DIY LIGHting

[Lems4046]

I need someone to help me with a diy lighting in canopy??

[mcox33]

Where are you in WV.
What type of lighting MH, PC or VHO,

I know what you mean but I have a brother -in- law, he has agreed to help me. But I don't know when I'm going to get the canopy built, anyway.

Hang in there and keep this at the top, I'm sure someone who knows about this stuff will agree to help you out.

[essop3]

do you need help wiring your ballast or building the canopy? I did both of mine myself and would be happy to help anyway I can.

[phljess]

Here is a good site to help with the wiring, aquarium-lighting-guide.com I built my canopy and wired the lights.

[Lems4046]

I just ordered 2 250w halides with 48" reflector <retro kit> I got it for 235 I have a coralife 4 x 65 pc i was thinking or taking it apart and using those if the halides wouldn't be enough, if so i wil probably sell the coralife if you know anyone that would be interested...... i just ordered my canopy from jo mars it will be here tuesday... i think that i will get enough clearance from water with my halides it's a very slim profile refector...

[LowCel]

Did the halides come with any actinics? If so you won't need the 4x65 pc's. If not then you will probably need some type of supplemental lighting so taking the coralife apart may be your best option.

Also, what temperature (k rating) bulbs did you order?

[Lems4046]

I havent ordered them yet what is best....

[LowCel]

Depends on what you want and how much you want to spend on them. :) Wish I could be more helpful.

My personal preference is Hamilton 14k's. However I only have experience with dual ended bulbs. If you are going to have plenty of actinics, which you will if you are going to have the 4x65 pc's then you may want to go with 10k's. I wouldn't go with anything lower than 10k's though.

[Lems4046]

I ordered 10000k halides i'm gonna put the pc's in my canopy