Lighting setup

Lofus · #1 10-20-2003, 06:52 PM

I'm starting to think about upgrading to MH. I've a 72 bowfront that is currently FOWLR except for a hitchiker zoo.

The plan is to start into the corrals and a BTA or LTA.

Since the tank is not that deep, I'm thinking 250w HQI but I'm not sure what I need to put everything together. Anyone have a similar set-up?

Jim

Lofus · #2 10-21-2003, 09:46 PM

Lots of views but no opinions?

Aquattro · #3 10-21-2003, 10:07 PM

Are you asking for opinions or people with similar setups? The latter isn't too common.
Are you thinking about the DE HQI setup?

Samw · #4 10-21-2003, 10:10 PM

The least hassle for DE would be to get a pendant I think and put it inside the canopy.

robbyville · #5 10-22-2003, 12:41 AM

Hi Jim,

Do you have a canopy that is able to house the new bulbs an appropriate distance from the water? If so then there are many options for DIY kits. I don't like to deal with wiring so here is a list of what I purchased for my 2x250w 10k system, that I screwed into my canopy. This assumes that I understood your request for what was necessary!

Dual PFO 250w Tar ballast (Cheap but efficient)
2x 8ft quick disconnect cords for the above wired to Mogul sockets (I did not want to wire)
2x250w 10k venture bulbs
4ft long cheap reflector
2x Icecap variable speed fans.

I purchased everything except the fans on ebay and was very happy with the results. I paid $185USD for the ballast, wiring, sockets, and reflector and an additional $105USD for both bulbs combined. With exchange, shipping, taxes, etc the entire package without fans came to about $500.

I purchased the fans at J&L, and simply screwed everything into my canopy.

If you do not intend to put the bulbs into a canopy then I typed this for naught! At that point some of the prebuilt pendants are a great (Albeit expensive) way to go!

HTH,

Rob

Lofus · #6 10-22-2003, 10:05 PM

Thanks. I was thinking of the DE HQI setup. I've not built the canopy for the tank yet since I want to sort out what I'm going to be putting into it first.

Rob, do the mogul sockets fit the large screw in bulbs?

Thanks,

Aquattro · #7 10-22-2003, 10:19 PM

J&L has the DE HQI setup. For the dual complete package, Allen quoted me $1001.00. This wa swith the dual ballast. Someone mentioned that I might want two single ballasts in case one needed warranty work or something. Then you'd still have a light running while the other ballast was in the shop. This was with the AB bulbs(same price as Ushios).

Delphinus · #8 10-22-2003, 10:45 PM

I don't want to comment much on the DE's but if you're looking for ideas for 72g bowfront canopies you can check out this thread where I took some pictures of the one I built:
http://www.canreef.com/phpBB2/viewto...547&highlight=

robbyville · #9 10-23-2003, 01:11 AM

Yep, the mogul sockets are the large screw in type that many MH systems use. I like them for their simplicity and cost effectiveness.

Don't get me wron, there are some beautiful new systems out there. For me it was more a matter of the standard ballasts, bulbs, etc. being reasonable to get into in terms of cost, and maintenance. TAR ballasts are reasonably priced and simple to run. Electronic ballasts are compact, cool running, and efficient but many say that they really do not save you much in terms of costs of energy used due to their higher prices.

I look at the TAR ballasts and figure that they replace my heater in the room so I'm really saving money!

Good luck,

Rob

robbyville · #10 10-23-2003, 01:14 AM

Hey Tony,

I love that hood! Out of my own curiosity, what caulking did you have to do? I recently finished my hood and constantly worry that it's going to fall apart, or that I didn't seal it well enough, etc!

Thanks,

Rob