aqua-ed Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Posted this on RC, too, but I usually get more/better help here. I have a 30h tank with a 32W PC and a 15W actinic. The PC is one of the smartpaq retrofits that I jimmy rigged onto my tank. The actinic is just your standard "All Glass" aquarium hood light. My question is, what is the best way to up my lighting? 47W for a 30gal tank hardly seems enough. However, going MH would be too expensive and probably boil my water. For my PC's, the ballast says "32/40W" so I assume I can put a 40W in there. Which kind is the best? What I have is a "32W 10000K daylight/460 NM actinic" but on MarineDepot.com, they have other combos to choose from. Is dual daylight or actinic better that the mix? For my standard All Glass 18" guy, is there a way to retrofit something better in there myself? Money is an issue, so I'd rather not buy a whole new kit. I'd like to DIY as much as possible. Would putting VHO's work? Any suggestions would be great, I'm kind of a newbie at the whole lighting thing. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R-3 Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 What are the dimensions of the tank? Also what do you wanna keep? Gives lots of options. Later Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyles Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 The steps from bottom to top for output are PC, next up VHO, then T-5 with proper reflector, then MH as GENERICALLY speaking as possible to light output per bulb. I love the T-5 light vs a PC and VHO, but I like the shimmer of the MH, but I hate the heat of the MH. For that reason on my large tank I run T-5 to get best light to the corals. I have a tank with MH I just setup and also another with 96w PC in a 21 gallon, but overall I like the MH if you can contain and remove the heat. Secondly I like the T-5, way less heat and lots of choices still for bulbs. Third I still like the VHO and PC depending on what I am keeping but they have there place as good products as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqua-ed Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 The tank lid is 12"x24". I would like to keep the PC's, but was hoping to use the casing from the other one to put a new guy. Would that work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyles Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 You would need a ballast and starter that match the bulb. On my 21 gallon 20"l x 16"w? x 20"t gallon I run the 96w quad PC with hard and soft corals, it does well. If it was me a tank that size you should look at wattage comparable to that or more depending on what you want to keep and the growth you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqua-ed Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 I don't think I'll go beyond softies for now, seeing as I'm on a grad school budget right now (tank before food!) How do I go about setting up some more PCs (or t-5s)? Is it possible to do it all for under $75? Even $100? Like I said, its nothing critical, but if I can make it fit in my budget, I'd like to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyles Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 I found a used quad pendant I paid $20 for it, ordered a new bulb $40. I was out $60 total for the setup. If you decide on T-5 it will be unlikely you can do it under $200. PC on the other hand just search classifieds, post what your looking for and search craigslist, you should find one with some patience. I have my old pendant I would give you but its a lousy 13w x 2 so not getting you where you need to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqua-ed Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 Excellent. So...anyone reading this who has a spare PC setup for a 12x24 tank that they would be willing to part with for cheap, let me know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqua-ed Posted January 26, 2008 Author Share Posted January 26, 2008 Does this look like a good deal? http://cgi.ebay.com/Odyssea-24-110w-Aquarium-Power-Compact-Light_W0QQitemZ320209619516QQihZ011QQcategoryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mister crabs Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 the older odyssea fixtures had problems with ballasts either getting hot, going out, or even catching fire. the guy selling it states its an older model. I wouldnt go with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mister crabs Posted January 26, 2008 Share Posted January 26, 2008 i dont know how close to albany you are but the guy at albany's amazing aquarium has PC setups w/bulbs for as low as $30. He has retrofit setups cheap too. brand new stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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