Lighting Advice

blakeoe · 09/27/2006, 04:11 PM

I need some help. I have a 72 bow that im trying to set up as inexpensively as possible. Lights are outragiously expensive and just do not fit into my budget. I "inherited" an old industrial 400w magnetic Metal halide Ballast and socket (basically a shop light that i re wired) I realize that ideally i should use 2 250w lights but this was free. The problem is my tank has a center support that creates a shadow if the bulb is centered. What should i do? Options:
1) Get another 400w setup and run 2 400w bulbs
2) Use just the one but try to make a long reflector to reflect the light back at different angles.
3) Add one or two actinic flourescents
4) other (Please explain)
Thanks in advance for advice!!

blakeoe · 09/27/2006, 06:39 PM

^

McCrary · 09/27/2006, 07:06 PM

You could run 2x400 on your 72. That would be some intense lighting. I don't think the single 400 may not light the tank evenly enough.

MeuserReef · 09/27/2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by blakeoe
.... I have a 72 bow that im trying to set up as inexpensively as possible....

Best of luck with this quest ^^

I would say try and find another 400W and go with the dual setup if it fits into the budget.

09/27/2006, 04:11 PM	#1
blakeoe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New Orleans Posts: 370	Lighting Advice I need some help. I have a 72 bow that im trying to set up as inexpensively as possible. Lights are outragiously expensive and just do not fit into my budget. I "inherited" an old industrial 400w magnetic Metal halide Ballast and socket (basically a shop light that i re wired) I realize that ideally i should use 2 250w lights but this was free. The problem is my tank has a center support that creates a shadow if the bulb is centered. What should i do? Options: 1) Get another 400w setup and run 2 400w bulbs 2) Use just the one but try to make a long reflector to reflect the light back at different angles. 3) Add one or two actinic flourescents 4) other (Please explain) Thanks in advance for advice!! __________________ Somethings Fishy Around Here!! Current Tank Info: 72 gallon bow front

09/27/2006, 06:39 PM	#2
blakeoe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New Orleans Posts: 370	^ __________________ Somethings Fishy Around Here!! Current Tank Info: 72 gallon bow front

09/27/2006, 07:06 PM	#3
McCrary Can't Stop Time Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,079	You could run 2x400 on your 72. That would be some intense lighting. I don't think the single 400 may not light the tank evenly enough. __________________ Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens