Should I go a different route with lighting

[Malyon18]

Alright so my first plan was to use 2 dual glo fixtures over my tank which they both cost be 250 together.  I was gonna maybe get a third which would give me 234 watts over my 46 gal bowfront for a total cost of roughly 375. So is there any other single fixture out there around that price that would allow me to grow coral in my tank. I know a DIY unit would be cheaper but I am not interested in that route, thanks everyone in advance.

[RoxyDog]

I'm extremely happy with my T5 Tek light fixture, so for that price range it gets my vote!

[Malyon18]

Sorry I forgot to mention its  36'' tank and they are t5 ho glo fixtures 2x39 to be exact.

[Hookup]

ATI makes the only T5 fixture worth having.  There I said it...

Seriously, ATI's are T5s done right... Don't take my word for it, look on any site with TOTM and see what T5 systems are being used for TOTM winners...  95% if not 100% are ATI...   Of course if you're not looking for TOTM results you can find other T5 systems... 

[Malyon18]

HAHAHA thanks hookup, what would I be able to have as far as corals go with say 2 dual fixtures with the built in reflectors and some good bulbs (156w total) The tank is 21'' deep and the bulbs would be 2'' from the top of the water.

[Hookup]

Unfortunately, i'm not the best to ask because I just haven't been doing this long enough to know all of the makes and models of the various components.  Hopefully someone can chime in on the lighting capability...

As a general comment at 200+ watts on 21" deep it sounds to me that you could keep most things... possibly some of the higher light requiring SPS would be an issue... but just based upon a watts = power (which it doesn't) assessment i think your good for LPS and Softies...

[reefdava16]

ATI makes the only T5 fixture worth having.  There I said it...

Not true
Sfiligoi Stealth and the new KZ fixture coming out are also two very good options.

If you want T5's over that tank go with a tek fixture, ATI sunpower, Or Nova Extreme. Those would be the best price wise for you assuming your looking at keeping it to a budget.

200w of t5's over 21" is plenty assuming the bulbs all have individual reflectors, especially if they are not that far off the surface!

For a 46 bow, my vote would be 4 or 6 bulb ATI sunpower. Next in line would be a 4 or 6 bulb tek.  4 or 6 Depending on what would fit.

[Malyon18]

Thanks for all the advice I was able to get a tek light off Roxydog, well I should say will be getting a tek light lol, back to petsmart the glo fixtures go.

[Vincenzo.]

you want cheap... Get one of those odessey (sp) fixtures

[Abedz]

regarding odessey fixture, reviews online say they have two main problems. usualyl fan stop working ater a couple of months... and when it gets overheated, it'll start a fire.

[Vincenzo.]

^ i thought they fixed the fire problem. just make sure the mini welds are done right i guess.

[mikerobart]

Odyssea you would at least want to replace the stock bulbs. Eventually probably ballasts as well. I have not used personally but had considered purchase and did a lot of research. With new bulbs it would be a usable option, with new bulbs and ballasts, probably pretty good, but then that is an extra +200 - 300 $ easily.

You will be very happy with the Tek no doubt, they are a nice unit. I almost went T5 before I found an awesome deal on a used MH /PC fixture.

I am still in process of getting my tank up and running, but if I ever tire of MH and want to give t5 a shot, it will be powermodule all the way I think, provided I can save my pennies!