Need Actinic Suggestions

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

If I were to do it all again, I'd probably just go with a good 150W lamp, a decent reflector, and probably not even bother with a canopy.

This is exactly what I was trying to do, while I knew that the "10000k " Ushio would be more yellow than I really wanted I thought I could live with the comprimise of something with that CCT so I would have better PAR for the clam. I was really disapointed to find out the 10000k label was worthless but I suppose I really shouldn't have been surprised.

The Iwasaki 14k is an interesting idea, I do have a M57.

Originally Posted by WWWD

It wasnt the reflector I was showing it was a small pendant unit that has built in actinic mini builbs. Dude it's up to you, a retailer can probably talk you into anything they have to sell but in the end if you still don't have what you want then you wasted a lot of money.

The PFO pendant is a good suggestion but early on I decided not to buy something like that because of the issues Albert pointed out above. I should have mentioned that. Also, if you ever find yourself looking at similar systems take a look at the Aqua Medic stuff, much nicer IMO and a little bit cheaper.

I also appreciate you trying to keep from getting taken by a retailer but there are a couple things you don't know. I do occasionally buy a few things from the store Albert works in but I actually work for one of his competitors part time. He's offering his advice even though he knows it's only a 50/50 that he would end up selling any item to me, he's a good guy.

Anyway, back to the original issue I actually found something that makes a huge difference, I pulled the glass top off the tank. I knew that no matter how much I cleaned it I would loose some light to the glass but I never figured it would shift the colour that much. I suppose it makes sense, if it's going to block anything it will be the shorter wavelengths of the blue light. I better get off my arse and build that ATO system. I still have the glass cover on the pendant.

So new question: Have other people noticed a significant colour shift with / without a glass top? I made the top out of a chunk of scrap we had kicking around at the store, I don't think there is anything unusual about it. Maybe I will have to make one out of Starfire or acrylic if I decide I need it.

Oh and one other thing I should add, I am in no way annoyed with the guy that sold me the bulb, it is exactly what he said it was and it's my fault for not making sure it is exactly what I wanted in the first place.

[Delphinus]

I'm surprised the Ushio 150k is disappointing, I've used their 175's before and been happy with them. I'm running an Ushio 14k in the 250W/DE size over my ritteri tank, it's not too bad either. If you're ever in the deep south come pay me a visit if you like and check out what the Iwasaki 14k (and the Ushio 14k-250W/DE) looks like in person.

I did post some pics of the Iwasaki here: http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=25588
not the greatest pics for seeing the overall effect but they kinda show that it's a whitish colour.
I really am a fan of this bulb so I hope that Iwasaki smartens up soon and 1) makes it easier to buy their product and 2) introduces that lamp in other wattages.

[midgetwaiter]

Now that I've been away from the tank for a while and come back removing the galss top really made the difference. I had a buddy over and we sat there for a few minutes playing top on / top off and it really is the galss. I'll take some pics of it.

I'll be damned.

If I get a chance I'll take you up on that Tony.

[WWWD]

Dosent HQI lighting need the glass over fixture to block UV?

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by WWWD

Dosent HQI lighting need the glass over fixture to block UV?

Yeah I left that alone, I had a glass top on the tank as well. Screwing around with UVC is an interesting way to commit suicide.