What do you guys/girls think of this kit?

[fastredponycar]

I've got a 29 gal aquarium looking to get a reef going and need opinions on what type of lighting I need. I've got a 20watt coralife high output 10,000 k bulb right now but that's not enough so I thought I'd get my hands dirty and do a DIY kit. I really don't have the funds for a metal halide kit so I thought a power compact setup would be the next best thing.

 

Since I can't find any twin bulb pre assembled fixtures in the size that I need with the wattage that I've been recommended, the DIY kit is pretty much my only option.

 

After a little research, I've found this

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_lt_pc_pfo.asp?CartId=

 

I'm thinking of getting the 2X96 watt kits. Will this be sufficient or overkill?

 

Also, do these PC lights need cooling fans like the halide lamps?

 

One more thing: If anyone knows of where I can find a 25~28 ish inch long fixture with twin high wattage bulbs that requires little assembly, post a link for me. Thanks!

[Chyendra]

From what i'm looking at, the 2x95 watt is about $184?

 

check out DIYreef.com you can get a 250 watt metal halide retrofit, complete with ballest, reflector, socket, and bulb (10,000L 15,000K or 20,000K your choice) for only $180

 

http://www.diyreef.com/shop/index.php?cPath=39

 

this is what i'm going to do when i set up my 28gallon bowfront, then you could keep almost anything

[Reefer_Buddha]

ya, have to agree, for that amount you can get a decent halide setup. Then you wont have to resell those pc's later when you want halide, and trust me, you will want it later

[Carl_in_Florida]

Aren't 96 watt bulbs 48"?

[TurtleWax]

Yeah I would definitely go for the halides.

 

 

Originally posted by Carl_in_Florida

Aren't 96 watt bulbs 48"?

 

Not the 96w quad bulbs which are about 17".

[fastredponycar]

me and another guy are looking into DIY mh kits. Either that or looking at just getting the supplies from a lighting contractor or something like that.