thinking of upgrading lighting

[TimTen]

Hi Everyone,
I was hoping to get some advice on a lighting upgrade. I have a tall 65 gal 36X18X24. I currently have a Current SunPod 2X150. I would like to get more SPS and think maybe 2 X 250 or 1X 250 would work better for me, the tank does have a center brace. Can anyone point me in the right direction. I really don't have room and, I don't want to build a canopy so I would like an all in one fixture if possible. Thanks for everyone's help, see you guys at the SWAP.
Tim

 

[Mr. Ugly]

How about a couple 250w pendant fixtures.

Or you saw the one I had? 36" PFO hood w/ 2x250w mh and vho?

 

[TimTen]

oh I did like the look of your fixture. What model did you have and where did you purchase it from. Thanks, I just hope the tax man brings me the funds.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Tim,

I picked it up from a reefer that had it over a custom 36" tank. It was a PFO canopy from Marine Depot.

I tried to find the wood canopies on MD just now, but didn't see anything.

Maybe I need to switch over to Luminarcs

 

[prodman]

Youm ight consider 2 -175 watt lights. I had a 65 and its hard to get past the shadow when using only one light over the center brace. So I would go with either 2-175s or 2-250s.

 

[TimTen]

The PFO fixtures at MD look good. Does anyone know if they are cheaper any where else. Also is there another brand I should look at.

 

[dots]

I have the coralife Aqualight pro...in the 48" version, the spead is not inteferred with by the brace.....I would recommend 250s

 

[TimTen]

No can do on the coralife, I'm limited to 3 ft. and would like 2 MH bulbs.

What are the differences between Double Ended and Single End?

Mr. Ugly what kind of bulbs are you using in that fixture?

What are the differences between Magnetic and Electric Ballasts?

Sorry for all the questions should have asked them months ago,
Thanks,
Tim

 

[jkreefer]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1014363

 

[maynor]

Hello every one!

Hi Tim!
After all the mistakes I have made, the information I have read/looked up and all the questions I have made, this is what I have concluded:

"What are the differences between double ended and single ended?"

A= Double ended bulbs force you to use a screen (glass or acrylic) to prevent damage to your corals due to the UV light they produce. By the light having to pass that screen, you are already loosing valuable PAR that you want in your tank.
Single ended bulbs don't need a screen, so all the PAR they produce goes straight into your tank (where you want it).


"What are the differences between magnetic and electronic ballasts?"

A= Electronic ballasts are more efficient which translates into less of your money going to MR. and MRS. PG&E. Electronic ballasts give your bulbs a more stable/constant flow of electricity and therefore prolonging the life of your bulbs.

If money is not an issue, I think this would be my dream set up, but again, just a dream.

2- 250 watt IceCap ballasts
2- LumenArc 3 mini reflectors
2- Bulbs of your choice

I think the above set up would be something that you could use on any tank in case you wanted to upgrade down the line.

Some links that may be useful:

http://www.pacificgardensupply.com/proddetail.asp?prod=LA3&cat=2

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm


I hope it helps!

 

[TimTen]

well I'm really leaning towards the 36" PFO fixture. I will probly just spend the next month watching the "for sale forum" while saving up. Anyone selling something simular or know of a vendor cheaper then MD. I'm looking for 36", 2X250 SE MH, with VHO. Thanks,
Tim

 

[mdt178]

If you're going to spend that much on a fully decked out PFO fixture, I'd seriously consider the Maristar at $800:

http://www.aquatichobbyaquariumsupply.com/Maristar_36_2x250W_MH_2x39W_T5_p/250455.htm

reefgeek has the same unit for $900.

 

[650-IS350]

was looking at that before I ended up getting the tek t-5 8bulb set up.. if I had enough money I would have bought the maristar.

 

[TimTen]

Thanks for the Link, I really like the look of that fixture and its a few hundred less. If I don't get a deal on a used fixture I think that will be the route I will go. Thanks for everyone's input,
Tim

 

[GSMguy]

what about a 36inch t5 setup? like the 8bulb tek?

 

[Litefoot Sr]

You should seriously look at the T-5 36" 6-39W fixture at reefgeek. $309 and free shipping. You won't believe the light these things put out. I'm extremely happy with my setup. Do some research on the T-5's before you make your final decision.

 

[TimTen]

I really like the looks of the TEK fixtures, and the low power usage is great. I'm concerned, since I have a deeper tank it won't have the punch to get enough light to the bottom. I saw a thread testing/comparying the two, I will be following it closely.

delsol650 how is the 8 bulb fixture working for you?