Lighting 29 Gallon reef tank help needed

[jbb-square]

Greetings all

I am new (25 years ago had a tank) to Saltwater tanks and reed set ups. I just purchased a 29 gallon tank and in the process of cycling. I was able to build a stand and the tank is now in my 7 year olds room. We are on a major budget. We need to improve the lighting on the tank to support a reef with a few fish and some corals.

I was thinking of building my own canopy with a Metal Halide Light. I was considering buying the parts ballast etc and fabricating or buying a fixture from Home Depot and taking it apart to install in the canopy. I have also considered attempting to use t-5 lights or some combination.

I have not see any budget used lights for a 29 gallon tank as most appear to be 48 inches long and my tank is only 30 inches.

I would welcome some advice on this project.


Thank you for all the help.

Best regards,
Burton

 

[triga22]

I was thinking of buying a setup from hello lights .com for my 29

 

[triga22]

 

[sleepyreef]

I made a custom hood/light system for my 29 gal planted tank. I bought the light kit from

 

[jbb-square]

Thanks everyone for the tips. You have given me somethings to think about. I do not know what corals we want yet as we are only on day 2 of the tank. Looking at the prices of premade lighting I may be better off to find a set of lights for parts to build my own. I like the set up with the MH flanked by Fluorecent tubes.

Thank you again for all the tips

Burton