every seen a Red Sea Phazer IV XHO compact?

[dustin]

I am going back to salt after a 5 year departure, and pricing lights for my 29 gallon. The Phazer IV by Red Sea is two compact f's, 55 watts, with a polished alum reflector, nice looking hood. It goes for about $199. Any input/experience with this light system would be great, or advice toward another. I am trying to do it right this time around...
Thanks in advance,
Dustin
atlanta, GA

[wagnutz69]

Hey Dustin, IMO I would go with either a MH, 175 or 250 Watt, or VHO. I personally am not satisfied with my PC's, as when new they look about as bright as my NO bulbs, and don't seem to make the corals react anymore. Just my $.02 worth


WAGZ

[Doug1]

First of all let me say I dont use power compact lights. I prefer VHO driven by Icecap ballast, but I will concede that Power compacts are a little mote cost effective on smaller tanks like your 29. I ran 4 normal output expensive aquarium bilbs on mine back before I upgraded to larger tanks and if I had know about www.ahsupply.com I could have had a whole lot better light for a little more than I wound up spending. The lighting yyou mentioned, I have seen advertisments for but where are you gonna get a replacement bulb if one blows out(Hint, no matter what you chose, always have a backup) The 55w and 96w bulbs from AHSupply use std pin configurations, not sure about the Lazers.
As far as Metal Halide goes, if you do SPS or Tridacnid Clams go for the 250w Iwasaki 6500K and fans(thermocontrolled fans are a good idea anyway)

[Doug1]

By the way Dustin, Welcome to the reef tank, hope you enjoy it here