For The Buck

[ikon]

currently i have a 48" AGA power compact 110w with two twin 55w 50/50 (10000/actinic) bulbs, as well as an 80w standard 48" shop light with one 40w flourescent and one actinic on my 55 gallon fish/LR only tank.

I want to upgrade, in hopes of one day growing coral. Im looking to spend in the price range of $200. What do you suggest? type of lighting? brandname? thanks in advance

i came across this:
http/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F3...6/Itemdy00.aspx

and this:
http/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F3...5/Itemdy00.aspx

any good for what im looking for?

 

[SkiFletch]

Do you have a hood that you could retro-fit something into, or do you need a stand-alone type fixture?

 

[ikon]

I custom built my setup so it doesnt matter what the fixture looks like as it will be hidden..this was the first day i got the tanks setup

 

[SkiFletch]

Oooh, nice. Dual 175watt electronic ballasted metal halides (if it were my tank )

 

[callell]

If you can afford the light & the elecrticity it will sup up & want some serious coral growth then I would go for a 400w Halide for both tanks

 

[ikon]

hah MH is out of the question due to pricing..

im thinking the 4x54w 48" nova t5 per tank..

is t5 a lot better then power compact? i notcied the prices are similar between the two?

 

[SkiFletch]

hah MH is out of the question due to pricing..

im thinking the 4x54w 48" nova t5 per tank..

is t5 a lot better then power compact? i notcied the prices are similar between the two?

Because of their individual reflectors, yes. The two types of lighting put out similar amounts of light but the T5s reflect it and make use of it better