will I get a shadow on 4' tank?

welsher7 · #1 04/06/2007, 11:07 PM

If I run a 175w MH in the center and a 150w MH on both sides of the 175 on a 4' tank with a center brace would I get a shadow? Bulbs will be about 9" above the water.
Thanks,
Dan

aninjaatemyshoe · #2 04/06/2007, 11:54 PM

That would have alot to do with the reflectors you intend to use. There will almost definately be a relatively darker region right underneath the center brace. This doesn't mean that you can't place anything beneath it however.

You could always do what I did: buy an automated light mover. I got mine for $100 on ebay. It runs the light back and forth so that you get a much more even overall spread.

King Nine · #3 04/07/2007, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by welsher7
If I run a 175w MH in the center and a 150w MH on both sides of the 175 on a 4' tank with a center brace would I get a shadow? Bulbs will be about 9" above the water.
Thanks,
Dan

I don't know if it will make a shadow or not with the extra bulbs on the sides. Probably not very noticable.

You could do what I do and run 2 250w on each side of the center bar. It works well.

welsher7 · #4 04/07/2007, 12:14 PM

the tank is only 18" deep. I think 250w would be over kill.

KENM · #5 04/24/2007, 08:27 AM

I have 2 175w s.e. bulbs over a 4' 70g w/ ctr. brace and have no distinguishable shadow. Lights are approx. 9" above the water. King Nine, are you saying you have 4 250w bulbs on your tank, wow, thats alot of light. right on

gtrestoration · #6 04/24/2007, 08:37 AM

I'd like to run 175's on a lot of the tanks but have yet to find the bulb selection, color and quality to be the same as 250w versions.

That said, I think 2 bulbs on a 4' tank is plenty of light and will help control the costs of running the tank.

SteveU