gopens Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Well for those who have been following me today. i think i have fixed my skimmer loudness problem, or so i hope. Now that i have water running, i need to get some ideas about lights. so i know i need to know what i am going to put in it, so let me explain my problem. I want to do your common fish (tang, clownfish, critters and what not). i alos plan on a few months down the road adding a few soft corrals, maybe 4-5 to add color. Its not going to have 35 corals like some have in there tank. Which does look cool, but thats for my next setup this spring (fingers). my aquarium is a 80gl bow front. My friend has a 4 bulb set up in his 80 gl but does not have a metal halide (sp?). he said it would not fit. but i like the look of the 4 bulbs in his tank. my question is can i add the 4, 4 foot bulbs now in my tank, than add the MH later? i don't think i will be able to. So do you think a 2 bulb set up would work now, than add the MH in a dew months. also i am looking at ordering my lights tonight via website, so if anybody can recommend a brand and maybe even a model number that would be awesome. this whole thing is finally coming together. but now i am broke. thanks to all for there help. i am snapping shots of this procedure and will show them shortly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefin' Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 how tall is your tank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 i am snapping shots of this procedure and will show them shortly You Better hurry up with those PICs, or your gettin cut off. Don't see em, nope , still not there(enforcer) (enforcer) (enforcer) (enforcer) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 I'm going to have a 2X250 watt PFO ballast with cords and sockets up for sale soon. I am upgrading to 400 watt PFO's. Here is a pic of the type of ballast I have. You can find info at: http://www.pfolighting.com This would give you 2 - 250 watt Metal Halides over you 80 gallon bow. I had this over my 72 bow and it was plenty. The 400 watters might put out too much heat unless you have a chiller. PM me if interested. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowboardKid26 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Just put t-5's over it. that way you will still have the option of adding a few lower light stonies if you want. won't hafta worry about the heat, and you won't be paying the electric bill on a bunch of light you essentially won't need for softies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopens Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 how tall is your tank to be honest i am not exactly sure. i would say close to 30-34 inches.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Now that I re-read the post. He's right. You don't need that much light. I would run T-5's or VHO's. Softies won't need much. Halides would be overkill. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 yea YAR,,, Hay Kid, have you done any testing of t-5s. I have never used them. I'm still trying to get info. From those that use them. Work for acrow'S???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 to be honest i am not exactly sure. i would say close to 30-34 inches.. Now don't even tell me ya have no tape, for what you do!!!!! 30-34 is custom tall, get it from bottom tanh frame to same on top. Both of mine are 30" T But again, not normal( ok i set myself up with that last statement, no comments needed) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopens Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 Now don't even tell me ya have no tape' date=' for what you do!!!!! 30-34 is custom tall, get it from bottom tanh frame to same on top. Both of mine are 30" T But again, not normal( ok i set myself up with that last statement, no comments needed)[/quote'] lol, oh i have tons of tapes, but i am at my moms for dinner right now. you might be right, 30 inches might be a bit high. but i was measuring from the bottom of my tank to were the lights would be hanging from on my hood (wich is about 10-12 inches above water). so if i am understand this correct, i might not even need a MH. i can just run some good normal lights? but don't the MH make everything really stand out in the tank... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Yes, But I am not the one to ask about t-5, I just know MH, now really, visit with the fam, and post's pic's. It will help all to see what your working with, Including the INSIDE Of your hood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopens Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 Yes' date=' But I am not the one to ask about t-5, I just know MH, now really, visit with the fam, and post's pic's. It will help all to see what your working with, Including the INSIDE Of your hood[/quote'] cool, by the way you have a PM. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 back at ya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefin' Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 i think Siskiou has a 4x 48" T-5 Tek hood for sale no bulbs... check it out...HTH http://www.pnwmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1540 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowboardKid26 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Haven't done any testing, I think Rich is the guy to ask, I have read ALOT about them, and for a new system, VHO or T-5... i'd use T-5... just more options, more light. I'm going to use them as supplement for my 2x250 PFO on my 72... by the way Gopens... did you have a custom bow built or something... I thought that it went 46, 72, and then way too big for my house if you have the same tank as me, its a 72... 48"x12"x26" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mister crabs Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 dont forget kid....tomorrow is nationaly talk like a pirate day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopens Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 Haven't done any testing' date=' I think Rich is the guy to ask, I have read ALOT about them, and for a new system, VHO or T-5... i'd use T-5... just more options, more light. I'm going to use them as supplement for my 2x250 PFO on my 72... by the way Gopens... did you have a custom bow built or something... I thought that it went 46, 72, and then way too big for my house if you have the same tank as me, its a 72... 48"x12"x26"[/quote'] mine is an 80 gl. well atleast that is what pet country is selling them as, lol. but i am sure it is because it took almost 100 gallons of water to fill (with the sump). so hopefully i didn't get screwed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowboardKid26 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 dont forget kid....tomorrow is nationaly talk like a pirate day! I talk like a pirate everyday... because i am one (torch) now bow (kneel) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Foxy Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 I would have to agree with snowboard kid.. unless it was a handmade tank it is more than likely a 72 gallon tank.. B Foxy and Snowboard kid represents the 72 gallon bowfront mafia.. ya betta recognize! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopens Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 see, ya'll made me second guess myself. i was thinking i was wrong. but then BAM!!!! went to the website. there it was halfway down the page in a black cabinet, just like the one i have. oh and i provided a website..... http://www.marineland.com/news/newsletter/nl_101502.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowboardKid26 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Hey foxy... is your tank a marineland? I think mine is AGA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopens Posted September 20, 2006 Author Share Posted September 20, 2006 I couldn't believe the deal i got today. i was looking at buying some LR on ebay today. when i came across a guys auction that had it for 2.30 a pound. i thought that was a good deal, being i have seen it for 5.00+ dollars a pound. then of course the shipping would be 50.00+. I was getting ready to order some when i noticed he was from grants pass, oregon. WOW, that were i am from. so i called him, and he said to come on over. all my pieces are cured accept 1 little piece. tons of awesome colors on the rocks. oh and the best part. no shipping charge and no die-off... so it should be cycling pretty well right now with the LR and the live sand. what temp are you guys and gals keeping your tank at. i have heard around 76, but i have also heard 80. mine is currently at 79. anyways, i think the tank is looking good... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spayne Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Excellent score! As for temp, I keep my nano around 78-79 degrees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael7979 Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 between 78-80 is my goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopens Posted September 20, 2006 Author Share Posted September 20, 2006 yeah that pic doesn't really show how awesome the tank is doing. the water was still cloudy from mix around the rock and sand. thanks for the replys on the recommended tem. no the salt level question. what is the best level. my meter show a bracket between .021 and .023. now i have been told to go even higher like .024 and i have even heard .025. whats your thoughts on this... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.