My New Giesemann Nova II 250 HQI.
 

Got it all hooked up tonight. It looks pretty ghetto, but this is temporary. My new tank will be up by the end of summer and we will be using the metal rod method. This is the same PVC fixture I was using before, we used the hanging wire instead this time. So far so good... only complaint is a slight buzz in the pendant. I don't think it should be making that noise as it was very quiet at the previous owners house. Anywhoo.. no FTS yet because all the corals and fish are sleeping and what not... but here's the general idea for now. More pics in the morning

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...0101Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...0105Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...0107Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...0108Medium.jpg

Scott

Probably to late now, But if you have to take it down for any reason.
Krylon fusion spray paint will paint over that PVC no problem.
Having it all black would look less "ghetto"

How about some pics with them on Scott.. :mrgreen:

Never too late. Your absolutely right.. it has crossed my mind. If my new tank takes longer than expected to setup I'll definitely spray it . Thanks for the tip :)

Ryan - Pics on the way.. my corals are loving the new light

Ok snapped just a couple.. didn't take any fancy shots, just to get the idea . I'll take some time and get some good pictures tomorrow.

Heres a pic with the Aqualight before the switch (20k)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/095789f7.jpg

And here's with the 250w HQI: (don't know how noticable it is cuz my camera sucks .. )

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/6d6a4c59.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/94478b33.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/9cedabf0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/674f57e8.jpg

My clam is really enjoying the new lighting

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/31b08bc6.jpg

And my favourite Acro.. hoping this guy will start to grow a bit faster under the more intense lighting.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/128f93f9.jpg


Ok so , so far.. this is awesome. My tank temp is at 84 with 250w HQI. Before with the Aqualight (150w HQI) I was at 86+ (off the scale, so probably higher) So I am really happy so far. Also, the open top look is my favourite, I can work in the tank no problems now... best upgrade yet :) Can't wait to get rid of the PVC fixture though.. such an eye sore. Well, that's all.. more pics later on , enjoy.

Scott

Good score, Scott - I think those are your best pics yet.

Thanks. Not too bad for being a few beers deep anyways hahah

Looks good Scott.

Are you worried about the heat from the light making the PVC pipe sag? (Looks like that light would fit inside the tank no problem.) :eek:

Gary,

When I was using the 150w HQI on it, the PVC did not sag or become soft at all. I check the top frequently for this, and yes the light will fit in the tank no problem. But I think we'll be okay. Especially if this is just for a couple months tops.

Scott

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Yes indeed, so it was actually the light and not the photographer this time!:mrgreen:

Heh :lol:

Anyone have any recommendations for a real nice 250w HQI 14k (or higher) bulb?? I need some more fluorescence from my corals. I have a 14k Hamilton in right now and while it looks good , it doesn't have that blue hue to it that I want. It is a nice looking bulb though and I would imagine I can get some decent growth from this bulb. But I happen to prefer colour over growth .

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Hey Scott,
Try the phoenix 14k bulb and you won't be disappointed.
By the way, i've got the same lighting as yours and when i changed by
bulb (megachrome) to phoenix 14k, the tank looks way better (more blue).

Fred

Thanks Fred.

I have heard nothing but good things about the Phoenix 14k's as well, so perhaps this is the route to go! I don't find the megachrome bulbs to be that great at all.. compared to others I've used anyways.

I'll look into the Phoenix. Thanks again.

Well Gary,

You called it.. I notice a slight sagging in the PVC fixture. Given the pendant is heavier and has more heat coming off of it..Simple solution though... I am simply just going to add a piece of wood through the PVC bar. Problem solved :)

Glad to hear you caught it before the light ended up in the drink. :)

ahaha , no doubt. Well, I am always paying attention to those things, but yeah.. had I not then it could have gotten ugly. Thankfully it's an easy fix as well.