1st attempt at Nano, Please Help me!!! - Page 3

yuyiboy · 10-09-2008, 02:07 PM

Hey guys... Just a question
What about metal halide for the nano??

I though that MH was a very complicated lighting thing (still do) that I didn't even want to get into being still new and all,
but then I was just surfing looking still for a light for blue, including the reflector to cut in half randy.
And I came across the link included below.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...633~tab~2.html
Is Metal Halide as uncomplicated as a screw-on bulb?? into a socket?? with fan etc.?

I was thinking that it was this huge project.

It just looks a little simpler than I thought. I'm I correct?? I know that it can get completely complicated to go into ALL the details,

and don't want the post to get out of the nano issue,

but keeping it simple, is it something I can do myself without buying an expensive fixture??
I know something about wiring and electronic work and if it is doable, I might even like to change my bigger tank to MH.

But anyway..... is MH overkill for blue's tank?? (heat etc.)

I want to get the equipment out of the way so I can worry about the fish and stuff in it!!

..... and post pics!! will post those anyway.

Thanks guys

yuyiboy · 10-14-2008, 03:35 PM

Hey guys, Here are a couple of pics from the "bleach tank" before and the after. I'm selling it all to my friends and just keeping "blue" and a couple of other things...... I will start from scratch with the things I have learned that I didn't know then, I wish I had found this forum earlier.

The tank just has NEVER come back again the way it was.

I just can't look at it anymore without thinking about the accident. Maybe a new slow set-up will be best.
At least I still will have "Blue"!!

Let's play "where's Waldo?" or "Can u find Blue?"

Will post Blue's tank pics next.
PS. where is everybody??

yuyiboy · 10-15-2008, 01:01 PM

Where did everybody go??

Was it something I said?? Did I ask too many stupid newbie questions??

icebear · 10-15-2008, 04:00 PM

naah, i think this thread just got lost is all. i can't answer your recent questions, i know halides can be pretty simple, but they are out of my current price range (even tho it seems to have gone down some, or i am getting used to seeing those 5 digit price tags) so i won't be getting any soon myself, so i'm not much help there...

but i can bump your thread back up.

yuyiboy · 10-15-2008, 06:07 PM

Thanks!! How does bumping work anyway??
Appreciate it

YLChik · 10-15-2008, 07:14 PM

when you go back to an old thread and add a comment it goes back to the front page of teh forum if you will... hand on for me to read more.

YLChik · 10-15-2008, 07:19 PM

sorry ADD - whatsize tank and what sized MH...

and to answer the other questions... yes sort of it is as easy as screwing in a light bulb....

Issues with MH - are the extra heat they add. Since we are talking about a nano it may or may not be over kill - I didn't read back far enough to see what size tank we are talking about.

color and watts still elude me a bit, but i can help you with the main idea on them. I will say I still prefer T5's when possible. last longer, and use less electricity
so there's my bias.

yuyiboy · 10-15-2008, 10:01 PM

Hello there ms. Amy!!
I was just going to reply to your reply

I was just curious I'm doing a 5gl Nano or Pico (it's my first) and just happened to come across that fixture.
I will be Re-starting a 28gl project since the last incident with it was just horrible and the tank has not been the same again.(see pics Above)
I feel that now I can re-do it with all the things I have learned from u guys.
Like I said before, I should have done more research before I became addicted

I just can't look at it the way it is and be reminded of what happened when I walk by it and it's just getting worse every day.
That 28gl has T5's and was considering MH or combo of both because of the nice color I have seen them bring to things. But that is just the addiction talking again

I will take my time and not waste money (since I don't have any) or time this time and just ask read and pray more

Thanks for the info and glad to hear from you in my thread!!

will post post pics of the tank.

Thanks again u rock!! PS. how is the corner tank going?? any pics or link to thread??

OneDummHikk · 10-20-2008, 09:40 PM

yuyi, the other advantage of T5's over MH is that you can mix the bulbs up a little more. With 4 T5'es, you can use 4 different bulbs to get a different color where if you had a 250MH instead, you only have one choice for the color, you can't mix them up as much.

yuyiboy · 10-21-2008, 03:42 PM

I C...
But can't you add T5s to the MH to change the color?? and don't MH come in different color temps? I guess the combinations could be overwhelming!!
I'll start re-doing my 28gal. again soon. I can't wait to get it done and with the new info I have gotten over this couple of years I'm pumped.
I was just thinking of the MH because I came across this fixture and it looked way too simple to me. I would just need a fan and a ballast transformer and done for not much money!!
There must be more to it..... Nothing is ever that simple

I was also thinking of the MH because of that "Twinkle" look at the bottom that I have seen and it looks so cool!! I wonder why I don't get that with my T5s?
Well anyway...... My 28Gal nano was used with a canister and want to go with an Overflow and sump, But I have that 28Gal. Bow Front Standard tank from the LFS and don't know if the back is tempered? Maybe you guys can help me with that info if you have drilled that tank.
Otherwise I will go with a HOB overflow and beg you guys for help

as to the correct flow rate and pump power, and size of sump tank in relation to the 28Gal. etc. That should be interesting!!

As for "BLUE"!!!
I forgot that I had a 5 gal. or 6 gal. Acrylic tank I think is the Eclipse that I never used for anything.... I got it used!! "SEE picture below from the web"
Well he is in it and it looks great!!! I got rid of the Bio-wheel system and added my Eheim canister rated for 60gl. and found out it came with a F8 T5 bulb that I'm changing out for a standard F8 T5 10,000K bulb!! hope that would be enough.
That's why I haven't posted pics yet!! I promise I will today or tomorrow!!

Sorry for the looong post but it has been a few days

Blue Looks happy and the best part is "HE IS ALIVE!!"

Post later today.
Thanks for the MH info more to think about and read

Will take the 28gl. slow as to not kill anything!! I hate that!!

yuyiboy · 10-28-2008, 01:10 PM

OK, finally got the cam to work!!! it was something so simple!!
Anyway here is Blue's new home "for now"

Let me know what you think. Bulb Has to be changed yet.
He Seems to be happy, I just need to make it more visually appealing,
that can come later.

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
PH 8.2
Need to go get a new Cal test and Alk test
will post those later.
Suggestions??? Now I may Start with that 28 Gal. New Set-up may have to change tank... Don't think it can be drilled

Can't wait to use all I have learned here and by screwing it all up at times.