How would you light a 6ft tank?

Magma · #1 03-11-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troni

check out modular led. its a diy site for leds. you can build just enough to light what you need. and cost wise its more expensive intially but pays for its self after you would normally have to change bulbs.

Great idea but thats 1200$ from his site and thats only the lights, I still need to find a way to mount them and make them look nice. Or I can buy 3 AI SOL units for about that price *shrug*

I work with lights and electrical all day at work I have little desire to come home and do the same for a tank when i just buy a fixture and save my time. Great idea but not for me right now.

troni · #2 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 · #3 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 · #4 03-12-2012, 01:37 AM

the ai sol has been around since 2007.

Myka · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 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.