Anyone using a 150w Viper to light a 20L?

[Jadams]

Just as the title says, is there anyone using a 150w viper HOB fixture to light their 20L?

Got any pics? Lifted high up is there enough spread of light for the whole 30" long tank?

Im currently running a 20" sunpod on my 20L but the light is so close to the surface of the water that i have some darker spots on the sides so im thinking of getting the viper to have the ability to raise the MH for better spread. Anyone have thoughts?


TIA!!

 

[E.intheC]

honestly, I'd go with all t-5's on that tank.. or, you can use the sunpod's hanging kit and raise it up a number of inches. That will spread the light out a bit more.

good luck.

 

[Jadams]

I was thinking about doing that, but where the tank is in my apartment, its not really the best idea to hang it. I also thought really hard about getting some T5's, but im a MH fanatic. :lol: I cant get over not having the shimmer lines that the MH produces. hahaha

 

[pledosophy]

Stick with the shimmer Hiero. I am all T5's now, it's just not the same.

Next tanks will be glass and have a tall enough canopy for the shimmer.

I imagine if you raise up the light high enough you can get a more even spread, but you will sacrafice a bit of PAR. I think for what you're doing it would be worth it.

 

[E.intheC]

I see.. I've heard the high powered LED's will give you the shimmer lines. Check out adding a Powerbrite fixture along with the T-5's.. (I'm not POSITIVE though, as I don't have the LED's but that's what I've heard..)

 

[Jadams]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15565553#post15565553 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pledosophy
Stick with the shimmer Hiero. I am all T5's now, it's just not the same...

I found someone locally who wants to trade me; my 150w sunpod for his 150w Viper tomorrow. I think im going to do it.

 

[Tadashi]

LEDs will give you a little bit of a shimmer but nothing like MH. Can you try it on your system first?

I have yet to see those new LED light systems but they are pricey.

There are hanging kits with brackets that attach to the cabinet and are adjustable for any height. Basically, 2 L-shaped (curved) brackets.

 

[pledosophy]

Do it. Hope you already did it.

Where are the pictures lagger! I at least expected some wall carvings from a hieroglyphics fan. I think that sticker was on the caprice for years.

 

[cherubfish pair]

What Tadashi said, you can hang your sunpod without ceiling kits, there are hanging kits that attach to the stand.

I have a 70w viper on my nano cube 6 and it's about right.

 

[tydtran]

I have the 150 w viper on my new 30 gallon which is shorter than a 20 long. When I raise this light, the spread is better but the tank is very dimly lit. To get any respectable light penetration, I have to set the light about 4 in. above the surface which leaves the corner of the tank dark.

I would not recommend this light on a 20 l. I think a standard 10 gallon is what this light is best for. I am looking for a new light for my 30 gallon.

 

[cherubfish pair]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15580701#post15580701 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cherubfish pair
What Tadashi said, you can hang your sunpod without ceiling kits, there are hanging kits that attach to the stand.

I am looking for a link to these stands because I am interested too.

 

[Acan Lord]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-04/diy/index.php

Thats a DIY but someone does make one the names escaping me though

 

[Jadams]

Thanks for all the info regarding hangingkits. I will lookinto this further.

So, I traded for the viper, got it home, and it wouldnt fire the bulb

So I traded back the next day, and now still have the 20" sunpod on top. I have added some bird netting to 'dim' the light a bit. looks good so far. I will figure a more permanent solution soon.

Pleder - Pics will come later. The tanks' not much to look at yet. Im going for the very minimul look. I only have 3pieces of Live rock so it give the corals room to grow since the tanks only 12" tall.

Maybe i'll post some pics in a few months when i have a more filled in look

 

[Tadashi]

I would not worry about dimming the light. I had 250s over my 12-gal (basically a 10-gal but 2" taller). Slowly raise up the lights a couple inches each week so the livestock can adjust. By the time you get the brackets or whatever it will be just the right height.

 

[harthag12]

Could you just keep the Sunpod and add another 150w next to it? Hang the Sunpod say to the right of the tank and add another pendant or viper clamp on the left. May not match but will get you more coverage.