46 Bow Owners lighting choices

DLANDINO · 08/29/2009, 07:47 PM

What fixtures are you using to light your reef? I am using a Current USA dual halide set up running 20,000k bulbs but have no actinics because of the very small width of the sides of the tank, 12". I miss actinic lighting but until now, have not been able to find any fixtures that will :

1. Sit on top of the tank
2. Support 2 150w halide bulbs AND actinic supplementation

Anyone have any suggestions.

Again, this light has to sit on top on legs and NOT hang from the ceiling.

d2mini · 08/29/2009, 09:08 PM

Ya, i had a hard time finding anything like that. So now I'm using a 36 inch six bulb 39w T5 retrofit kit with moonlights under my custom built canopy. Got it from Catalina Aquariums. It's a f***load of light. But of course I don't have the shimmer of MH.

trexer · 08/29/2009, 09:29 PM

I would like to see this retrofit T5 as it sounds interesting. I always like to see some creativity.

DLANDINO · 08/29/2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by d2mini
Ya, i had a hard time finding anything like that. So now I'm using a 36 inch six bulb 39w T5 retrofit kit with moonlights under my custom built canopy. Got it from Catalina Aquariums. It's a f***load of light. But of course I don't have the shimmer of MH.

Sounds nice, do you keep SPS? And as another has said, would love to see a pic! Thanks for the replies.

d2mini · 08/29/2009, 10:04 PM

It's not really all that creative. Catalina sells it as a "unit" so it's pretty much plug and play. Just had to screw it into the inside of my home built canopy. I just have some easy sps so far like monti caps and digitas and they grow like crazy. Here's a few pics...

This is the unit exactly as it arrived.

Back side of the fixture showing the ballasts and wiring.

Mounted in the canopy under the lid.

Canopy installed over tank with lid open

Most recent full tank shot at 10 months old.

DLANDINO · 08/30/2009, 05:26 AM

beautiful, GREAT JOB, thanks for sharing!

08/29/2009, 07:47 PM	#1
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	46 Bow Owners lighting choices What fixtures are you using to light your reef? I am using a Current USA dual halide set up running 20,000k bulbs but have no actinics because of the very small width of the sides of the tank, 12". I miss actinic lighting but until now, have not been able to find any fixtures that will : 1. Sit on top of the tank 2. Support 2 150w halide bulbs AND actinic supplementation Anyone have any suggestions. Again, this light has to sit on top on legs and NOT hang from the ceiling. __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

08/29/2009, 09:08 PM	#2
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	Ya, i had a hard time finding anything like that. So now I'm using a 36 inch six bulb 39w T5 retrofit kit with moonlights under my custom built canopy. Got it from Catalina Aquariums. It's a f***load of light. But of course I don't have the shimmer of MH. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

08/30/2009, 05:26 AM	#6
DLANDINO D.L. Heritage Rings Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clinton, CT USA Posts: 5,610	beautiful, GREAT JOB, thanks for sharing! __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: JBJ 8 Nano mixed

08/29/2009, 09:29 PM	#3
trexer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: PA Posts: 55	I would like to see this retrofit T5 as it sounds interesting. I always like to see some creativity.

08/29/2009, 10:04 PM	#5
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	It's not really all that creative. Catalina sells it as a "unit" so it's pretty much plug and play. Just had to screw it into the inside of my home built canopy. I just have some easy sps so far like monti caps and digitas and they grow like crazy. Here's a few pics... This is the unit exactly as it arrived. Back side of the fixture showing the ballasts and wiring. Mounted in the canopy under the lid. Canopy installed over tank with lid open Most recent full tank shot at 10 months old.