need help deciding what light fixture to get

[street_fury]

Hey there.I have a 28g bow front tank.demensions are 24l by 12w by18h.I want to keep soft corals.sume mushrooms.zoos.basic stuff.and definately a frogspawn.I was thinking about t5s.or 150w metal halide.right now I have a 130w pc.also I'm worried about the heat because I don't have a chiller.I use fans on top the water and temp is 80 degrees steady if I'm making the investment might as well make a good one.let me know what y'all think.thankx

[CarmieJo]

Hey Lance,

Your PC's wll grow all of those corals just fine. I did notice more vivid coloration on my zoas when I went from PC's to a Solaris on my 54.

[spanko]

With 24 posts I am going to guess that you are relatively new to saltwater aquarium keeping. With that thought I would suggest you go for some high end T5 fixture or for a nice MH \ Power Compact combination.
While you are now content with getting some of the lower light requirement coral, and your current lighting will do that for you now, I can assure you that if you stay in the hobby you will be wanting to get into some of the more light demanding coral.
JMO FWIW

[lReef lKeeper]

I agree with ^^^. The longer you stay around the hobby ... The more demanding corals are what you will likely try to go with. I would suggest either a high end T5 setup or a halide setup with reeflux bulbs.

[street_fury]

Thankx every 1.do you know which t5s or any websites that I can get high quality t5 fixtures from.also I like the soalris g series I miss an opportunity to get 1 it was 500 .I know eventually once I successfully keep corals and I know they a growing fine I will want more exotics.right now I'm in a try out .luckily I have the help of you guys on here too help

[lReef lKeeper]

try Reef Specialty - Reef Specialty

Mike is a really nice guy and will help you out over the phone before you place an order, if you give him a call.

[devlzluv]

You can go with the t5 HO sundial, ive heard great things about them and alot of people recommend them if your on a budget like me. I just ordered mine last night and just waiting on the arrival. Check out marinedepot.com

[bbl_nk]

I'd stay away from any unit with a PC bulb. PC's are great but they are expensive replacements and in my opinion, a dying part of the hobby as T5's build momentum. There is just more innovation coming out, plus affordable and quality bulbs that allow you more flexibility.

Maybe look into a 150 or 250 W MH combo with T5. Most have options with built in LED's so you can get the moonlight effect as well. Take Bobby's advice and maybe try calling the guy @ Reef Specialty. Tell him what you are looking for and your budget. He should be able to help you decide what is the most bang for your buck.