Would these lights be better than my 4 power compacts

Your welcome. I wasn't sure if the pic came out clear enough.

The eggcrate is plastic, but T5 lights should be cool enough to not melt it (I have a hotter running PC setup on my 20 gallon and it's not even close to melting it- although it's up on 2 inch high legs, even if it weren't, it wouldn't be too hot as I can place my hand on the bottom side and it's warm, not hot). If you get a new light fixture, I recommend getting the leg attachments that gets it up off the glass/eggcrate. Even though it won't run hot, it will still run even cooler with the legs. The cooler, the better. Keeps heat from transferring into the tank, and fluorescent bulbs put out more lumens if they have good cooling (fans and/or airgap).

 

OK and this may sound like a stupid question but how does it help the aquarium I know you said it lets the aquarium breath.

 

O2 goes up, CO2 goes down. Increased CO2 levels can lower your PH, so decreasing them can help to keep the PH at/above 8.0. By breathing, the tank can run slightly cooler (evaporation takes heat away- think of sweating).

 

I will be on my way to home depot tomorrow. You guys are awesome.

 

hey bro. I saw this thread and had a suggestion for ya. how about these. I've seen these lights and the work pretty well.
47 inch 4 bulb 54-watt HO T5 fluore... Product Details

 

What do you have that requires the glass tops? and as far as the picture goes, if my little mind can remember tommorow I will take a picture or two for you. it is small enough that you could most likley use 2 on a 75 with out any problems.

 

Yeah, I agree. Save some more money and get a better light fixture.

I want to add to that:

Don't ever try to cheap something out (and boy am I speaking from experience on this one ). Do it right the first time, because Guess what? You'll just end up eventually doing it right, and that will cost you more in the long run. Figure out what you really need (or even get some help from others on some recommendations), then save your money and get what you need.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Also curious; Lights ok? One or two sets for a 55g?

 

Hi, I also have a 75g and I recently upgrade my PC 4x65w (2 dayligth and 2 actinic) to 2x175w 14k with my 2 actinic. If you have a good chiller this should be your option. Make some savings and you will see the diference. This way you may have almost any coral that you want.

 

i have the lights ur looking at(48"x4 bulbs) i got mine from a lfs under $200 and they do come with bulbs 2antic 210k only 1 cord tho(the switch is a 4 way) i like then a lot wish they had ind reflectors but 4 the price ill live with it