Whaddaya think?

**Drumachine09** · 05-31-2007, 05:10 PM

I am getting a bunch of money soon, and i am going to get a better light. I was intsructed to get this one, by a guy that used to own a huge SW aquarium store in florida, with 50,000 gallons under his control. Now, 70 watt, or 150 watt? I know 70 watt will work just dandy, but is 150 better (most likely), or would it be, dare i say it, overkill? Heres the link:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

Quick question, does this mean no hood? Even a glass hood? I dont like having dust on the surface, and i wont be able to affor a protein skimmer, let alone a small one that would fit, for a while. Maybe i should do a sump instead. Hmmmmm, so confused.

**Lady Hobbs** · 05-31-2007, 05:18 PM

Why couldn't you use a hood but attach it to the back of the tank where you could do a cut out for it?

Since you have "lots of money" coming soon, don't forget your friend hobbs.

**Drumachine09** · 05-31-2007, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

Why couldn't you use a hood but attach it to the back of the tank where you could do a cut out for it?

Since you have "lots of money" coming soon, don't forget your friend hobbs.

lol, ill get you something nice.

Are you talking about a glass hood?

**Lady Hobbs** · 05-31-2007, 05:55 PM

Yes......sorry. Forget to mention that small fact. The light is a swivel type, right?

**Drumachine09** · 05-31-2007, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

Yes......sorry. Forget to mention that small fact. The light is a swivel type, right?

Its multi postional, if thats what you mean.

**RobbieG** · 05-31-2007, 06:03 PM

I'd go for the 150 - it's not much more money percentage wise and its always easier to dim a light than brighten it!

**2manyfish** · 06-01-2007, 02:37 PM

I would go with the higher wattage too. With that over your tank you will be able to keep anything in there!! It will also be good if you decide to upgrade your tank later on.
A couple of warnings though. MH runs hot. Real hot so be prepared. It is also the most expensive lighting to run... not only electricity but also replacement bulbs. If you have the money I would buy a couple of extra bulbs with that too. Make sure to test them, make sure they work then store them away somewhere safe.
Also, you might have to have a glass hood regardless. I can't say for that manufacturer but I know that with my Coralife PC unit if I don't have a full glass hood under it, the warranty is null and void. So read your warranty to make sure what is required!

**Drumachine09** · 06-01-2007, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by 2manyfish

I would go with the higher wattage too. With that over your tank you will be able to keep anything in there!! It will also be good if you decide to upgrade your tank later on.
A couple of warnings though. MH runs hot. Real hot so be prepared. It is also the most expensive lighting to run... not only electricity but also replacement bulbs. If you have the money I would buy a couple of extra bulbs with that too. Make sure to test them, make sure they work then store them away somewhere safe.
Also, you might have to have a glass hood regardless. I can't say for that manufacturer but I know that with my Coralife PC unit if I don't have a full glass hood under it, the warranty is null and void. So read your warranty to make sure what is required!

Alright, 150 watts it is. I will also need to go get a peice of plexy glass to cut for the hood. Gosh. 200 bones on a light. My mom will think im crazy! Its only a 14 k bulb, so i might upgrade to a 20 k bulb.

Also, another stupid question. I want to do the sump idea, but i dont want to have to buy a huge expensive pump from rena or whoever sells them, and a powerhead might not be powerfull enough, so could a cheap boat pump from walmart work?

**2manyfish** · 06-01-2007, 06:45 PM

No clue on the boat pump. Hopefully someone with knowledge of boat pumps can chime in!!

**Drumachine09** · 06-01-2007, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by 2manyfish

No clue on the boat pump. Hopefully someone with knowledge of boat pumps can chime in!!

Just realize that most bilge pumps are in the 600gph range. so i look further, and i found a pond pump that would fit the bill its 70gph ar 5 feet of head. How many gph am i looking for for a sump?