[marciemp]

OK I need a basic explaination of the difference between all of these lights, very basic. Not only what they do, but also what they look like, how they work in the tank, what they are good for.

I have a 92 gallow bow front corner tank with a maple canopy. The tank is quite deep, probably 24 inches. The tank and equiptment are all second hand. Right now I have what I think is a power compact light, but I am not sure. It is 3 feet long, it has 2 bulbs, both are doubled like a U. One is Actinic and one is white. It says something about 10,000 on it. There are also 2 LED moon lights. It says Coralife on it. What type of light is this?

I would like to upgrade the light. Either add another light behind the first, or get something new altogether. I have heard that MH lights are the best for things like anemones, which would be neat to have, but I worry about the heat generated in the canopy. I thought about adding a small single clip on MH behind the light I have now. Would this be a waste? would it be too hot?

I have also heard that some anamones do well with otgher lighting. Like what?

What is the difference between VHO, Power compact and T%. Some people say T5 is as good as metal halide, any opinions? What does T5 mean, is it a type of bulb, or a type of light fixture itself.

I have done so much reading online and books, and talked to the LFS's but it is all too confusing. Online I find the wording people use to be too technical ( like type of light, not a description for what each type is'looks like) or specific (brands, which mean nothing to me). The lfs's are great but there is a language barrier (most are oriental) and it is very obvious that their main intention is to sell me the most expensive thing they have with little knowledge of my tank and its ihabitants.

Thank you,
Marcie

[1sleeper]

I cannot give you a scientific explanation on Kelvin's and so forth. What I can tell you is that I have a similar set up and after weeks of research went with the T5. T5 and MH are said to be similar in intensity. I wanted to keep my canopy so the smaller T5 fit the bill and everything grows and prospers. The advantage to T5 is heat. Far less heat than MH and in a canopy, that is huge. Plus, I believe being able to put the t5 closer to the water helps in deeper tanks (26") like ours. Check out the Tek retro kits. I went with Aquactinics 5 bulb 48" unit and couldn't be happier. For a little less money, you could build it right into your canopy as a retro. Put some computer fans in there and you will have an awesome set up.

[marciemp]

Thanks for your help. Is there a site I can go to that has retros? Actually from all of the books I have read I ave a basically good understanding of Kalvins and such, but exactly what each light type is confuses me. I guess there are just so many options and brands and types. It is hard to know what will work with this shape tank. So are there lights that I could just attach to the canopy? One LFS has individual lights attached to a board on the bottom of the tank above, which looked very effective to me.

Several sites that have detailed pictures or explainations would be helpful.
Thanks again

[NATIVEVAMAN]

DIYReef Here is a site that has both the Ice cap and tek lite retro kits. I would consider the ice cap.