MH Lighting Spread question

[iaJim]

I think if I take the handle off the ballast, it will fit between the stand and the wall, but it would have to be on its side. If I keep it off the floor with something nonflammable, will that work?

 

[Double-J]

Good question, maybe contact sunlightsupply.com and ask. I know it really doesn't matter with electronic ballast but magnetics are built differently.

So I'm stumped

He doesn't have near enough clearance for the lumenbrites to work for his setup

 

[einsteins]

Good point....I didnt realize there was space constraints...

eins

 

[iaJim]

Here's an update. I took the handle off the ballast, and the nuts holding it on fell into the case. I opened up the case and took them out. No problem. I heard back from the company, and they said it would work just that way. They also said that putting it on its side would be no problem.

As far as the lighting goes, it is beautiful!! I think though that I want a second fixture. The ends are noticeably darker. I haven't yet put the VHOs back in, so that might take care of that well enough. My lamp timer works just fine. I did mount the fixture too far back, and I will make that adjustment. No big deal.

Thanks so much for the help JJ and everyone else who weighed in. Seems like a great choice.

Jim

 

[Atticus]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13510718#post13510718 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Double-J
I do 12 hours.. but I'd say anything from6-12 is fine.

I run 13.5 hours of light on my tanks. It is the supposed summer light length and helps in clownfish spawning.

 

[iaJim]

I decided that I wanted to do away with the actinics and just ordered another MH setup just like the one I have already installed. This way the ends won't be dark, and I can place corals anywhere.

$$$$$$!!!!

 

[Double-J]

Nice, so you like the color of the 400w 20K XM?

 

[iaJim]

Beautiful! Love the flicker too!

 

[Atticus]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13527396#post13527396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by iaJim
Beautiful! Love the flicker too!

Uhhhhh they aren't supposed to "flicker" that is a sign of a short circuit and a possible fire...

I bet you mean the "Shimmer" the lights cause in the tank. That is the main reason I wanted a reef tank. The colorful corals and fish are secondary...

 

[iaJim]

OK, shimmer, not a flickering in the circuit. Shimmer. I'll get this right.

 

[Atticus]

I forgot to say thanks for this post. I am really looking for the same setup you are. I never thought I would be looking at 400watters...

 

[Atticus]

JJ where did you get those ceramic inserts again?

 

[Double-J]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13534596#post13534596 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Atticus
JJ where did you get those ceramic inserts again?

Sent PM

400WATTS OF POWER BABY!!!! Only way to roll.

 

[Double-J]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13527396#post13527396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by iaJim
Beautiful! Love the flicker too!

Cool man, Get your water parameters perfect and your on the road to growing out a great tank!!

 

[iaJim]

I'm hoping to do just that. I've just been away from home so much that the work has to be done on weekends. New fixture has been shipped, that goes in on Saturday.

 

[iaJim]

The second set of lighting came today. Unfortunately, I'm gone for two days. I'll have to do it on Saturday. I guess that will be more time restraints on light cycle.

Should be awesome!