MH Lighting

[sessydude]

Any opinions on this fixture ?

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Icecapr

I am looking to get MH for the new 90. Filled it Saturday

Looking at two of these with 2 vho actinics......wondering if it is worth the extra 60 bucks for the hood as opposed to just putting in the retrofit kit......it is 199

Thanks,

[Prismaco]

Get fans...

-Paul

[Mrs Smith]

Is there a reason you're looking at pendants? Just wondering, because pendants plus VHO might look funny...

If you're going to be mounting them in a hood, consider getting the generic spiderlight reflectors and a set of sockets, perhaps on a dual ballast. That's what we ran on our 90, plus 2 4' VHO actinics. (Because the MH were 6500K, which is kind of yellow.) If you go with a higher spectrum, 12K or 20K, you might not need the VHO.

Just another complicating factor to think about.

Danielle

[sessydude]

well.....I was looking at the pendants because I am worried about the water splash on the bulbs.....My new canopy is taller.....they can mount approx 12" above the water. But having never used them before, I am afraid of explosion. I wan't to go with the electronic ballast I think as I would like to mount the ballast in my basement on a seperate circuit.

Good point though, maybe go with the higher spectrum bulbs first and then see if the VHO's are even needed.......hmmmmmmmm.......

Any Idea on sources ?

I don't want to spend a fortune, but am not afraid to pay for the good stuff up front.

Thanks !!!

[sessydude]

oh yeah.......BTW the hood has no real top to it......it hinges from the front and just has a wood strip on top to mount to......if that makes a difference

thanks again !!

[Buzz_Hog]

For that kind of money, the thing should come pre-wired and ready to plug and play...

[sessydude]

I think I am starting to understand now.......

what is the difference in the double ended or single ended bulbs ?

[sessydude]

ok......I was wrong........I am still confused

Can I use an electronic ballast with any style socket ?....I kind of like the sounds of the Icecap ballast........anyone used them ?

and what is the difference between pulse start and probe start ?

I am so sorry for my ignorance, appreciate anyone that can straighten me out on the benefits/pitfalls of the different systems......ballast, bulbs

Thanks again, I am taking notes

[sessydude]

Maybe this one.....this seems like what I might be looking for....

http://www.hellolights.com/25methalbalk.html

[Rick O]

You can use the Icecap electronic ballast with any bulb. They run cooler than the tar ballasts and have a three year warranty. Not a bad price either. If I were you I would contact Doug at Aquatico. He's a sponsor here and would be very helpful.
www.aquaticco.com

[sessydude]

will do Rick,

always like to help out fellow TRT'rs

Thanks again

[David Grigor]

Just using retrofit type spiderlights will still work with no top as long as there is something to mount them too. I just use two 1" strips of wood to mount the reflector to. You can put eggcrate on top for a more finished look it canopy. But as long as it's taller than most people then non-issue as well....

Very little light escapes from the top and allows for a more open canopy for heat to escape ..... Of the 10+ canopies and pendants, I have built there are all open at the top as long as using spiderlight type reflectors.....

[sessydude]

Thanks David,

it does have one strip right down the middle, I think that will work good.........

Definately taller than me

I appreciate the info....I think this was actually designed for MH setup.....

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Yeah Craig! You can't go wrong by calling Doug(AquaticCo.) who sponsors this board. I just got a complete system from him and it is well done.