WTT - VHO retrofit for 250W MH

[serpentman]

I thought I would throw this out there. I have been playing around with lighting and have decided that the only way I will really be happy is to cut the center brace out on my tank and put in another metal halide. Therefore, I am considering trading my 72" VHO retrofits for a Metal Halide. The VHO's include 2 x 72" actinics, endcaps and Icecap 430 ballast. Looking for 250W retrofit (magnetic or electronic). Would also consider a 400W.

 

[Cove Beach]

Gonna do another Lumenbright in the center?

 

[serpentman]

Planning on it.

 

[Cove Beach]

I'm liking my lights, just have to be patient till i get back to start moving critters in. I do have one small frag in the tank as an experiment. Seems to be doing ok so far but it is near the bottom and shaded a bit. Only real shade is under my big plate rock in the middle and i think i still have enough light under there to grow soft corals! LOL

 

[serpentman]

They are awesome reflectors. Because they put so much light directly underneath the biggest challenge is to acclimate corals to tolerate it?

Still, the shadow in the center of the tank is driving me nuts. I figure a 3rd MH will be ideal.

Also considering taking the 250W light from my frag tank and replacing with a 175W, so if anyone has one they would consider trading, I would be open.

 

[DiscoReefRover]

So when are we hacking out that brace !!!! I just did another one of my tanks this past weekend...Works like a charm...Did you get your new bulbs yet? Hit me back and let me know..

Sean

 

[serpentman]

Hey Sean, Definitely plan to do it soon. Hopefully I can get my hands on some equipment. I may just shut down the frag tank for the time being and use the light from there... not sure. I just put two new bulbs in the display (XM 20Ks).

I will send a PM, how's your schedule look next weekend?

 

[DiscoReefRover]

What do you think of the bulbs let me know give em a couple of days to burn in i think youll like em alot

 

[DiscoReefRover]

Oh yeah just let me know when and well bang that brace out no problemo!!oh and hold out for a bit i might be coming into 3 175w halides and ballasts here shortly i really only need two...

Sean

 

[Dtip]

Can you really cut out the center brace without weakening the structure of the tank? I had heard that this was a big no no, and so never considered it.

 

[itZme]

I have one of my 75g tanks that the center brace broke on and I replaced it with a strip of acrylic and some nylon bolts/nuts. Still holding after a couple years and it doesn't block any light.

 

[DiscoReefRover]

Yes , you can take them out you just need to replace with acrylic strip i just rivet and glue in a new brace and presto no more annoying shadow!!

Sean