Stick With Radions Or Go To Mh

[mark0933]

get 2 lumenarcs or lumenbright type reflectors (I have some for sale) - they are about 18" square but will cover 30" square in coverage each easily with good par. Also have a dual PFO 400W ballast if interested (cheap). I myself loved the PFO ballast with 400W 20K XM bulbs.

Mark

 

[reef keeper]

My tank is only 18 wide and I have that center brace. How do I get around THAT

 

[monizb]

I cut mt Centre race out on my old 90 and never had issue with heat of the lights it's just gojng to Crack on u

 

[reef keeper]

On a 6 ft tank I'd be worried about the glass bowing or cracking no?

 

[barebottomcouple]

I would never consider this option.... not worth the chance of splitting ask scuasteve about split tanks.....you can cover it with black lexan glue and use a couple stainless steel nuts on it or place the mh lights between the braces the t5's wont bother the braces much at all

 

[reef keeper]

Could I drain some water and use bar clamps braced with 2x4 and eurobraced it? It's 5/8" glass. Still makes me nervous. I might just cover the brace with aluminum tape to protect it from the UV. Or talk to my wife about getting a 180 and having one of you guys come over and drill it lol.

Is there another top brace available with 2 braces not 1 for 150g perfectos?

 

[barebottomcouple]

mine has 2 braces makes it so much easier to place lights

 

[reef keeper]

Well look at this

http://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/custom-frames

So I could drain down my tank and replace the top frame with 2 braces instead of 1. Then I could add the halide in the middle and be happy happy joy joy.

 

[barebottomcouple]

perfect looks like you found the answer hmmmmm maybe I should go with a new frame and go with 3 braces and run 4 halides

 

[teebone110]

Looks like a good option, but why not consider glass eurobracing siliconed around the the inside of the top perimeter.
It wouldnt be too expensive and give you flexibility down the road, not to mention easier access for maintenance

 

[reef keeper]

So I would drain the tank and eurobrace it? Or could I just use clamps and drain it half way

 

[reef keeper]

I got the new halides in today. Because of the center brace I used the 2 175w pendants on the outsides and the 250 watts are nearest the brace. They actually throw light under the brace without any light hitting it.

I'll be installing a fan in the side of the canopy to blow air in for some extra ventilation.

Now this is interesting.

I had the lights on for about half an hour. Took a look at the sps and guess what. Polyps out. Polyps haven't been out on some of these ever. Others occasionally. Clam is opening up. A lobo I had on the sand that's been half dead for 6 months is puffing up.

I'll keep this updated.

I need to change the bulbs in all 4 lights and add my T5 actinics to the canopy

 

[barebottomcouple]

Now this is interesting.

I had the lights on for about half an hour. Took a look at the sps and guess what. Polyps out. Polyps haven't been out on some of these ever. Others occasionally. Clam is opening up. A lobo I had on the sand that's been half dead for 6 months is puffing up.

I'll keep this updated.

that's great to hear glad you rorked it out

 

[reef keeper]

Sure is bright

 

[kapelan]

I got the new halides in today. Because of the center brace I used the 2 175w pendants on the outsides and the 250 watts are nearest the brace....
I had the lights on for about half an hour. Took a look at the sps and guess what. Polyps out. Polyps haven't been out on some of these ever. Others occasionally. Clam is opening up...y

So now you have 2*175+250=500W
and before you had 60*3=180W

 

[reef keeper]

Whatever radions g2 have for power is what I had. Now I have 4x250 watts. 1000 watts now

Just looked it up. g2 have 140 watts. X 3 that's 420. How are you supposed to grow sps under that?

 

[jeffopentax]

Your electric bill is going to skyrocket! Bet it looks awesome though

 

[reef keeper]

I'm prepared for the 30 dollars lol

 

[barebottomcouple]

how bout a pick bubby

 

[curiousphil]

how bout a pick bubby

Yes would love to see how you rigged everything up!

And maybe some shots of the happy corals too