light question
 

i'm about to upgrade from 2x175's to 1x400 and i have but one problem, with my 175's each bulb gives equal light to each side of the tank, and the plastic brace in the center of the tank is not a problem, but with 1x400 right where the bracing is i'm thinking that might be a problem. any suggestions as far as positioning of the bulb go?

also which way should i position the bulbs? sideways or straight?

Easy answer....instead of 1 400W MH Put 2, takes care of that problem!

other then that their is no easy way of fixing your little problem, the only way to get away from shadowing is to remove the centre brace asnd replace it the euro bracing!!

man i'm glad i have no center brace, mik i think i can get the ballast for ya, there both 400-watt so take you're pick, i'm taking the black one by the way :cool:

problom is its a bow front

btw its a 46 gallon

can i put the metal halide more to one side by a few inches?

Why the change? I would personally prefer 2 175W lamps. But I guess that's not your question. Like KrazyKuch said, there's nothing to do except remove the centre brace....which I wouldn't personally do. Even if you move it to the side, the lighting/shading will be off/weird.

I would just stick with what you have. But that's just my opinion.

his sps are very dull under 2x175's it's wierd, mind you the bulbs are so old! they must be pushing over an year if memory serves correctly, but honestly i can't imagine 175's being anything great for sps and clams, i'm upgrading too to a 1x400 just for the acros, and clams

Why not go to two 250s instead ??

because im getting a 400w balest for free.

There's a chance that your "free" 400w ballast could end up costing you more in the long run.

It definitely will melt your center brace so you have several options:

1. remove the centre brace and reinforce the tank with eurobracing or an acrylic base.

2. get another 400W ballast/pendant

Either option will cost significant money and you may need to get a chiller even with just a single 400W MH over your tank.

I'd go with what others have said and just stay put with 2x175W and install good quality bulbs like the Iwasaki 15,000K.

oh I'm defiantly making it a pendant about 8-10" of the water surface.

So your going to raise the light up high enough that it is no better than your 175s. Actually worse because you'll only have the 1

I had a 46 bowfront with a single halide. And yes you get this horrible shadow. My fix was simple and did'nt break the bank. If your tank is full drain it at least part way. Use a wide bar clamp with rubber grips and set it so it just holds the tank from bowing, too much and you'll break it. Cut out the old brace. The replace it with a clear one. I made my new one from some plexi I bought at home depot. I used some thick nylon bolts and silicone to re attach the new brace.

If your tank is empty it alot easier but mine was full it took like 20 minutes and it was done and back up and running I left the clamp on for a day to let the silicone dry.