Gwen's 12 gal Nano Nonsense

[wharyat]

Welcome to the buildoff Gwen!

[JimmyK]

Looks like it will be a cool entry. Gotta admit...It is a little spooky to see all of those "kids" on Halloween. I have seen movies that start off with a shot like that. Goodluck in the contest!

[Loverotties]

Good Luck! with your kids and tank!

[gwen_o_lyn]

I'm trying to figure out this hood and lighting issue- I may take the top off the tank and do a reef my way (skimmer) and no chemical filtration.

So this is the light I'm thinking about getting. I wanna do this right and get metal halides.

http://www.hellolights.com/aqadhatamo.html

What do you think about this for lights??
It's not easy finding lights for a 20" tank that are metal halides. I don't wanna build lights myself and risk a fire!!

Thanks for everyones help!!
-gwen

[alaskaknucklehead]

There ya go...and it will look great, IMO Coralife makes an exellent product.

[lukegegory]

Gee you do wan to spend (light) its great and simple for you as you don't want to DIY, so if you've got the cash get it.
However the tank is a nano and in all honesty you can keep the light fittings you have, just change the actual bulb(tube) to a reef one (the best brand you can find).

[Flame]

I agree with Lukegegory Gwen. Looks like you are getting there

[yardboy]

I think you've made a good choice Gwen. While somewhat pricey (to someone who uses biscuit tins for ballast boxes) they look sleek and compact.

Changing out the bulb in the fixture you have will not give you enough light for a reef tank.

[VWD]

Gwen, What? I like your answer. I still Don't know the answer LOL

Originally Posted by gwen_o_lyn

yeah got like 200 kids- the kind that don't require diaper changes, feedings, baths, etc!! most are at mom's house though.

[dobejazz]

Vince look harder at the first picture lol!!!

[gwen_o_lyn]

Originally Posted by yardboy

Changing out the bulb in the fixture you have will not give you enough light for a reef tank.

So which is true? I am guessing yardboy is right, but some say to change out the bulb. Can I put a metal halide in that existing hood? I don't think so since over heating would be a major issue. Any ideas??

I will probably stick to my original plan with the fixture unless someone has a better idea.

Thanks for all the help once again!!
-gwen

[yardboy]

Gwen, check my thread, I have a 175W over my 10 gallon, with about 4 gallons in a sump with a fan.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...ling110205.jpg

When I tried a 250 in the garage (where it got to 90d the day of the test) the tank got hot. Bt with a 175, inside, the tank is actually too cold, I had to turn the fan to low and it still didn't raise the temp, so I think a 150 will give you no trouble at all. Remember, most heat problems come with closed canopies. Using a hood, my 150 with 3-250W DE's has no heat problems with a $10 Wallyworld fan. The metal halide you're contemplating is like a hood, open to the air. I doubt you'll have any problems, even without a fan, but a fan is cheeeeep insurance.
My dos centavos, anyway.

[gwen_o_lyn]

Ok so I should not use the hood that came with the stand since its pretty much worthless anyways, right? I will clip the light to the back of the tank, cover the tank with that stuff that home depot sells (egg crate stuff?), and then add a hang on the back skimmer. And maybe in the end, build a nice hood over all the mess to cover it up.

The light comes with a built in fan, but I can buy another one if I have a heating issue.

How does this sound??

[yardboy]

Yes to everything but the hood. "If you feel you must" to that.

The original hood light will be good for cycling the rock, and that's about it!

[gwen_o_lyn]

Originally Posted by yardboy

Yes to everything but the hood. "If you feel you must" to that.

The original hood light will be good for cycling the rock, and that's about it!

and why would you not build a nice hood? Just curious, thats all. I would probably just wanna frame it with wood and leave the top open for ventilation- that is what I'm thinking. Yes I will probably use that old light with 5-6 year old light bulbs to cycle!! Great idea, since I won't have the lights until christmas or a little after. I got plenty of time since I will cycle this tank for about 12 weeks.

Thanks for all your help!!