Need opinion of plug and play fixtures

[sportbikemike1]

Well I nixed my 20 gallon hex for a 29 gallon and have been looking into T5 fixtures. I don't know what to look for and I have 2 kids so don't really have time to look things up and compare. I know that I want a 4 bulb T5 but don't know who makes a good on. I'm looking for my best bang for the buck and something I can just plug in a go. I know that you guys and gals know what I mean and that you all have better answers than I do. My max spending is between $200 and $250.

 

[mnat]

Take a look through this thread, I know they are talking much bigger fixtures but there are some good links in there:

http://www.njreefers.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=22997.0

This is another thread:
http://www.njreefers.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=23311.0

With that budget you could easily get a good current fixture brand new, or look around for a really nice one used. Poke around marinedepot.com premiumaquatics.com reefgeek.com and read the reviews and look at each fixture.

A few things you want to look at:
Does it come with bulbs and are they any good?
Are there individual reflectors, bent around reflectors or no reflectors?
What are the "extras", timers, moonlights, fans, hanging kit or legs?

I believe you are looking at 24" bulbs which are going to run you around 15 to 20 bucks for the more popular ones (ATI, giesmann, KZ, GE, etc.) so keep that in mind. You want to look for individual reflectors or at least the bent around ones because you get more out of your bulbs.

Last but not least, what type of corals were you thinking about keeping? This can effect what type of fixture you should get and how many bulbs.

 

[sportbikemike1]

Wow that reply rocks! Lots to look at. I just plan on shrooms and some softies and maybe some kelp. I kept colts and shrooms with a PC so a T5 should be wonderful. Also the tank is 30" long so that narrows down my choices even more.