Lighting Crisis for my 29g

[ghurlag]

I recently discovered that my 70 watt metal halide isn't doing much to provide light to my tank (PAR readings didn't even make it over 100). I had a couple 24" T5s hiding in my "fish room" and hooked them up. Last night, my non-pulsing xenias began to pulse again, and weren't stretching as high. My button polyps also aren't stretching as high seeking light. So, clearly, I have a lighting issue.

Long term, I am looking into upgrading to either a 150 Watt MH with supplemental T5s or a 250 Watt with supplemental T5s. I am also toying with the idea of running LEDs http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-35/12-Premium-LED-Do-dsh-It-dsh-Yourself/Detail

For the long term, I am looking for input from the Salt Geeks community as to what combination might do the best on my tank. I have a limited budget, sitting at $200-$300, which, for my size tank (29 gallon), should be manageable.

Short term, if anyone has any T5 lighting (or even a spare MH - because we all have those, don't we?) that I could borrow, it would be much appreciated, and the favor would be returned this summer, some how, some way.

[mayhem_audio]

i have a spare 30" pc light if that helps onlt 2 months on bulbs led moon and 2 shades of lights antic and ?? i will look if you want all i have it on is lr

[ghurlag]

Matt that would be perfect. I will hopefully have the new lighting in a couple weeks, but don't want to lose anything in the meantime. We'll have to work something out for meeting up Friday evening or sometime Saturday. I might be heading to Aquatic Specialists for a refractometer. I know that's more than halfway for you, so if you have no desire to visit Justin (completely understandable :D ) then I could meet you in Piqua, or even drive all the way since you are the one helping me out.

[TechGuy40]

Matt that would be perfect. I will hopefully have the new lighting in a couple weeks, but don't want to lose anything in the meantime. We'll have to work something out for meeting up Friday evening or sometime Saturday. I might be heading to Aquatic Specialists for a refractometer. I know that's more than halfway for you, so if you have no desire to visit Justin (completely understandable :D ) then I could meet you in Piqua, or even drive all the way since you are the one helping me out.

And while your in Piqua hehe.

Frags for sale! Wooot!

[mayhem_audio]

i will be in piqua saturday Picking up my display system from the former petland exit 82

[TechGuy40]

i will be in piqua saturday Picking up my display system from the former petland exit 82

Need help dragging it to your truck? I might be able to help if its in the afternoon. I live 2 miles from there.

[mayhem_audio]

maybe pm me your number and i will give you a ring maybe evan to just say hi
didnt mean to hijack thread

[marinelife]

I would try the LED lighting, I am seeing many people using them and have goof luck with them, I can not wait to get mine.

[jeremyreef]

what are the dimensions of the 29? do you have a canopy or not?

[TechGuy40]

I can't wait for the rest of you to try it lol. I have 1522 watts of lighting in my reef systems.

[ghurlag]

My 29 is an AGA, roughly 30"x12"x18" No canopy as of yet. I plan on building a nice one over the summer. For now I'll just rig the lights up.

[jeremyreef]

a 4x24W t5 retro kit would be plenty. this http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/AquaIllumination/Miro-4_Retrofit_Kits/24_inch__4x24W_Miro-4_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_AquaIllumination (http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/AquaIllumination/Miro-4_Retrofit_Kits/24_inch__4x24W_Miro-4_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w%21_Bulbs_by_AquaIllumination ) or justin can get a icecap one. but aquaillumination reflectors are a little better. just a idea.

[ghurlag]

I have worked out a temporary plan where I get another T5 ballast and 4-36" bulbs. They'll be a little long, but I'll deal. I'm still going to get another metal halide down the road. I love them way too much to abandon ship