AJP's 10 gallon with DIY

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13111186#post13111186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by is_that_a_fish
hey man, im also setting up a ten gallon and was thinking of doing the same sort of thing for my lights, but was wondering what would happen if you just up the MH light in the halogen fixture?

You would fry the bulb instantly as a ballast is required for metal halide bulbs.

 

[JaredWaites]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13106150#post13106150 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AJP
Any ballast will work as long as it is rated to run the bulb your attempting to fire.

Just because the bulb and ballast say 70 watts doesn't mean any ballast will fire the bulb either. There are pulse start ballasts, probe start...etc.

Like with HPS lamps they use the same ballast as a metal halide but without the capacitor.

 

[jervismun]

Wow! Your live rocks are TOP GRADE!!!

 

[AJP]

Ok folks time for a little bit of an update. I was unhappy with the light and changed to a Coralife 96w powerquad fixture.

A new "full" tank shot, adding a clean up crew today or tomorrow. And fish a few days after that.

 

[scottallert]

what was wrong with the diy light, i was thinking of making one?

 

[AJP]

Nothing was wrong with it, I just didn't like the bulb color and a new bulb was gonna cost more than this light. If you want to buy mine I'll let it go fairly cheap

 

[flamethis]

Nice tank, the rock is wicked. I'm planning the same light for mine i was thinking a 14 or maybe a 20k bulb..
What bulb is in yours? I'd buy it up but I'm in Canada and it wouldn't be cheap anymore once the shipping was figured in..

 

[AJP]

The metal halide is a 14k bulb, the powerquad is a 50/50 actinic 10k

 

[kfennell]

Thanks for scamming me on the DIY MH light. He wired it wrong when it came to me, didn't say anything like "I rewired it but DIDNT TEST IT" Maybe have a look. It wreced an electrical socket in my house and blew the bulb at least so im out $20 for a new one. When I asked him to make good he says "Why and how should I make this right" and says its my fault.

Thanks

 

[AJP]

I wont start an argument here, but the truth is I asked how and why I should fix it and he immediately filed a paypal complaint. It is now out of my hands to do anything. I never meant to "scam" anyone, I have over 200 positive feedback on ebay and no negative, and I am a verified paypal user with a score over 130. I doubt that I would scam someone over $60.

 

[kfennell]

you did not ask oh how can I fix that for you you asked Why is that my problem and told me I should have checked the wiring.

 

[AJP]

For those that care paypal sided with me.

 

[AJP]

Ok everyone I need a little input. I havent done much with the tank lately as I have been waiting for a few things to happen. The purchase of a home and a long awaited raise, well both have happened and I move in in the morning.

So here is what I need help with. Should I stick with the tank as is and put some money into making it perfect with a fuge and what have you. Or should I pony up the cash and get a 75 with dual metal halides and a fuge sump but will have to use base rock to fill it and will have to grow out small frags gotten on the cheap from fellow reefers. Input either way is wanted.

Oh and I got a digital rebel, should be arriving in the mail in a few days so once i figure out how to use it pictures should be much much better. Any DSLR tips are welcome.

 

[SpinningHat]

DSLR tips - Check the photography forum, and READ THE MANUAL! The Rebel is a great camera and can take great pictures, even in auto mode. But - with this kind of subject, you're going to need a little better mastery of photography to get great pictures. I don't have any specific Rebel things you can do, as I'm more of a Nikon guy.

As far as the tank - Maybe finish the 10g, and then later work on buying the components for the 75? Then you'll have some frags of your own to grow into a bigger tank.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Hey! It's Adam!

I say go big. Lots more room. Keep the 10 as a frag tank.

 

[reeftrinh]

i have a 10 gallon nano reef tank like this tank. i have had it up and running for the past 2 months and recently have had more sucess. these tanks are really hard to maintain because of the fluctuations in different chemical levels. you pretty much have to do a water change every week and u can't have more than 2 small fish while limiting feeding. water temperatures change drastically with the mh lighting. its cool though because of its size. dont ever thing smaller is better... its just freaken harder

 

[AJP]

Ok I think I found the perfect tank. 75 gallon with stand canopy sump dual 175w metal halides, and a euro-reef skimmer. Includes the return pump and the overflow box pictured but I would drill the tank I think. $500 for everything minus rock and live stock. I am going to pick it up on Monday.

My plan is to set this bad boy up and move the rock I have over and if I can get some good base rock (any one got links?) fill it with that. Should do just fine till I can spend some more cash on it.

I plan to start a new thread when I get it all home and set-up, a link will be posted here for those that care.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Nice looking set up. I'd have to agree with you - drilling is the way to go. Good luck with the set up.

 

[hummermaniac88]

pretty cool 10 gallon...

 

[triton77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14101607#post14101607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfennell
Thanks for scamming me on the DIY MH light. He wired it wrong when it came to me, didn't say anything like "I rewired it but DIDNT TEST IT" Maybe have a look. It wreced an electrical socket in my house and blew the bulb at least so im out $20 for a new one. When I asked him to make good he says "Why and how should I make this right" and says its my fault.

Thanks

Yikes!