Lighting questions!!!

venom00viper

venom00viper

In Memoriam
Ok so I am thinking about doing a majoy upgrade on my lighting. I have 196w PCs right now. I will be getting a canopy made then i want to customize some some retro lights in the canopy. This is where i need someone with some experience in lighting retro kits. I am thinking I would like to do a 2x250MH then some VHOs. Also I would like to keep the cost down as much as possible. If someone could put me together a "what to buy" list and maye some sources to buy from also. I would love someone that know how to do this to get me all the right stuff for the tank. Please let me know. Thanks!

-ben
 
I don't think HO T-5's are as nice of color as VHO T-12's. Again, this is personal opinion, but I like VHO's better. Your best bet is to look up pictures of both and see what you like better. I know some people absolutely love T-5's, but I know too many people who were not happy with them. Also, with T-5's, to get the best light they need individual reflectors, whereas T-12's have the reflectors built into the bulbs...I like this feature especially for a MH/VHO combo where you can get a single reflector to house all of the lights. If you get the reflector from hellolights, they actually can attach the mogul sockets for MH bulbs at no extra charge above the parts cost. No oversized shipping charge either.
 
very cool. Thanks for the info. Now is there anyone that would be able to set me up with the best recommendation for the proper equip to buy as well the best source. So maybe VHO/MH would be the way to go. Now how much of each should I get. I have a 70g tall. and I want to be able to keep anything in it I wish. Thanks again for your help!

-ben
 
If you go to one of the local Hydroponic stores you can pick up some reflector paper and line the inside of your canopy with it. This will increase your lighting (what ever set up you decide on) by at lease 100%.
 
I use Lumenarc Mini's and 2 110W VHO's on my 120. I can't tell you the difference the mini's made as far as output! I used to have spider light reflectors and they are NO where near the quality of the minis.

In just 2-3 months of having the mini's there is a huge difference in my caps as well as sps corals. I wish I had a before and after pick of the light distribution. It's just amazing how the minis reflect almost all if not all the light directly down to the tank. The light output was considerably noticeable by the eye.

If you ever want to come check my setup out, just let me know.

Chris
 
The mini's are a 14" square, not taking into account the mogul attachment. That probably adds about 6" to the back of the reflector. So if you are to use these, then you would probaly need to have a canopy without a back.

I built my canopy with an open top and back, to allow the heat to escape.
 
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