Lance's 225 gal tank - Page 53

Mrfish55 · #**521** 05-05-2010, 04:07 PM

I would go at least 12" from water surface, 1- less shock to current inhabitants and 2- better spread. Mine is 8" and I think that is too low, if I had the space I would go 14-16" If you need a hand when you are ready to hoist it into position give me a call.

Lance · #**522** 05-05-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

I would go at least 12" from water surface, 1- less shock to current inhabitants and 2- better spread. Mine is 8" and I think that is too low, if I had the space I would go 14-16" If you need a hand when you are ready to hoist it into position give me a call.

OK I'll try it at 16". I can always lower it more later if the corals need it.

Lance · #**523** 05-10-2010, 03:50 PM

I was a very busy boy yesterday. I finally got around to hanging the new light fixture, but had to make a few changes first.
I ran a new 15 Amp circuit from the basement. I already had three circuits for the tank but the air conditioner/dehumidifier was on one and didn't leave a whole lot of juice for much of anything else. So now I've got three dedicated circuits for the tank.
With the added flexibility of another circuit I made some other changes: The two MP 40's and two powerheads are now on separate circuits from each other, so if one of the GFCI trips I still have the other two PH's running, as well as the big return pump which is on a third circuit.
I used to run the old lights through the controller but the new light draws too much juice for the controller to handle. The light is on three timers: one for the MH's, one for the T5"S and one for the LED's. The controller runs the two heaters in the sump, the sump light, the ATO system, dosing system and the tank and sump fans.
I was a little concerned that the new lights would overheat the tank and I would have to run the air conditioner more often. Yesterday was a warm day and I watched the tank temperature closely. No problem. The controller kicks the fans on at 81 degrees and they only ran for about an hour at mid-afternoon. Tank temp. only reached 81.2 without the air conditioner being on, so all is well.
As for the new light: Whooooaaa! 1512 watts is a lot of light! (the old fixture was 942 watts) I hung the fixture 16" above the tank and ran the lights on a two-hour on/two-hour off schedule. As the animals acclimate I will lower the light another 2" and work up to a 7 to 8 hour schedule for the MH's and 12 hours for the T5's.

marie · #**524** 05-10-2010, 04:11 PM

With that much light in the room, you are going to have a hard time watching TV lol

untamed · #**525** 05-10-2010, 04:23 PM

No pics? You are not allowed to do a bunch of work and not provide any pictures...

lastlight · #**526** 05-10-2010, 04:27 PM

I can't begin to understand what you said without pics Lance. You have until tonight.

Oops looks like Brad has that covered.

Parker · #**527** 05-10-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

you have until tonight.

or else!

sitandwatch · #**528** 05-10-2010, 04:39 PM

The photo should look something like this at 1512 watts

Lance · #**529** 05-10-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marie

With that much light in the room, you are going to have a hard time watching TV lol

It's not that bad Marie. The fixture is made so the light shines straight downwards.

Lance · #**530** 05-10-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by untamed

No pics? You are not allowed to do a bunch of work and not provide any pictures...

I was too busy for pics yesterday Brad, but will try to take some later.