DIY Retro or Pre-built machines..?...

[flavescens]

In general, I was wondering what is the better (price, effectiveness, ease of use/maintenance) option for lighting. I am trying to decide whether to try to do a retro (including all the research) set up or to just buy a lighting machine like coallife or USA Orbit sells with the halides and the actinics already built in. Because I am struggling so much with understanding the principles of lighting, I am thinking I may be better off buying something already built. What do you all do and would anyone have any advice for a newbie that is dumbfounded by lighting?

 

[Chris L]

it depends on your tank and personell preference. i personally did a diy canopy and added retro kits because i like the look better and it keeps the fish from jumping and stuff from getting in

 

[Triggerfish]

due to financial difficulty, i went with all retro lighting.
my canopy is so custom rigged it's pretty humurous. recently dismantled a dual NO strip and rigged everything up in there somehow..that did take awhile to finish.

my canopy design wasn't the greatest as it makes full access rather cumbersome, so i have been slowly trying to modify it to work out a little better.

overall, i think retros can be just as effective if not more so than complete units. they will allow more options for your setup. should be much cheaper as well.