46 Bow Lighting Pics Please

[PPi]

I am looking to purchase a light fixture and would appreciate any photos of you fellow reefers with a 46 Bow. I will more than likely be starting out with beginner coral and a few fish when the time comes. I will more than likely go wiht a T5 setup, would don't mind everyone's thoughts. I was looking at the 36" Aquactinics fixture if anyone has one.

Thanks again for any pics of feedback.

 

[IslandCrow]

Here's my tank under a 4x Tek T-5 hood. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the fixture. My biggest critique is the lack of cooling fans. It's not so much a heat issue, but from what I understand, the bulbs perform better if they're cooled slightly. The reflectors aren't quite top of the line and the ballast doesn't overdrive the bulbs, but it still delivers a very good amount of light, and you certainly can't beat it for only using around 160 watts.


[Click for full size]

 

[PPi]

Very nice, thank for the pic. Do you have any problems with growing in the bow. I like it, it doesn't look like it lights up the room. I tried the Outer Orbit 2 X 150W w/ 4 antics. That thing lit my living room up like I brought the sun into the house. I couln't look at it, blinding... Anways thanks for the pic

 

[woodycb]

I have a nova extreme over my 46 bow and I love it. I just switched from PC's.

 

[IslandCrow]

I guess that picture does look kind of dark, but the T-5s are pretty bright. I had to bring the brightness down a bit on the picture, since I got the lights in the shot. I'd say the T-5s somewhere between VHOs and MH (closer to MH). I can grow just about any LPS on the bottom of the tank and most SPS from half way down. The few soft corals I've kept (mushrooms mostly) have to be in at least partial shade.
I recently got a 5 bulb T-5 retro kit with Icecap reflectors and ballasts from Reef Geek. They were very helpful putting together a package deal on this nonstandard setup by the way. Anyway, I have a feeling I'll be able to go toe to toe with most MH setups out there now.

I think the Aquactinics are a higher quality than my Teks by the way. If nothing else, they at least have a cooling fan, which will improve your light output.

 

[PPi]

Thanks for the shots, I was looking for how the fixture looks on the tank. I have my bulbs picked out already and have an idea of what to expect. I am going to try the Aquanctincs 5 bulb config with the following:

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/ca...d=573&osCsid=a16c048c95e078afde61b4398f59e19e


1-Aquaz Blue Pro 39 watt
2-Aquaz Ocean Pro 39 watt
3-Aquaz Sun Pro 39 watt
4-Aquaz Blue Pro 39 watt
5-Aquaz Ocean Pro 39 watt

I'll let you know how it turns out... Thanks for the pics, nice job

 

[IslandCrow]

Yeah, I've heard good things about the Aquactinics. I don't suppose you're getting the Solar Flare model. That one really caught my eye, but I don't think they make a 36" version.

 

[PPi]

Yeah I like the solar flare, but your exactly right, no 36". Probably once I get it they will come out with one. There just not many fixtures that have MH and still look good without a canopy. I like the Outer orbit style, but they come in a 4 bulb without individual reflectors. I was reading that indidvidula reflectors give you better results. So I chose the Aquanctics, with the individual and gives you cooling and a 5 bulb config, but no lunars. They sell optional ones, but it says for the MH/T5 light fixtures. I will probably get some sort of a link light, but need to look at the fixture to see what could be retro fit into it. Thanks for the feedback, I will let you know how the progress goes....