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#1
12/14/2007, 09:46 AM
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Single Halide over 55 gallon Tank!
Would it be possible to run a single halide over a 55 then a 72 or no? Was thinking of centering it over the tank. Would this create too much "dead" space on each side of the tank? Would I need to supplement if I did this? Was thinking of a single 400 watt halide.
Eroc |
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#2
12/14/2007, 11:36 AM
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Have you thought about mounting a single MH on a light rail? That way you would get even coverage across the entire tank.
I do think that a single 400 would be too much for a 55 though, I would go with a 250 watt. Maybe some others will chime in on that. |
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#3
12/14/2007, 12:15 PM
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If not on a light rail, it would probably look odd...of course, it really depends on your aquascape too.
However, from an astetic standpoint, I don't think it would look "right". I also agree that 400w is super overkill on a 55g unless you are mounting it wwwwaaaayyyy above the water (15-20"). I would go with 175w or 250w depending on what you want to keep in there.
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Craig & Holly 1-75g FW Planted 1-55g African Cichlid 1-125g w/ 4 turts 1-75g RR Reef 1-12g NC Mantis, 1-12g AP Brittle Star 2-cats 2-dogs (1 Catahoula Leopard Mix & 1 Shepherd Mix) |
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#4
12/14/2007, 12:43 PM
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the only reason I am asking is I am getting a single 400w halide setup even up trade for a older UV sterilizer I had was just curious. Thanks all.
Eric |
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#5
12/14/2007, 03:05 PM
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I have a 250 hanging over a 3' tank, its about 1' off the water, it covers rather well, I don't think the extra 6" on each side would be that dark.
Problem would be the center brace blocking alot of light, unless you cut it out and put a glass on instead, but still that would block some, Id shoot for 2 250's you wouldn't regret it down the road (or maybe the electric bill would make you regret it)
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For my birthday i got a humidifier and a de-humidifier... I put them in the same room and let them fight it out. (Steven Wright) |
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#6
12/14/2007, 03:15 PM
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The only reason I am asking is because I am trading some equipment I have for this 400w setup. What I might do is trade for the 400 then try to trade for the 250's. I didn't think the middle brace which is at the most about 2 inches would make that much difference but apparently it does. Thanks for all the info everyone.
Eric |
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#7
12/15/2007, 12:09 PM
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Do you think the single 400w halide for a 72gallon will be way overkill too? or no? I am looking up light rails. just think this would be a neat way to go. And so many people say you can never have enough light.
Eric |
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#8
12/15/2007, 04:17 PM
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I have two 250 MH and two 40 watt actinics over my 72. This is more light than you propose but it is more spread out. If you raise the 400 several inches I see no reason for it not to work. Just be sure and acclimate your corals to the light (especially directly under the ligght). To diffuse the light try a couple of layers of landscape fabric/weed barrier over the top of the tank. Its cheap and worksgreat as a temporary light diffuser. Maybe two layers for a week and then one layer for a week???
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#9
12/15/2007, 08:32 PM
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I think I am going to try it out. Can't hurt anything to be honest. I am going to be buying a different reflector for it. But the more looking I have been doing the more I don't think it should be a problem. I will always have my PC lighting for a backup if it doesn't. I will keep everyone informed. I won't be getting the halide until probably after the first of the year anyways but wanted to get some feedback before then.
Eric |
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#10
12/15/2007, 08:50 PM
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I have a single 150w over my 40B and it worls out great.
__________________
The only problem with people that preach about freedom of speech is they also believe it comes with a license to speak without thinking. |
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#11
12/15/2007, 11:04 PM
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The only thing I am really worried about right now is how much on the end of the tank won't get lit by it and if the center brace will give off a big shadow or not. I think it may depend on the type of reflector I buy but not sure.
Eric |
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#13
12/16/2007, 11:41 AM
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That is going to be the trial and error thing. I don't know how high I am going to put it yet. Going to start out at about 14 or so inches and work it down I think.
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#14
12/17/2007, 05:14 PM
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Well I would like to thank everyone for their feedback. After talking with others and posting in some other forums I am going to try doing this. However I am going to be adding some things. This isn't going to be stationary I am going to use a light rail and move it back and forth. Secondly, I am going to be supplementing with some PC lighting first to see if I like it or not. If I do I am going to eventually upgrade to t5's. I will keep everyone posted and let you know how this works out. Time will tell.
Eric |
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#16
12/18/2007, 12:03 AM
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I am hoping so. Been talking with a guy from the Wisconsinreef society page who has something similar. His system was actually showcased if you will at this years foster and smith frag swap and he has talked to some prominent people about it. He has been having very good results. The only thing I might have to change out is going to T5's instead the PC lighting but time will tell. I will definately keep everyone updated and show pictures of the setup. The guy I been talking to has some pictures of his setup and its a pretty neat looking setup.
Eric |
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