Lighting Question

**Iminpa2380** · 06-30-2010, 10:01 PM

I want to buy a light but im having trouble choosing. I was wondering if i can get some feed back on what you 'all use and recommend. Im going to save up some money through next month should be able to have around 500 to 700 dollars. I just don't want to buy something im going to have to turn around and buy different bulbs and ballasts for later down the road. Anyways its going over a standard 55 gal. tank and i do plan on getting into corals its FOWLR right now. i would like to get MH

Thanks,
Eric

**Phurst** · 07-01-2010, 09:16 AM

Are you looking for a standalone fixture, or do you have a canopy you can retrofit with lights?

**Iminpa2380** · 07-01-2010, 11:13 AM

a stand alone fixture

**Phurst** · 07-01-2010, 11:21 AM

The Current fixtures are a decent balance between quality and price.

http://www.current-usa.com/outerorbithqit5ho.html

**Iminpa2380** · 07-01-2010, 11:30 AM

thanks for the info

**CarmieJo** · 07-06-2010, 11:52 PM

I would avoid the really cheap ebay fixtures. They usually come with cheap bulbs and reflectors and some have caused fires.

**laurabolyard** · 09-29-2010, 05:51 PM

ok, I checked this out from above http://www.current-usa.com/outerorbithqit5ho.html they look great, but there is an asteric next to each, says discontinued???? my bad, I found them on other sites! OOOHHHH over $1000 for what I want, but look sooo awsome!!

**CarmieJo** · 10-02-2010, 09:36 PM

I have that problem between what looks good and reality!

**mpcolson** · 10-07-2010, 11:11 AM

I bought my fixture from Aqua Cave. They are probably a one man operation but the fixture I bought is extremely well made and very bright for my 55 gallon tank.

It has 4 t-5 actinic and a single mogul bulb halide. the fixture is all metal and the electrical cords are at least 3/4 inch thick going to the ballasts. It's a stout unit the sits on the tank. It can be hung from ceiling if you want, you would have to fabricate a hanger assembly as that does not come with it.

This is the unit I bought

CEBU SUN 36" 1 x Mogul
Base Metal Halide +T5
+ LED Lighting System
by Hamilton Technology*
LT-HT-CB36

$499.95

**Phurst** · 10-07-2010, 11:32 AM

Wow, they sure do seem to have come a long way as far as quality in the last few years. AFAIK, it's still Chinese made stuff, but the quality seems to be much improved over the junk they were selling just a few years ago.

**mpcolson** · 10-07-2010, 11:58 AM

The only issue I had with Aqua Cave was the sales process. You get used to emails to show the order moving to shipping out through UPS and to your delivery. They aren't good at that. I had to call to get a tracking number, they didn't send it automatically like say Marine depot would.

They packaged the light as if it were going into a war zone. It was 100% UPS proof! Impressive. I had a ton of foam and peanuts to throw away but no worries about busted bulbs or dents in the fixture. And that's what's important. It might be a Chinese product, but I'm very happy with it and have recommended them to several people since I bought mine.