please help on a new lighting buy!

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by cosmo, Nov 29, 2011.

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  1. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    rapidLED.com its one of our sponsors here and go to retrofit kits and look at the 36 or if you want to really light up the tank the 48 is a little more
     
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  3. Reef-a-holic

    Reef-a-holic 3reef Sponsor

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    Sorry...Bulk Reef Supply. Great guys to do business with.

    Sunlight Supply TEK Light T5 Fixture - English

    I typically only buy RO/DI supplies and bulk filter media from them...just happened to notice they have a good price on the light especially if you figure in the 25% off on the bulbs.
     
  4. Reef-a-holic

    Reef-a-holic 3reef Sponsor

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    LED's are a good option if you're OK with the DIY. You may spend a few $$$ more upfront, but if you can swing it you'll recoup it easily in power saving and bulb costs.
     
  5. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    bruno, their prices seems ok, but man that website could use some work! kind of a pain in the butt to figure out what you need! Plus i dont like that they dont have a phone number! I have a few questions and may order! Kind of looking for a pre built system though!
     
  6. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    shoot him an email, hes been very helpful with me and he gets back to you within a reasonable amount of time we went back and forth with like 6 emails today alone...if you tell him what size tank and what you'll be keeping and what functions youd like he is very good with helping i also originally wanted a 48 LED kit and he talked me out of it to go for the 36 and save the money but i may do the 48 and substitute some lights with supplemental colors because i eventually plan on an upgrade
     
  7. dee99gt

    dee99gt Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Why not purchase a used halide light? I paid 300 for my coralife 2x150 2x90 actinics used though and it works so much better than my T5.
     
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  9. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    Liking the idea of the led's! A little more now, but then i'm done for 7 years or an upgrade!lol This hobby eats enough money, the thought of being done with lighting for a bit sounds ok!
     
  10. Reef-a-holic

    Reef-a-holic 3reef Sponsor

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    One think I can tell you after 20+ years in this hobby, especially where lighting is concerned, is don't skimp...you'll end up spending more in the long run. Get want you want now (with-in reason), otherwise you'll be disappointed and end up getting in a few months anyway, LOL!
     
  11. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    Reef I wish you weren't so dead on with that! If I had the money back from the lights i own, I'd be buying a pimp daddy led system right now instead of reaching for a basic one that will work! Patience is something I should've had at the stat of this build!
     
  12. NanoMano

    NanoMano Gigas Clam

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    Personally, and this is just my opinion.. but if I was staring a tank and lookin for lights. I would only do leds. Expensive up front but they are 75% cheaper on your power bill as well as replacing bulbs is a lot more rare. Imo