t5ho light set

[MadScientist]

so many brands, giesemann, ATI, solite, illumax, arcadia, etc. which one is good? illumax made in which country? is arcadia good?

[Marcuss]

From my own experience using difference brand of bulb, the more establish brand able to last longer in terms of luminous and color because they implement a good and tight quality control. So far the low end china made light set or bulb not able to impress me because you will notice the intense of the light gradually reduce after 1 week of use.I prefer ATI because of the color(k),price and availability.I will look for important factor when choosing light system for my tank such as efficient and reliable ballast(you will get a more stable current/electric supply to your bulb and this will help the bulb to run at max output for the light and color spectrum).Reflector also play a very important factor in the lighting system because you will get more light(LUX)directed to the bottom of your tank.Try to looks for light system/set with individual reflector for each bulb and if possible try to get a parabolic reflector because the cheap plastics mylar that come together with low end light set can't perform well.Ventilation for your light also play important factor for the life of the bulb and the ballast.Below Here are the link for arcadia homepage

http://www.arcadia-uk.info/index.php?id=1&lan=en

You also can find many reefer with difference lighting combination setup with great picture in the forum and i suggest you arrange with them to view their actual tank color bulb combination that able to impress you because sometime the camera setting they use for shooting the tank also play a big differences.Hope this will help.