My Skylight build.

[serpentman]

You mentioned that you are planning to run 4-6VHO actinics for supplementation. Assuming the tank is a standard 6' 180g, that means potentially 6 x 160W = 960W of supplemental lighting. I like the idea of natural sunlight for growth, however, this doesn't sound like its a huge savings on electricity. You could easily run 3 x 250w = 750W of 14-20K MH without supplementation for less electrical expenditure.

 

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15275178#post15275178 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serpentman
You mentioned that you are planning to run 4-6VHO actinics for supplementation. Assuming the tank is a standard 6' 180g, that means potentially 6 x 160W = 960W of supplemental lighting. I like the idea of natural sunlight for growth, however, this doesn't sound like its a huge savings on electricity. You could easily run 3 x 250w = 750W of 14-20K MH without supplementation for less electrical expenditure.

I was talking about the 92 watt VHOs... Sorry that I didn't clarify that. I think I'm going to go with 4 x 92 watt VHOs which equals to 368 watts of VHO. Or just 2 x 160 watt VHOs which equals to 320 watts.

 

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15275071#post15275071 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpoletti
Good luck on this Moses

Thanks!

 

[serpentman]

Got it. Makes much more sense now, lol.

 

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15276681#post15276681 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serpentman
Got it. Makes much more sense now, lol.

With almost 1k watts of VHOs, I wouldn't even need the sky light anymore. :lol:

 

[strayvoltage]

You can use Mylar but you won't be happy with it and it won't hold up long term like the aluminum will. If you are going to go to the work and expense to do this build you might as well do it as best you can the first time and be done with it. JMO

 

[Reefski's]

i agree with that but it is more expensive for sure.

 

[strayvoltage]

No doubt the initial cost would be greater. I think it would be well worth it in the long run. The final cost would be even greater if it is done first with Mylar only to end up having to do it again down the line. I would rather do it once than have to do it twice. If it is worth doing then it is worth doing only once and doing it right. Maybe I shouldn't say doing right, but rather say doing it once and doing it better. Again JMO

 

[Western_reefer]

How long can polished Aluminum go for before you have to polish/changing it?

 

[Reefski's]

i haven't really cleaned mine yet.

how often do you clean the reflectors on your lights?

call the company.