How would you light a 6ft tank?

troni · #1 03-11-2012, 08:58 PM

im in the same line of work, and thats like saying ill pay someone else to wire my house instead of saving my time? but i do kinda know what you mean.
you dont need intense lighting so taking a few leds out wont hurt. i dunno.
my opinion is led though forsure.
what about old fixtures from work? or i think through work you can get those new t5ho high bays for around 3 bills? i think they are 6 bulb

Magma · #2 03-11-2012, 09:05 PM

yah I actually have a contact who can get me a couple of 6 bulb high bays for about 2 each. which isnt to bad.

And yah I know its like saying I would pay someone else to but I also work a lot so when I come home its to enjoy my time not do more wiring. I was leaning more towards MH though since I really havent seem long term results with LED yet.

troni · #3 03-12-2012, 01:37 AM

the ai sol has been around since 2007.

Myka · #4 03-12-2012, 02:00 AM

I hung my halides in a homemade canopy. There is also a Tek T5 retrofit kit mounted in there for actinics. Shown before painting (still haven't got around to that lol). I cut the front and added hinges so it opens up.

Magma · #5 03-12-2012, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

I hung my halides in a homemade canopy. There is also a Tek T5 retrofit kit mounted in there for actinics. Shown before painting (still haven't got around to that lol). I cut the front and added hinges so it opens up.
[IMG/]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k43/Myka82/Jan32011.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG/]http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k43/Myka82/Jan320112.jpg[/IMG]

So how many MH bulbs do you have in that fixture and what wattage are the bulbs? 250?

Quote:

Originally Posted by troni

the ai sol has been around since 2007.

well aware of that, also heard they are looking to launch a new unit this month called the Vegas, which is like a pro version of the SOL

Myka · #6 03-12-2012, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magma

So how many MH bulbs do you have in that fixture and what wattage are the bulbs? 250?

My tank is 24" deep and is SPS dominant. They are 2-250 watt single end on electronic ballasts. For an LPS/softie tank I would suggest 150 watt for your 20" deep tank, but you would need three to span 6 feet. You would need to buy your lighting used in order to stay under $600. Most of my LPS do not like the 250 watt halides and have to be placed off to the sides and in the shade.

Magma · #7 03-12-2012, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

My tank is 24" deep and is SPS dominant. They are 2-250 watt single end on electronic ballasts. For an LPS/softie tank I would suggest 150 watt for your 20" deep tank, but you would need three to span 6 feet. You would need to buy your lighting used in order to stay under $600. Most of my LPS do not like the 250 watt halides and have to be placed off to the sides and in the shade.

I was actually looking at getting something like this
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/AQUARIUM-META...#ht_842wt_1163

its 3 x 250w MH + 4x 54 watt T5 HO it rings in around 500$ now I know its not perfect but with upgraded bulbs and possibly new ballasts it should work great, I have a way to suspend them over the tank and can raise them or lower them to a height I need.