What Lighting Options Are Out There?

[KittyKat]

It has been a few years since I last bought aquarium lighting so was wondering if someone could advise on what lighting is available for an open topped tank? Traditionally I would consider some sort of luminaire, but these seem to have gone up in price considerably since I last bought one (new 4ft 4 tube T5 for £100) and are in the £150-200 range even for the shortest ones. I also looked at Arc-pod type things, but there doesn't seem to be anything for marine out there.

So can anyone recommend anything?

 

[xxBarneyxx]

What dimensions are the tank and what are you planning to keep in it.

Also how "handy" are you? It is a lot cheaper to build your own light unit and it isn't too difficult to do.

 

[KittyKat]

The tank has been set up for about 4 years now. I have kept mushrooms, zoas, xenias and Duncanopsamma axifugia (all on and off, had to move house a few times with it) with small quantities of plant-like algae. The tank is approx. 60l×30t×30w cm

The bulb I currently have needs changing, so it is a good time to actually get a nice fitting, I thought. At the moment, it is a not-very-nice DIY hack. I am also at the point now where I want to restock, post last house move.

I have done a bit of DIY, but do not have the tools nowadays to do much. Also I do very much want to keep the tank without a hood and the unit to look "smooth" (this is the bit I am not so good at). So, I am happy to investigate DIY!

 

[FREDD!E]

It has been a few years since I last bought aquarium lighting so was wondering if someone could advise on what lighting is available for an open topped tank? Traditionally I would consider some sort of luminaire, but these seem to have gone up in price considerably since I last bought one (new 4ft 4 tube T5 for £100) and are in the £150-200 range even for the shortest ones. I also looked at Arc-pod type things, but there doesn't seem to be anything for marine out there.

So can anyone recommend anything?

Aqua medic 150W Pendant Light +1

 

[KittyKat]

So can anyone recommend anything?

Aqua medic 150W Pendant Light +1

Thanks for the suggestion. I would rather pass on the metal halides, I feel that they are overkill for what I have (please, do say why not if anyone disagrees!).. I probably should have mentioned earlier! Also it might help if I add that I do feed the corals regularly.