Actinic recommendation

[Limpit]

Can I get some opinions on an actinic fixture recommendation for my prop system? As of now I have a single 250 watt 14K (Phoenix bulb) pendant above each tank. They are spaced 38" apart (center of pendant to center of pendant) and are above the center of each tank.
The tanks below the lights span 72" total end to end.

Would a single 48" fixture be long enough or should I run the total span of the tanks?
Any recommendation on a fixture that can be hung above the tanks like the MH are?
VHO or T-5?


Any help would be appreciated

 

[FEEDERFISH]

I know VHO comes in 72 inches

 

[Aquabucket]

Its tough matching fixtures with pendents. A good color match-up with the 14K Phoenix bulbs would be having a set of Blue + T5s for each tank with each bulb being placed on opposite sides of the pendant. One in front and the other in back. The thin profile of the T5s and a "clip on the bulb" Ice Cap reflector would work well. They come in 72" lengths and all you would have to do is make a frame or rack to hold some water proof endcaps.

The bulbs could run open with just the reflectors shielding them ~ no need to make a canopy or fixture. Airflow would be optimal as well.

 

[Limpit]

Follow-up

Follow-up

Just thought I would share what I ended up with for Actinics on my prop system.
I ended up building a 5 foot long open top canopy out of oak that I could suspend from above the tanks. I mounted the MH fixtures in the center of the canopy spread out so they are centered above the tanks.

I then got a Sunlight Supply twin 60" T5 retro kit from Reefgeek that came with an Icecap 430. Mounted those in front and in back of the MH's.

The whole thing suspends from the ceiling via 4 Grow-Yo's. They allow the canopy to be raised or lowered wherever you want them to be and can handle 12 pounds each. Wrapped all the wiring in black flexible wiring conduit (like you see on car wiring) to make it all look neat.

The Mh's and Actinics are on separate timers to adjust lighting cycles independently.
Now I can sit back and watch the electric meter spin even faster!
:rollface:

 

[FEEDERFISH]

Post a pic of a coral with just MH and then now with Actinic + MH, and what T-5 Actinics did you get (name on the T-5)

 

[Limpit]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7241895#post7241895 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FEEDERFISH
Post a pic of a coral with just MH and then now with Actinic + MH, and what T-5 Actinics did you get (name on the T-5)

I will work on some pics but my camera skills are pretty poor.
As far as the bulbs they are 80 watt Giesemann's. I actually bought two pair of bulbs, one set pure actinic and the other set actinic blue's because I could not make up my mind on which ones to get. Right now I am using one of each type and things look pretty good.
I'll work on those pics for ya.