Fizz71
FragSwapper
I'm working out the design for the "hood" of my 8'x2'x2' peninsula setup (240g). I was planning on going with 3 Large Lumen Bright SE pendants fired by IceCap MH250s. I already own 2 IceCaps that are retro'd in a hood I have on top of the tank temporarily and will buy the other one shortly...so the ballasts are not up for debate. 
I also own a 440 and 660 from IceCap and I love all of them.
I am concerned about heat but since I have central air now and a remote sump in the basement I think I can pull it off with out having to deal with a chiller. I have a good 3ft to 4ft. of clearance above the tank so I was planning on ceiling mounting the pendulums then building a small frame and thin removable wooden shell around the tank so I can get in it easy and still keep it enclosed to run a ceiling vent straight out of the house. I don't want an open setup because the couch is under the one long end of the tank and I don't want my toddler to look up and go blind.
The question is...Should I get the regular pendant (16x16) or the large ones (20x20)? The large will be a tight fit given the top is only 24" and I want the "hood" to be flush so the internal framework will make it a really tight fit. But I also want to do this with only 3 MHs. The first foot or so at both ends of the tank will be barren because of the peninsula design and location of the overflow. I'll run VHOs or T5s the full length for some light, but I am thinking that mounted high enough, the 3 Lumen Brights will be sufficient.
But will I be getting benefit out of cramming the large ones in there? Or would the 16s give me just as good of a result since the tank is not that wide or deep (just long). I'll also have VHO or T5 bulbs in the way on the long sides so that's an even TIGHTER fit.
I was also leaning to pendant over not for easier balancing when hanging them from the ceiling since the ceiling is TOO high to mount them flush. The glass casing is a plus too.
If you care to bare witness to my absolute geekdom I uploaded some 2d shots of my extensive pre-design of the setup from SkecthUp. ...as well as some recent photos since the tank is already up and running:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v93/Fizz71/Reef/240g Reef/2009_03_27/
Any suggestions?
TIA
--Fizz
I also own a 440 and 660 from IceCap and I love all of them. I am concerned about heat but since I have central air now and a remote sump in the basement I think I can pull it off with out having to deal with a chiller. I have a good 3ft to 4ft. of clearance above the tank so I was planning on ceiling mounting the pendulums then building a small frame and thin removable wooden shell around the tank so I can get in it easy and still keep it enclosed to run a ceiling vent straight out of the house. I don't want an open setup because the couch is under the one long end of the tank and I don't want my toddler to look up and go blind.
The question is...Should I get the regular pendant (16x16) or the large ones (20x20)? The large will be a tight fit given the top is only 24" and I want the "hood" to be flush so the internal framework will make it a really tight fit. But I also want to do this with only 3 MHs. The first foot or so at both ends of the tank will be barren because of the peninsula design and location of the overflow. I'll run VHOs or T5s the full length for some light, but I am thinking that mounted high enough, the 3 Lumen Brights will be sufficient.
But will I be getting benefit out of cramming the large ones in there? Or would the 16s give me just as good of a result since the tank is not that wide or deep (just long). I'll also have VHO or T5 bulbs in the way on the long sides so that's an even TIGHTER fit.
I was also leaning to pendant over not for easier balancing when hanging them from the ceiling since the ceiling is TOO high to mount them flush.
The glass casing is a plus too.If you care to bare witness to my absolute geekdom I uploaded some 2d shots of my extensive pre-design of the setup from SkecthUp.
...as well as some recent photos since the tank is already up and running:http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v93/Fizz71/Reef/240g Reef/2009_03_27/
Any suggestions?
TIA
--Fizz
