Pics of my lighting upgrade

[bill-e]

Well Folks,

I finally got around to making a temporary hanger for my new 250w HQI lighting. Alas, the center brace in my tank causes there to be a dark spot in the center so I'm going to have to order another HQI setup. I didnt want to have to do that but....I have no choice as you will see in the pics.

About the only good news is that I dont need any blue supplimentation, the color is just right.

Here's the Pics

http://cereal.mv.com/newlight.html


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Bill Esposito
bespo@cereal.mv.com
JAqua for the AquaController 2
http//cereal.mv.com/jaqua.html
My Reef Page
http//cereal.mv.com/reef
The box said "Use Win 95 or better", I chose better so I run OS/2!

[Tralfaz]

bill-e,

Have you considered getting a reflector, like a spider or etc.? Considering how narrow your brace is, adding a curved reflector may add enough light to solve the problem. Easy enough to add to a hood anyway.

And Cheaper

Regards

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TRALFAZ


[This message has been edited by Tralfaz (edited 11-26-2000).]

[bill-e]

I actually played around a little with some aluminum foil and it did at a very little light, but the HQI bulb is so intense and so direct that nothing but moving it off the brace helps.

I also tried some eggcrate which did a very good job at getting rid of some of the shadows and making the dark section under the brace less, but cut way down on the intensity.

Additionally the HQI is recommended only for 2 ft and my tank is 3, I was hoping to get away with it but was prepared not to.

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Bill Esposito
bespo@cereal.mv.com
JAqua for the AquaController 2
http//cereal.mv.com/jaqua.html
My Reef Page
http//cereal.mv.com/reef
The box said "Use Win 95 or better", I chose better so I run OS/2!

Bill That is a nasty shadow, I can see why you're concerned. AAaaat least your weren't laboring under the delusion it was gonna be a cheap upgrade. It will look more awesome when its done tho, lookin good now

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I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com

[FishDaddy]

Bill,
Its amazing how much shadow is created, even with the lights up above the tank.
Tank keeps looking better all the time.
Dick

[Rick O]

That's a lotta light from a small fixture Bill. It's really gonna look great with two.

Rick

[bill-e]

Ordered the second light, but had to sell one of my kids to do it.

------------------
Bill Esposito
bespo@cereal.mv.com
JAqua for the AquaController 2
http//cereal.mv.com/jaqua.html
My Reef Page
http//cereal.mv.com/reef
The box said "Use Win 95 or better", I chose better so I run OS/2!

[Peter_]

Another option for you would be to remove the center brace. It's easier to do on a empty tank, nevertheless it could be done when full. You simply glue two clear pieces of acrylic (1/4 inch) to the top of the tank say six inches in from both sides. When the acylic cement cures then saw off the center brace. Being an engineer, I can tell you that this approach is structually sound.

[ivet]

bill-e

what a great looking tank!


I had the same problem. my 200 has 2 braces. i had 2 MH's, and 2 SHADOWS that combined in the middle to one big one!!

I definitely needed a third one, and so i did the deed. I'm blessed to have a room behind so i didnt't have to worry about cosmetics, whew.

[bill-e]

Here's an updated pic with two lights. Right now the bulbs are 10" above the water and you can see that the softies are still acclimating.



------------------
Bill Esposito
bespo@cereal.mv.com
JAqua for the AquaController 2
http//cereal.mv.com/jaqua.html
My Reef Page
http//cereal.mv.com/reef
The box said "Use Win 95 or better", I chose better so I run OS/2!

[This message has been edited by bill-e (edited 12-17-2000).]

Bill!!!!! That looks great
BTW after week 3 I'm starting to get coralline growing on the ugly white overflow elbows

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I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com

[bill-e]

Doug,

Thanks, I'm very happy with the color. I wont have to buy any supplimentation. Now I just got to make the hood. Waiting for a carpenter friend of mine to call so he can make all the cuts and rips. But if he doesnt soon, I'll do it.

Good news on the coralline I've found that it seems the the coralline grows even faster on dark surfaces..has that been your experience?

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Bill Esposito
bespo@cereal.mv.com
JAqua for the AquaController 2
http//cereal.mv.com/jaqua.html
My Reef Page
http//cereal.mv.com/reef
The box said "Use Win 95 or better", I chose better so I run OS/2!

[NaH2Ofreak]

Bill,

One word, "AWSOME"!

[Psyduck]

Dude, you have some MONSTER corals in there. Looks real nice.

Bill I find it grew on the powerheads and the clear overflow box but very little on my glass

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I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com

[This message has been edited by geedoug (edited 12-18-2000).]