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| Large Systems Discuss the issues involved in tanks larger than 150 gallons here |
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06-25-2006, 06:18 PM
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#1
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Tune In Tokyo!
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 726
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Help me w/ light options for a 215
I was out pricing up the 215 I am planning on building soon.
My lighting needs are as follows:
I would like good light penetration all the way to the bottom for SPS corals throughout.
I was thinking about coralife's 72" 3x250 HQI strip
http://www.coralreefsupply.com/detai...m=CL_HQI250_72
but the guy at the LFS said it would not penetrate to the bottom like 3 250 watt mogul pendants would.
Should I go with this all in one strip or piece together my own (I have no problems building something) and should I use mogul or HQI bulbs?
Ive read a little and some say HQI is better than mogul, some say otherwise, and some say there equal. HELP!
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06-26-2006, 02:59 PM
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#2
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The Ninja MOD
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 13,624
Reviews: 23
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Price wise I would DIY it with kits from our sponsors. You can get a bulb, balast and reflector from one of our sponsors for something like $159. Check around all the sponsors and check out the retro kits.
Thats a nice looking set up though, it just depends on what you want to spend. As far as penetration, how tall is the tank? My 150 is 24" and I have moguls. If the tank is around 24" that will work. With the double end bulbs youll need a piece of UV glass to shield the tank, its not needed with the single ended bulbs.
Robert
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06-26-2006, 08:20 PM
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#3
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The Bitter Mod
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 5,586
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I'm guessing that you moved out of that studio apt in midtown.
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06-28-2006, 02:32 PM
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#4
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Tune In Tokyo!
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 726
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by theplatypus
I'm guessing that you moved out of that studio apt in midtown.
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LOL not yet but im graduating college in august and got a job at The Weather Channel so I see a house in the near future.
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06-28-2006, 03:39 PM
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#5
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Noo Doot Aboot It!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Prince George
Posts: 2,768
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If you are going to be doing an sps system I would go for at least 4 bulbs over your tank for maximum lighting JMO |
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06-28-2006, 05:38 PM
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#6
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Tune In Tokyo!
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 726
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what would be you wattage recommendations and should I run vho lights, full actinic, also? |
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07-05-2006, 12:03 AM
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#7
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: az
Posts: 183
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Here is what is above my 180 6x2x2
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07-08-2006, 01:19 AM
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#8
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uber-stupid
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Biloxi, MS
Posts: 4,762
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I would say 3 400 watt metal halides and 12 75 watt actinic 50/50 VHOs.
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Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
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07-21-2006, 11:31 PM
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#9
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Tune In Tokyo!
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 726
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by three90s&125sump
I would say 3 400 watt metal halides and 12 75 watt actinic 50/50 VHOs.
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just wondering....why not full actinic?
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07-21-2006, 11:33 PM
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#10
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,610
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I would do the Mhs you are thinking of with full actinic.
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Double your drive space. Delete Windows
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07-21-2006, 11:35 PM
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#11
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uber-stupid
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Biloxi, MS
Posts: 4,762
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I have full actinics on my tanks and when the MH are not on it is kind of dim. Next time I get bulbs they will be 50/50. I think I will also get some hange on type actinics to look at when I want to see the colors POP.
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Jason
My girlfriend says bigger is better, so I am going to build the biggest skimmer I can.
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07-23-2006, 04:44 PM
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#12
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The Ninja MOD
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 13,624
Reviews: 23
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Asa far as actinics go , they are basically for our asthetic enjoyment. Couple the actinic with the K value of the MH and you get the color you like in the tank. For wattage that will depend on the depth of the water. Up to 24" you can use 250 wattfor penetration but 400 will give much more when it comes to placing SPS deeper in the tank. As for what the LFS said about Moguls penetrating deeper, I always have thought that the DE bulbs were better than the SE. At least thats what I have gathered from folks. If you do go 400 watts I dont think it will be an issue either way though!HTH
Robert
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09-11-2006, 07:48 PM
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#13
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Plankton
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Tucson
Posts: 16
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just a thoought but has anyone ever tried to position the tank under a skylight or something and use sunlight and a chiller to help increase light
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09-11-2006, 11:38 PM
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#14
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Little Fishy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Smyrna, GA (near Atlanta)
Posts: 125
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Saw you got a job. Belated congrats. Are you staying in ATL or moving elsewhere?
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09-13-2006, 02:20 PM
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#15
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Posts: 290
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webdr,
we'd be glad to help you out with any lighting you need... visit our store and remember TRT members do get a discount  I am sure if you buy all your lighting we can give you an even better deal ...
as you can see, opinions can vary...I personally have pendants...and supplement with T5 actinics...and the actinics are really just for dusk dawn effect and to see my corals cool coloring...
I'd be glad to help you with any method you choose though, and if you don't see it on the site, email me and we most likely can get it for you.
Regards
Gal
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Gal Hever
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