Is this lighting system any good?

[Noj]

hi everyone,

I want new lighting for my tank, and the system below has everything I want, but I am wondering if its any good? And if there is anything better, or equivalent to it for less money.

Thanks

-36" Aqualight Pro with 150 watt HQI and two 65 watt actinics and two blue moonlight LEDs-

any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yes, Aqualight Pros are great (if expensive) lights. They are now coming in a 250w HQI DE version. If you're doing sps or your 3' tank is deep, that might be a better choice.

[hockey nut]

I agree with Anthony,

That should be more than sufficiant for a 33 - 50 gal tank IMO. If you plan on keeping lots of light loving sps etc just put them up a bit higher.

[Ruth]

Those are very nice lighting systems however if you can afford to upgrade to 250W lights it gives you a lot more versatility in what corals/clams you can keep and their placement in the tank. Also, if you decide to upgrade to a larger or deeper tank in the future chances are the 250W will still be plenty of light and you won't have to buy yet another set of lights.

[geopod]

Noj,

I use the 48" one for my 90 gal tank and love it.They are only 150w HQI but they are doing the trick

george

[Noj]

Thanks for the help.

I dont know if upgrading to the 250 Watt is realistic for me right now.

My tank is 18" deep. What WONT I be able to have with a 150W HQI?

As much as I love clams, I dont know if I'm ready for them yet.

Thanks
-Cam

[Noj]

Also, because the 65W PC bulb is 24", is it possible to put in 36" PC's? Or do they just not fit and thats why they haven't done this?

thanks

-Cam

[Kabong]

A larger bulb whould be more watts, So the Ballasts whouldnt handle it.
Plus i doubt it whould fit.
Dont worry though they are Actinic bulbs so they are more for adjusting the color then for makeing things grow on your tank.

[Tarolisol]

Thanks for the help.

I dont know if upgrading to the 250 Watt is realistic for me right now.

My tank is 18" deep. What WONT I be able to have with a 150W HQI?

As much as I love clams, I dont know if I'm ready for them yet.

Thanks
-Cam

You could keep most corals, but maybe only the most basic clams. And i would put the clam high up in the tank as well. If you keep the high light corals and clams towards the top you should be able to keep most stuff.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I have kept my Maxima & Crocea under my 150w AL Pro no problem. Still great colour & good growth. They are up on my LR structure.

[Noj]

thanks guys, thats awesome!

i'm going to put an order in later today.

about how high from the top of the tank do most of you have the lighting?
is it better to hang, or use legs?

thanks again

-Cam

[OCDP]

I don't use one of these setups but I will assume the leg mounting option would be ideal, kind of a nice feature that it doens't need to be hung from the ceiling as I know lots of people that don't like doing that.

With the legs, the height is automatically adjusted I thought?

Scott

[Noj]

Yes, as far as I know the legs would be adjusted, that portion of my question was directed if I were to hang the lights.

Also, anyone, if you dont mind my asking, what would be considered a good deal for a new 36" Aqualight Pro HQI 150watt?

JL has them back orderd at $529.95
Is that a good price?