Lighting / Canopy questions?

[steve003]

Hi All,

Well I am starting the process of constructing the canopy for my tank and have a few questions. I realized the canopy that comes with the stand (AGA Modern Cherry) is to low for my lighting ideas.

Lets start by talking about the lights.. I need some recommendations on this. The tank is a std 90. I was thinking about VHO and Metal Halides. If you have other recommendations please let me know. I’m pretty set on the Metal Halides though – Can’t beat the shimmer in the water. Also want to dry and capture the dusk / dawn effect.

Since $$ are an issue, I was thinking I would setup the canopy with VHO first then eventually purchase 2 Metal Halides (Retrofit).

So here are some lighting questions.
- Can you recommend a good VHO system?
- How many bulbs (VHO) 2 or 4?
- Wattage - keeping in mind eventually getting Metal Halides?

Canopy questions.
- With the above lighting system described, How high does the canopy have to be so I don’t boil the water? Trying to match the modern series canopy.

Thanks for all your help
Steve

[Spanky]

Steve,
Do you already have the hood? Can you just add something like 1X4 or 1X6 to the bottom to raise it?

I've always used IceCap and URI, no complaints.

I don't know the size of a 90, but I like using 2 50/50's or 60/40's and 2 O3's in combination with the MH. But it depends on what looks good to your eye, what wattage MH, and what K you use too. Do you have room for MH reflectors? They make a big difference.

Jerel

[Blake]

I would highly recommend the PFO 250watt Dual 65K Metal Halide Retro Kit from Premium Aquatics. Since your AGA is 24 inches deep I would recomend a dual 250watt set (MHs are effective over a 2'x2' area). With 250's you can keep anything from mushrooms to SPS. If you are planning on keeping clams, go with a dual 400watt set.

As for color, go with 6500K bulbs. Make sure to get this model of bulb MT250DL E-39/41R 6500K. The R in there stands for reef. 6500 is on the yellow side, but when it is combined with VHO Actinics the color blend is very pleasing to look at.

I know it is a fiancial hit, but I would buy the VHOs and the MH kit at the same time. A LN Electronic 2 Bulb VHO Kit sells for $129. I would recomend getting two URI VHO 48in - 110 watt Actinic Blues.

[steve003]

Thanks for your help.. checked out premium aquat.. good prices nice setup to.

As for the canopy i dont have it yet - plan on building it. Thats a good idea about raising the canopy with 2x4 but trying to match stand - its in my living room

So do the actual bulbs have to be a foot off the water or should the canopy itself be about a foot tall?

Also will clams grow with the 250watt MH system you mentioned.

Thanks