light question

[Tangman]

Why not go to two 250s instead ??

[Mik_101]

Originally Posted by Tangman

Why not go to two 250s instead ??

because im getting a 400w balest for free.

[fkshiu]

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.

[Mik_101]

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

[Jason McK]

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

[Patrick1]

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.