Lighting...help

polyp02 · 05/09/2010, 01:14 PM

I know this may be a thread for the lighting forum, but I should ask the DIY'ers. I am in the process of buying lighting for a 48x18x20(75g) tank on which I plan to build into a mixed reef. This tank may take me a couple of years to be fully build, therefore, I plan to buy retro kits and build up the lighting system as time goes by, starting with 2-48" bulbs(or 4-24" bulbs) and going from there. Therefore, have any of you done this? if yes, would you recommend me using generic brand ballasts such as Sylvania(~$50) or the Phillips' Advance? Most online fish stores only carry Ice Cap($138), and Sunpaq ballast, and after doing a savings check I actually end up paying the same, if not more, as if buying a fixture. Then again if I buy a fixture I would either have to be upgrading everytime or just buy the 6 bulb fixture which can be a lot of money for me.

ebonline · 05/09/2010, 01:55 PM

I have built all my light systems over the years and have never bought a retro kit....The only pieces I buy are the waterproof endcaps and ballast. As far as cost I pretty much make all reflectors and everything else I need myself so my cost are only for the couple of parts I cant make. I enjoy making most of my stuff and if you are pretty handy it is not that hard.

You stated in your post you were going to start out with either 2 - 48" or 4 - 24" bulbs. I take it these will be T5 bulbs. I have in the past used Advanced ballast with good results and never had a problem with them. I do like Icecap ballast and they will in some occasions overdrive the bulbs depending on which ballast you get.

I would shop around just had a friend who found waterproof T5 endcaps for a couple bucks each and also bought a used Icecap 660 ballast and he is building everything else himself.

polyp02 · 05/09/2010, 02:09 PM

Yes, the bulbs will be T5 HO. How do you build your reflectors? What material do you use for them Stainless Steel or Aluminum? I have just finished building the stand and sump and will start the canopy where my lighting will be at, so no fancy fixture needed. I was also planning on building my own skimmer but I can't seem to find the clear PVC to build it from.

05/09/2010, 01:14 PM	#1
polyp02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Salinas, CA(93905) Posts: 165	Lighting...help I know this may be a thread for the lighting forum, but I should ask the DIY'ers. I am in the process of buying lighting for a 48x18x20(75g) tank on which I plan to build into a mixed reef. This tank may take me a couple of years to be fully build, therefore, I plan to buy retro kits and build up the lighting system as time goes by, starting with 2-48" bulbs(or 4-24" bulbs) and going from there. Therefore, have any of you done this? if yes, would you recommend me using generic brand ballasts such as Sylvania(~$50) or the Phillips' Advance? Most online fish stores only carry Ice Cap($138), and Sunpaq ballast, and after doing a savings check I actually end up paying the same, if not more, as if buying a fixture. Then again if I buy a fixture I would either have to be upgrading everytime or just buy the 6 bulb fixture which can be a lot of money for me.

05/09/2010, 01:55 PM	#2
ebonline Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 93	I have built all my light systems over the years and have never bought a retro kit....The only pieces I buy are the waterproof endcaps and ballast. As far as cost I pretty much make all reflectors and everything else I need myself so my cost are only for the couple of parts I cant make. I enjoy making most of my stuff and if you are pretty handy it is not that hard. You stated in your post you were going to start out with either 2 - 48" or 4 - 24" bulbs. I take it these will be T5 bulbs. I have in the past used Advanced ballast with good results and never had a problem with them. I do like Icecap ballast and they will in some occasions overdrive the bulbs depending on which ballast you get. I would shop around just had a friend who found waterproof T5 endcaps for a couple bucks each and also bought a used Icecap 660 ballast and he is building everything else himself. __________________ Eric Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon Display with 500 Total Gallons in construction process

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05/09/2010, 02:09 PM	#3
polyp02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Salinas, CA(93905) Posts: 165	Yes, the bulbs will be T5 HO. How do you build your reflectors? What material do you use for them Stainless Steel or Aluminum? I have just finished building the stand and sump and will start the canopy where my lighting will be at, so no fancy fixture needed. I was also planning on building my own skimmer but I can't seem to find the clear PVC to build it from.