Lighting recommedations...

[hypermikie]

Jeremy,

I am finally getting around to getting my 70g underway (36Lx24Wx18T). I was really thinking early on of going with a 6 bulb T5 setup do to heat considerations (chiller-less), electrical costs, bulb replacement cost, and color combinations. I am retro fitting into a custom canopy which will be well ventilated.

I went by and seen Shane W.'s setup with his MH's and now I am torn. His new 180 looks nice, and he says he has not had any heat issues with 3-400w MH, but he has a lot more water volume.

Based on what you guys have at your disposal, what would you suggest. I am going to try my hand at some SPS with this tank. Cost pleasing options are always nice.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Jeremy B.]

First off, do you need something that is going to retrofit into a canopy, or do you want to hang a pendant/full hood over the tank? Also, is there going to be a sump on this system?

 

[hypermikie]

I am doing a retrofit into a custom canopy, I cannot remember the height. I do not have it yet, it is currently being built and the dimensions are at home.

Yes, I do have a 20L Sump I will be using on the system as well.

 

[Jeremy B.]

I personally think this is a perfect situation to use a 2 x 175w Iwasaki 15k setup with a couple of vho actinics for supplementation. PFO makes a perfect reflector for this, that has great light output, and tabs to mount the vho's on as well. The Iwasaki lamps are a true 14.5k bulb, that emit extremely crisp white light (no yellow and no blue to the naked eye), and supplement with a couple vho's would give you an awesome coloration in the tank. These lamps give out just as much, if not more than some of the 10k 250w bulbs, and definitely more than the "blue" 250w bulbs, at least power consumption and less heat.

If you still feel that is going to be too much heat, maybe go with just one single 250w 10k, utilizing the same reflector and vho supplements. If you still feel you're going to have too much heat (which I don't think you are), then go down to one single 250w setup using the L3 mini reflector and no vho supplement.

Let me know your thoughts and I can supply you with links to the setup if we're on the right track.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[hypermikie]

Jeremy,

Send me over the links for the double 175mh set-up... if making the move to the MH that is the route I think I will go.

The Double 175's could easily be used on a larger system in the future!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[hypermikie]

Jeremy,

Is this the reflector:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=PFO-PR362SA8MO&Category_Code=Sockets

This ballast:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...oduct_Code=PFO175DPS&Category_Code=PFOballast

or 2 of these:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...t_Code=PFO175BB-ELEC&Category_Code=PFOballast

These bulbls:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...t_Code=PFO175BB-ELEC&Category_Code=PFOballast

Mike

 

[Jeremy B.]

Sorry for the delayed response, I have been unable to check our forum at all today until just now.

The reflector / sockets are the exact ones.

As far as the ballasts go, I would actually recommend the electronic. The Iwasaki lamp is one of the rare ones out there that actually give off more PAR with an electronic ballast vs a magnetic ballast. PFO also makes the ballast in a full enclosure with on/off switch and the sockets would plug right into that, with no wiring, etc.

Thanks,
Jeremy