K9s 20g Reef - Warning: Image Intense!

  • Thread starter Thread starter K9
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I am really impressed on the tank. I know lots have been discussed on lights but how are the lights working for you after a few weeks? I am highly considering building the same set-up that you have. It looks fairly simple to wire up. I am somewhat mechanically inclined so it shouldnt be to difficult I would assume. How are the lights though. Are you still satasified with them? Everything is thriving? I mostly plan on running soft corals and maybe a BTA once the new lighting gets put up. What would be your thoughts?
 
I love the lights, I really do. I don't know if you read further back in the thread, but I swapped out the URI 50/50 bulb for a Coralife 10000k bulb and I'm really happy I did. The color is much more to my liking now. As far as wiring, it's very easy to wire up. The wiring diagram is even on the ballast itself. My corals are all doing very well under this light too. I have polyps, softies, LPS, and SPS that are all doing just fine. I would suggest more light though for keeping SPS as they will color up more. After I get rid of my frags of the Cat's Paw, I won't be keeping any more SPS in this particular tank. I will eventually get a clam or two though. Not sure if I want an anemone though since they can move around and might get into mischief (i.e. getting sucked into a powerhead or overflow).

Overall, I am very happy with the lights. :thumbsup:
 
good to hear. I will be ordering them soon! (hopefully they ship USPS/priority) and yes, I HAD an anenome in the 38gal, but when I added more sand to the tank, it didnt like it to well...tried to hide and his tennicals got sucked into the powerhead. Im really hesitant on getting another one in the big tank but the wife wants another for the clowns. We will see....

Good to hear though on the lights. So you went for the 10k K buld instead of the 50/50. I will consider that. I appreciate your help.

any new pictures? :)
 
Hey, no problem. Glad to help!

New pictures? No, unfortunately not. I haven't bought anything new for the tank recently because it's been "bill-paying" time this past week :rolleyes: and I've been saving up for my girlfriend and I to go snowboarding in North Carolina this Christmas.

I might pick up something new this weekend though. I'll post pics for sure when something changes with the tank. :thumbsup:
 
^ hey k9, my aunt is looking into setting up a reef, and was looking at lighting. this would be a 75 which is 48x18x21 deep. would you suggest 4 or 6 48" bulbs for softies and maye some lps, but nothing technical. I was just looking for some first hand experiance with this type of lighting, as I have none.
 
Hey, sounds like a cool project. For a 75g, I'd definitely go with 4 110w VHOs. They will let you keep softies and LPS with no problems whatsoever. Heck, you can probably even keep SPS in the upper levels of the tank. Good luck with it!
 
Imareefer said:
hey k9, are you planning to come to the pbmas meeting on the 22nd? if so pm me and ill give you the run down
Click to expand...
No, sorry man. I won't be able to attend.
 
Thanks. When I told her the price of halides and replacement bulbs she almost rethought her decision. If the VHO's will do great, thats what i'll recommend.
 
Hey, sounds great :D. I'm glad she's going ahead with the project. If you get the VHOs like I have from www.hellolights.com you can just get the same ballast and two 4ft bulbs instead of 2 footers. That ballast will fire up to 8ft or 220w of combined VHOs. Two ballasts with everything will run just over $200 with shipping. Try getting 440w of MH for that kind of money :D.
 
She started out with the idea of getting the best of everything, then after looking at the cost of 2x250 DE halides and 4x65 watt acticnic pc's that was about 1/3rd of what she wanted to spend on lighting alone.
 
nonamesright said:
...that was about 1/3rd of what she wanted to spend on lighting alone.
Click to expand...
Ha ha. Yeah, if you want the best, it'll cost ya! VHOs make good quality light IMO. People keep SPS and clams under them quite frequently, so since the price is right, it's a good choice. They certainly don't lack very much in the intensity department. When I get a bigger tank (75-125g), I'd even consider having only VHOs then. MH are nice, don't get me wrong, but VHOs have definitely earned my respect. Wish your aunt good luck on her tank :D.
 
Looks pretty good to me! :thumbsup:

I think you've found her a winner :D.

I was just pricing out the ballast that I currently have, only with 4ft bulbs for my future 75, 90, 120g tank (all 48" long) and I can get 3 ballasts and 6 VHO bulbs with all the trimmings for only $305 + shipping. 660w for only $305!?!?! Can't beat that!

EDIT: WHOA! REALIZED I JUST CRACKED THE 3000 POST MARK! :D :bigeyes:
 
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good pick whit the corallife 10000k they are rly nice...i was testing them last night at work...you should get a t5 actinic..you will rly rly rly like it..has a rly like out put to it and a rly rly rly rly nice blue to it...and if u get the right one it will run u at $35..i have been looking in to them for a 20 long planted tank lol...and maybe my 5gal but i dont know yet..but look in to it and tell em what u think
 
Are you making the suggestion about the T5 actinics to me? I thought about T5's initially, but after seeing how much they were for a complete hood, it was easy for me to go with the VHOs instead.
 
Well at my work we tock $100 of of them...so right now for a 34 it is only $89...but if u just want a actinic t5 i can get a a good deal on line for them..they will run u about $34 for 1 and thats all u woudl need.
 
Thanks for the offer. However, my 75w VHO actinic is just fine for me. :D
 
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