Cheap MH lighting for a FOWLR - Page 2

cdentii1 · #26 09/12/2007, 11:56 PM

Well something like this would work but you say you are not good with electrical (and I am not the best either, ok but not the best) lets just say I know I now enough to consider myself dangerous with it LOL....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ADVANCE-175-WATT...QQcmdZViewItem
However I would recommend to have an electrician install it. Of course you would need a large project box, wires, reflectors and bulbs ect....
A better option would be something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-X-175-Metal-Ha...QQcmdZViewItem
Inexpensive for a M/H light system (same as mine only mine is 250W) plug and play set for the most part it even has the bulbs and reflectors. up just mount it in your canopy, plug the wires in, install the bulbs, tun it on. for a FOWLR with the return you say I am going to have to say you are going to have some decent water flow. so I would say the 2 bulb set up should be fine and if you felt it was not enough you could always add another light.

cdentii1 · #27 09/13/2007, 12:04 AM

I know what you mean about puffers I used to have a white spotted dog face puffer Arothron hispidus about 5 or so years ago he was close to 8" or so and very healthy, I am not sure which I missed most when I got rid of my fish if it was the puffer or my french angel.....

TriniStylez · #28 09/13/2007, 12:04 AM

Thanks for the links...I think something like the second one might work for me. Most within my skills.

The thing about this tank, is its only 19" tall. So I do not even need or want 250 watts. I am thinking more along the lines of 150 watts and maybe three of them, as the tank is 6' long. But something like that link would be great and is not too expensive. I may even just go with two because Im supplementing with t-5's as well I think.

I should have way more flow than I need for this set up between the return and closed loop. All the bulkheads (4) are drilled in the bottom and 2". The return is going to be plumbed straight back up through the bottom with no elbows until the top, so it should be pretty strong.

cdentii1 · #29 09/13/2007, 12:14 AM

A tip I learned about the shimmer effect take a clip on fan and blow it directly onto the water it creats a more intense and natural ripple effect if you dont like it you can always remove it.

cdentii1 · #30 09/13/2007, 12:18 AM

You should make a thread of your build in the reef discussions form or maybe even better yet the fish only forms. I would love to follow along just post a link here.

TriniStylez · #31 09/13/2007, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cdentii1
You should make a thread of your build in the reef discussions form or maybe even better yet the fish only forms. I would love to follow along just post a link here.

Yeah I think I will...We have ran into a few little problems with the tank placement and will no longer be able to make it an in the wall tank or room divider...Im super upset about that! Unfortunately it was going to make the kitchen and living room both seem way too small once it was all framed and done. But oh well, its still going to look amazing in the new spot we have decided on.

I will start that thread though soon and post a link when I do here.

Why did you have to give up your puffer???

hebygb · #32 09/13/2007, 02:46 PM

my comment was... why scrimp on MH. I happen to think they look greta... I too love the shimmer... but with all that equipment already invested... and all that beutiful livestock... why scrimp on the lighting... which, regardless of FOWLR or Reef... will only enhance the tank and viewing pleasure. As for the Ferarri.... Maybe fuzzy dice would have been a better analogy... or a bobble head dog on rear deck. I wasnt trying to offend... just being a champion of the"dont cut a corner on what could be the most visible and rewarding effect of your tank.

TriniStylez · #33 09/13/2007, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hebygb
my comment was... why scrimp on MH. I happen to think they look greta... I too love the shimmer... but with all that equipment already invested... and all that beutiful livestock... why scrimp on the lighting... which, regardless of FOWLR or Reef... will only enhance the tank and viewing pleasure. As for the Ferarri.... Maybe fuzzy dice would have been a better analogy... or a bobble head dog on rear deck. I wasnt trying to offend... just being a champion of the"dont cut a corner on what could be the most visible and rewarding effect of your tank.

LOL...ok I get it.

I think the more I look into it, I agree with you...No sense in going too cheap now with the lights. Thanks for clearing that up! I was kinda confused...never really thought you were being rude though anyways

cdentii1 · #34 09/15/2007, 04:21 PM

Why did you have to give up your puffer???

That was Many years ago (bio ball with skeleton coral era)and well frankly times was lets say a little rough then

, so I went back to breading African Cichlids

and kept what I could in my 37G cube (not much)

until recently I tore down the 37G and transplanted it back into the 125G

which is in the making of a mixed reef taking my time and going very very slow.

oldreefer76 · #35 09/15/2007, 07:39 PM

I have T5 normal outputs on our fowlr 3" off the surface and get shimmer not as good as MH butt some shimmer none the less

TriniStylez · #36 09/15/2007, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldreefer76
I have T5 normal outputs on our fowlr 3" off the surface and get shimmer not as good as MH butt some shimmer none the less

Are these just like HD T5's then? I was actually just there and found nothing but florescent T8's which I think would look terrible. I also was not too impressed with the MH's I found there...Gonna keep looking.

Corndork2 · #37 09/16/2007, 02:39 PM

If you want a real cheap and easy way to get a 175 watt MH lighting system for 50 bucks, I can tell you. It involves using a m57 magnetic ballast from a Mercury Vapor fixture, and buying a bulb. Because your buying the bulb you can order what ever bulb you want. Im using this system now and it works fine, and is very reliable. Id be happy to hook up the wiring diagram and instructions for you, or if enough are interested, ill make and post a photo tutorial

TriniStylez · #38 09/16/2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Corndork2
If you want a real cheap and easy way to get a 175 watt MH lighting system for 50 bucks, I can tell you. It involves using a m57 magnetic ballast from a Mercury Vapor fixture, and buying a bulb. Because your buying the bulb you can order what ever bulb you want. Im using this system now and it works fine, and is very reliable. Id be happy to hook up the wiring diagram and instructions for you, or if enough are interested, ill make and post a photo tutorial

If you have the time, the tutorial would be awesome! And Im sure theres a lot of other people who would love to learn as well!

Thanks