yet another lighting question...

[fraggle]

All,

I am getting ready to take the plunge on a 50G tank and my LFS has been trying to sell me the Coralife 36" Lunar Aqualight. It seems like a good light but I am still confused on what I will need overall. I dont want to be pushed into someothing I am may not need. The specs of the light are as follows:

96 watt 10,000K and 96 watt True Actinic 03 Blue square pin base compact fluorescent lamps
Two 3/4 watt Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED lamps
Three on/off switches with three 8-foot power cords for separate timers
Built-in ballasts
Two cooling fans


I like the idea because it is all in one unit already and I wouldn;t have to build any custom hoods or retro-fit anything. Is this a decent lamp for non SPS type of corals?

Thanks
Chris

[rwdandald]

Is this a decent lamp for non SPS type of corals?

yes - sounds like a very reasonable light. The only question I would have about these types of lights at LFS is cost. It is worth a few extra bucks to be able to see it before you buy it and to have local assistance in case of a problem but it is not worth $150 extra for those conveniences. That light should be around $200 -$250 - if it is in that range or lower I would say it is a good deal - if it is any above that you might want to do some shopping...

[Junkzoo]

Ditto, You ought to shop around and see what you can get your selection of light for on-line etc. You'll have plenty of time to spend money at the LFS, think of it as having more $$ to spend at a local shop, with what you save with a better price somewhere else,,,
Got nothing against LFS, but we all got to save what we can,,,It just makes for a more informed consumer,,,
Don't hurt to check around,,,
i found my Hamilton retro unit on eBay,,,new bulbs came with,and saved big $$$
over shop prices,,,and had money left over in the lighting budget to go to the LFS , and get some cool stuff ,,,

[fraggle]

Guys (and Gals),

What is the difference between VHO and PC (in terms of advantages)? Now that I am reading more, I am wondering if I shoulf forget the CoraLife Lunars in lieu of a simular set-up of VHOs?

Chris

[rwdandald]

PC are in general a little more efficient than VHO and the bulbs tend to last a little longer. VHO bulbs are a little cheaper. Either would be fine for a tank like you described. I personally like PC's a little better because watt for watt they in general have a higher PAR value. This is very much dependant on the whole unit though - ballast, reflector and bulb. If you are really still open I would suggest you look into T5's also. I had a problem with space in canopy with MH so I added T5's and love them. I really do not think the sytem you are looking at is a bad system at all though if you are looking for a complete hood. I did a very quick search and saw it in several places online for under $200. and it really is a "plug +play" no hassle set-up.
Happy Shopping!