2 light ?'s

[crazyseany]

I have a 175 watt MH over a 29 but it doesn't seem that bright. is it because I don't have sand in the tank or i'm not used to MH lighting or because its not enough for a 29?

also I have a 4ft pc light. 4x65. it has 2 plugs and 2 switches so I assume 2 ballast?
can I take it apart and use 2x65 like a retro with the MH? on rhe 29 so I can have just actinics?

thanks
sean

 

[scottfarcuz]

what type/brand is the MH bulb? Are you running a decent reflector?

On the pc light. If you are gutting a fixture it wont likely have waterproof end caps. Most fixtures use a splash shield, and non water proof caps. Take it from a guy whos afraid to go on vacation anymore. you want water proof.

Pc's aren't the best for supplements in my experience, but you could gut the fixture, and wire it to some new end caps. I ran a similar setup on my 29g. Here is a pic of what I had back then

You would probably be looking at about $70-$80 for new end caps, bulbs, and reflectors for 2x65w setup. You could sell the light fixture you have and buy a new PC 2x55 at sc for $130.

 

[Tbohinc]

if you are getting new lights get T5 or MH stay away from PC's

 

[scottfarcuz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10902094#post10902094 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tbohinc
if you are getting new lights get T5 or MH stay away from PC's

I agree most any option would be better than PC, but cost adds up quick on a smaller tank like this.

For new supplements
2-55w pc is around $130
2-24" VHO is around $200
2-24" T5 is around $240

If he plans to keep the tank long term (more than 5 years) he could save on bulbs with the t5's, and I'm sure its more light output. Im not sure more is needed, but I did the same stuff with my 29. I had about 5 or 6 different light combos on that tank.

4- t5's and no MH would give you plenty of color/par options. I'd sell everything and buy that

 

[mattyice]

i agree go with a TX5 fixture from aquatinics, you wont regret it, i have their constellation and this thing gives out monsterous amounts of lights

 

[scottfarcuz]

LOL now you got the guy looking at over $400 worth of lights

Don't ya love reefing?

I remember when I first got really into my 29g thinking no way will I ever pay $300 for the skimmer people are suggesting...
:lol:

Seriously if you are into DIY you could put together probably a cheaper 2 bulb t5 retro. Bulbs, reflectors, and end caps would probably be close to $100 though.

If cost is a big factor Id invest in a better MH reflector, and then maybe look into that ushio 15k everyone is talking about.

 

[mattyice]

yeah but then you know, you have to pay to play, and if you do it right first off you wont regret it in the end lol

i know that its expensive but he is going to end up saving in the end and have be happier with the results

 

[scottfarcuz]

Oh I agree... Ive just been on the "Im not spending $300 on that" end also. For this size tank cost adds up quick.

I've since become almost like a crackhead about reefing much like yourself, and spent 3 times that on powerheads alone... :lol:

 

[mattyice]

haha on a tank that size sure costs add up quick, then you dont want to know what its like trying to setup a fully self sufficient 240G cube lol

 

[scottfarcuz]

Im just saying gallon for gallon it cost a lot for this size tank...

Look at it like this.
If he buys the $420 tx5 fixture on his 29 thats gonna cost about $14.50 per gallon to light the tank...

For your 240 if lighting cost you $14.50/gal to setup that would equal almost $3500!!! I hope you aren't spending that much. I know I could light that tank for a LOT less LOL

My current tank lighting is pretty decent DE MH on HQI one of top reflectors. Keeping clams on glass 30" deep for over a year. I spent $4.75/display gallon....

 

[mattyice]

lol i am going to be at about 2000 lol

 

[crazyseany]

well just wanted to set up a small frag tank. thought the 175 would be enough. just wanted to grow my zoa frags.........

if I spend more money I will get my butt kicked. just thought I could use what I had here already. had a hard time getting the frag tank pass the wife. (at one time had over 50 freshwater tanks and a full fishroom in the basement so she is probably thinking I might go overboard with the sw! lol.... never....

sean

 

[mattyice]

lol the 175 will work great, i would look for bulbs that have a better PAR and for a better reflector, a goog one to start with would be the 175W version of the Hamilton 14,000K bulb, excellent color and great growth from what i experienced, and look into a better reflector, something like the lumenarc mini in a single end version, that alone will not only make the tank look brighter but it will drastically improve the growth of your zoa frags and still be around 170 in price, that way you really wouldnt need any supplimentation

 

[oldreefer76]

The bulb he has is a 14k Hamilton, and his reflector came from a gutted out parking lot light and is faceted similar to the luminarcs and really directs the light into the tank, when I had it I was running it 8" off the water surface

 

[crazyseany]

well I will try it for now. maybe I am just used to my 75 with the VHO pounding down... lol

the shimmer of the MH i really like.

also since it is barebottom maybe thats makes a big difference too.

I believe I am running it 5 inches or so above the water oldreefer.

thanks for the help.

sean

 

[oldreefer76]

Sean,
I found the bulb to be great for coral growth and color and not blinding you when you look at the tank, I was also running it on a BB tank