Need Reef Tank Light
N9mxt1
I just recently bought a 125 gallon all-glass tank. I have been running
freshwater fish for years and once again got my feet wet in saltwater. I am
planning to run this 125 for a reef tank. However, need the proper lighting to
make it all work. I don't want to spend $100's of dollars on lights from a pet
store when I can make something work just the same. Anyone out there know how
to make these fixtures they sell at local stores for $100? Couldn't I find and
create something from the local hardware store that would work for my lighting?
or where to get the proper lighting I need and not kill myself paying it all
off! Please let me know via email at N9M...@AOL.COM
Thanks so much...
Jeffrey
Marc Levenson
If we could make our own lighting for $99, it would be major public knowledge I
assure you. Bulbs alone can run as much as $89 each! You may find some nice
retro-fit lighting kits on Ebay, but it will cost you at least $200 or more. If
you want to grow hard corals (sps), you'll want to buy 2 x 250w Metal Halide
lighting (assuming your tank is 4' long; 3 -250w if you have a 6' tank).
If you find something you like, come back here and post about it and we can help
you make sure you are getting a good deal.
Marc
N9mxt1 wrote:
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Kelly
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2378713683&category=46314
N9mxt1
Jeffrey
Henry
I am also trying to design lighting for a tank. Mine being 180gal so 6'
long. The tank is an Oceanic so it has a 1/2" glass reinforcement arcoss
the top in the center , probably 12" wide running front-to-back. If I use
3 - 250w MH lights, the middle one will be directly over this support. I am
thinking of either 2 400w or just 2 250's and will have to be careful what I
put in the center of the tank?
Comments or suggestions?
Henry
"Marc Levenson" <me...@swbell.net> wrote in message
news:4025F0D9...@swbell.net...
Steve Sells
you can skimp slightly on this but not a lot. 72 foot would be 3 lights,
UNLESS you want some dark areas at one or both ends for softies. then you
could get away with 2 MH, then had the "caves" in the dark areas.
I personally had 3 400MH in a tank roughly 72L x 40H X 28W a homemade, built
in plywood "350 gal". With the sump it was almost 400 gallon of water. but
I had to leave it when I sold my house and got married. I miss that tank
Steve
"N9mxt1" <n9m...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040208083014...@mb-m22.aol.com...
Marc Levenson
It will have to be 12" off the water, so you don't cook your 30g.
Install a cooling fan in the hood for sure.
Marc
Kelly wrote:
What do you think of this for a 30?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2378713683&category=46314
--
Marc Levenson
good for a 125g.
Marc
N9mxt1 wrote:
> How many of them would I need for my 125? Its 72" long
>
> Jeffrey
--
Marc Levenson
If you put 2 x 400 on a 6 foot long time, you are going to have two very bright
spots and some major shadowing on both ends plus the center.
Better to put 3 x 250 over it. I know what you are saying about that center
brace. That thing is a major pain, and I won't ever get a tank with one. You
will just have to keep that glass very clean (top and bottom), and less light
demanding things will do just fine in that center spot.
That is the only way I can think that you'd have what looks consistently lighted
tank.
Marc
Richard Reynolds
> brace. That thing is a major pain, and I won't ever get a tank with one. You
> will just have to keep that glass very clean (top and bottom), and less light
> demanding things will do just fine in that center spot.
a hint
4 175w spaced evenly skips the center brace just nicely
at least on my 125 and provides a nice amount of light, though 4 250's would have been
better, its a FO now with 6 32w NO lights :D
--
Richard Reynolds
Richard....@usa.net