[Wet Thumb Forum]-Lighting dillema JEBO/DIY vs. Coralife

[Phoenix]

Before I start, this is going on a 30g long.

I was thinking of buying a 36" 192w JEBO ($69.90+shipping)light here: http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=244
and using an ahsupply reflector to make a DIY hood.
The problem is that I don't really have the proper space/time/tools to do it correctly like I'd want to. My other option is just to go to my LFS and grab a 96w Coralife fixture for about $100 with tax and be done with it. Do I really need the huge amount of light and headaches I'd get by going the JEBO/ahsupply route for my 30g?? Thanks.

Oh, and the shipping on the Jebo light will be $23.87.

[imported_carpguy]

You probably don't need to upgrade the reflectors if you're starting out with 192 watts over a 30g, although you'll probably want to replace the actinic.

DIY isn't all that complicated, especially if you're not building a new hood. I've got 2x36w AHSupply over my 30 and its plenty. The reflector helps and sometimes I regret not going with the 96, but I don't suffer for light. The wiring took no more than a half an hour at the kitchen table, a needle nose, an x-acto, and a screwdriver.

Either solution works, convenience versus cash flow is your call. That same website has a nice looking 96w for $40. Reflector seems decent.

[Phoenix]

I've heard (from people on this board) that the reflectors on the JEBO aren't that great, there are cooling problems, and the fixture as a whole just isn't built all that well. Basically, what i'm looking at (for the Jebo/DIY) $100ish for light/shipping/legs $25 for reflector and $X for a bulb to replace the actinic and i'd have a cool 192w. But do I really need 192w? Or would the cheaper 96w be plenty of light? (Maybe I could add an AH reflector later...)

[John N.]

I have the Jebo 24" 110 watt. The reflectors would be okay if there was one bulb. But since there are two it's alotta restrike. Still, I like it alot, and would get this particular model again. It's great for the price, and even with restrike I still get plenty of light.

For you're particular model. I've heard that the fans are noisy and it does have a heating issue. Replacing the bulbs, and these issues make this option unattractive, and will the cost will add up.

I would get the 36" Coralife with the 6700k bulb included for $90 http://www.hellolights.com/361xcofraq1x.html

Or like carpguy said, AHsupply for better coverage and more useful light. Probably will save you money in the long run since you'll be running less wattage and getting better results with less electricity bill costs.

-John N.

[imported_carpguy]

I've just got the one 30g and its always had the DIY hood, so my exposure to readymades is limited, mostly just what I've heard out here.

The JEBO sounds like its got problems and I don't think I'd be likely to buy it. I've seen nice looking Coralife 96w out there, don't know all that much about the quality, but I have a better impression of them as opposed to Jebo. Don't especially know why.

192 watts over a 30 seems excessive. That's 6.4 wpg. Keep in mind that CF is a bit more efficient than regular fluorescent and that a 30g isn't very deep. That's well into the extremely high light range. Stadium lighting.

96w would put you at 3.2 wpg. That's a goodly amount of light, especially with a shallow tank, especially with CF lights, and especially if you upgraded the reflector. You'd still be in a high light range.

Personally, I'd go DIY or with the Coralife (after I got positive feedback on that).

At 2.4 wpg (CF, with AH reflector) in my 30 I get strong growth in most of the plants I've tried and wouldn't try to run it without CO2. Some of the plants that redden in high light have stayed fairly green or pinked up only near the tops. I've thought of going to a 96 for that reason, but I personally wouldn't go too much higher than that.

This Coralife seems nice, has feet, flips up for maintenance, has a 6700k freshwater option, about the same price:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?...d=9871&N=2004+113345

[Phoenix]

I decided to go with the Coralife 96w and it is working great so far. Does anyone know if the AH reflector would fit in there?

Thanks for everyone's advice.

[John N.]

Basically No. The AH Supply reflectors are parabolic. You'll notice that the coralife one is rectangular. You likely won't be able to retrofit the coralife unless you just gut the fixture for parts.

-John N.