Coralife Lunar Aqualight -- any advice??

[sswimmerchic]

Sooo... here's a question I hope you guys can help me with. I'm *possibly* in the market for starting a 75 gal SW tank and was looking at lights... the price is right on this light and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with it, or any advice at all? I'm thinking a reef with few fish and some inverts... don't have a clue what I'm doing, lol. I think I want to stick with T5 or power compacts...

Anyway here's the link -- http://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Lunar-Aq ... 853&sr=1-8

I'm totally new at this stuff

[sswimmerchic]

oh here's another site that gives a better description of the light... http://www.petmeister.com/item2920.htm

thanks in advance

[ceriff]

Not a bad price but I would try to find T5 lights. You will be able to do much more with them. Michad from the site just bought two 4 foot lights refurbished off ebay for about $200 or $250 each. They were 8 lamp fixtures and the manufacturer even supports them. I will try and find out what lights they are so I can give you a link.

[sswimmerchic]

I was looking at T5's also -- the $200 just sounded too good to be true. Anyway I think I know which lights you're talking about -- here's what I found on ebay by "currentusa" http://cgi.ebay.com/48-Nova-Extreme-8x5 ... 632wt_1076

Nice lights, they're on my watch list. My question about that setup is this: on that light fixture with 8 bulbs, it has a single reflector for the whole fixture; however, on another light fixture (same brand/similar model) with 4 bulbs, it has individual "SLR" reflectors. Is this really a difference? I would be okay with buying 2 of the 4-bulb fixtures... I'm pretty sure I need more than 216 watts on a standard 75 gallon.

Drsfosterandsmith.com also have a 6x54W T5 for $359... but I think the refurb would be more watss for my $$. Here's that one anyway: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=18700

[sswimmerchic]

I have another newbie question: If I have a canopy over my tank with glass tops, can you rest a T5 fixture directly on the glass tops (with fans installed)? There would be no way to use legs because of the canopy. And if I could rest the fixture on the glass, am I going to cook my tank with a 8x54w fixture? Should I go with a 6x54w? I'm not very wire-savvy but I could probably figure out a retrofit kit if I have to go that way with it...

I've got it narrowed down to a Current Nova Extreme 8x54w T5 HO or possibly an icecap 4x54w complete retrofit kit?? I've read some good and bad reviews on the icecap 660 ballast overdriving the bulbs... any opinions here?

Thanks again

[ceriff]

The heat would possibly be an issue. If there is a way to mount the light to the top underside of the canopy and cut a hole for the fans, this would be the way to go. I have had to remove all glass tops from any of my tanks because of heat.

[shane]

Here is a set up for sale in austin, It might work for you. I am in Austin and can bring it back with me. You will need to mail me a the payment or you can paypal it to me. I will go ahead and post to see if it still for sale.


http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/874 ... for-a-75g/

[sswimmerchic]

Shane, I really appreciate you offering that to me. I think I've found a 48" retrofit that I'm going to buy and wouldnt need the 36" bulbs .... however, if that canopy is still available, I'll paypal you the money for it. That canopy is a better design than the one I have. I'll PM you my phone number, let me know if you hear back.

[shane]

Will let you know when i get a reply.

[shane]

I had to run back to Abilene for a family emergency, so I was not able to pick up the canopy for you. I am planning to go back after the first, if they still have it I will pick it up then. If you want to per pay for it I am sure that they will hold on to it for me. Let me know and I will PM them and see what they say.