[dobejazz]

This is my dilemma I have a 95g corner pent acrylic aquarium from clarity plus. The current lighting is 1 36" 2 x 96w PC fixture and 1 30" 2 x 65w PC fixture. I don't like how the lights don't illuminate the tank fully, block the access to the tank and don't allow me to use the canopy. I'm thinking that a T-5 retro may be the way to go but I need lot's of help on the best way to utilize the canopy with maximum light coverage. The tank has softies and a few LPS no plans for SPS
here are a few pics

 

[is_that_a_fish]

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76068&page=2

you could try something like that.....

 

[tims]

a pendant MH would do nicly

 

[dobejazz]

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76068&page=2

you could try something like that.....

That looks exactly what I'm looking for ! Thanks A PM may be in order

 

[dobejazz]

a pendant MH would do nicly

Tim is it ok to use MH on the enclosed top? I'm also afraid that a pendant with out the canopy will spill to much light into the room?

 

[is_that_a_fish]

i have 2 250 w metal halides in my canopy (retrofit) and i also have 2 computer fans in there and my temp doesnt rise more then a degree or 2.

 

[Casey]

mhs would be easier than all them t5s Kelli.

 

[dobejazz]

I'm afraid of the acrylic on top warping Most tanks I see with MH have the more open Euro bracing I think it' s called

 

[Casey]

I'm afraid of the acrylic on top warping Most tanks I see with MH have the more open Euro bracing I think it' s called

Really I guess mine will melt any day now then:lol:
Kelli you are worrying over nothing my tank is not euro braced and i have 2 x 250 Mh s in it and 4 vhos.:thumbup:

 

[is_that_a_fish]

yeah that is true, but if you have fans they wont nearly get hot enough to melt acrylic, or atlease mine hasnt gotten that hot, i can keep my hand directly under them with the fans on and i dont feel anything more then "warmth"

 

[dobejazz]

Thats Cool to know the little cover for the top warped with the PC's so I figured MH would be bad The canopy is only 6 1/2" deep if that makes a difference and I would really like to use it since I paid for it Adding fans and vents are in the plan for the light upgrade.
Will MH be to strong for my softies?

 

[is_that_a_fish]

you might have to move the softies further down in the tank, but you will get amazing growth with halides compared to pc's

 

[dobejazz]

Really I guess mine will melt any day now then:lol:
Kelli you are worrying over nothing my tank is not euro braced and i have 2 x 250 Mh s in it and 4 vhos.:thumbup:

Hmmm Maybe if I saw more FTS I would have noticed that

 

[VWD]

I agree on the best way to get what You are looking for and the easier is go with MH's also. You could go with 2 HOI bulbs and actinics if You wanted to Kelli as far as melting I don't think You need to worry, Just don't lay them on the acylic. , and use fans to help, So many options You have with MH's

 

[dobejazz]

Ok I'm really showing my ignorance here what is a HQI bulb? and what wattage of MH ? The tank is 51" at it's widest point and 24" deep

 

[VWD]

It's is a double ended Bulb still MH. I think 150 watt is all you need , 2 of them or You can go to the 250 w It depends on what You want, I run 2 150's on my 90 and the clams and sps are doing great. I also have 260 watts of actinic.

 

[dobejazz]

ok back to researching 150w HQI MH

 

[VWD]

And I know with alittle work George can put it al togather for You and have it look really good.

 

[VWD]

Kelli, and when You do use MH's lights, You will wonder why you waited, The corals will really take off for You and the light looks so natural with the shimmer.

 

[Casey]

Hmmm Maybe if I saw more FTS I would have noticed that

na you still cant see my lights unless I open the hood miss smarty pants. your starting to sound like Robert oh brother:doh: