BTA Anemone

cool lighting system there - but im sure theres something out there cheaper - maybe retrokit??

 

Cheer aqua, phoenix you got a link to that retro thingy majig?

 

for a retro kit I would say check this site diyreef.com out if you are handy and have a canopy over your tank they are very efficient and for your tank I would go with a 2x t5ho with a 150 hqi mh or 175w mh the t5ho are for the actinic (blue) color and for the bulb I would go with a 10k light spectrum

here are the parts I would purchase to build it into a canopy
mh balast and reflector
https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop...d=419&osCsid=c513a40bf53bde2901aa1f695c30c685
mh bulb
https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop...d=185&osCsid=c513a40bf53bde2901aa1f695c30c685
t5 retro kit
https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop...d=350&osCsid=c513a40bf53bde2901aa1f695c30c685

I know these will add up to be kinda expensive but it is well worth it

 

Sorry - that is actually a decent price - i forget that i live in the Uk, so when i think about the currency conversion, its sounds about right.

 

yea her prices are very cheap compared to other venders but for a newbie spending $300 us on lights can seem very expensive

but the biggest key to this hobby is 2 things in my opinion patients is first and second is buy the corect equipment first

ends up cheaper than buying somthing more than once cause you have to upgrade

 

Thats what you would call a newbie, all in the the process, live and learn,thats what the forums partly for, think i will go T5.

Stingray

 

How about a couple of these guys?

T5 LIGHTING KIT MARINE TROPICAL 2 x 54 WATT CORAL on eBay, also Lighting, Fish, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (end time 09-Apr-08 22:17:19 BST)

 

that is actualy almost double the price I would pay for a no name balast like that the kits I posted are top end balasts some of the best money can buy and the prices listed with them include the bulbs and waterproof endcaps and good reflectors

the kit you posted is a simple no name balast that looks like it got ripped out of an actual fixture with cheap endcaps and no reflectors

marc

 

and i'm a noob, sounds good to me , your to fussy

 

if your good with electronics, heres a good reliable, cheap ballast.
Just wire to sockets, reflector, and presto you have light.....
Fulham Electronic Fluorescent Ballast #WH3-120-C - Workhorse 3 - Cube Case - Operates (1) F39T5/HO Lamp at 120 Volts Light Bulb
For two 39 watt T5's, you will need 2 ballasts, 4 end caps, and two 30' reflectors.......and a plug to wire on.....