medi Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 Due to the deep dimensions of my tank I was not getting adequate lighting to the front or back of my tank and instead had a super bright spot right in the middle. I decided to build a new fixture that would utilize Lumenarc Minis to hopefully spread the light more towards the back and the front. I definitely didn't want a canopy that sat on top so I decided to build a hanging canopy. Specs: 2x250W Reeflux 12K MH driven by Lumatek Dimmable ballasts in two Lumenarc Minis 2x39W T5 ATI blue plus 2x39W T5 UV 454 All T5s are in Tek II reflectors and are driven by an Icecap 660 Thanks to Matt, Mhart032, we were able to wire in all the lighting and get it up and running this evening. I must say this thing is awesome! In fact it may be to bright. The wife is already making comments about needing sunglasses and a hat while sitting in the living room. I'll have to figure a way to remedy this, but for now we can all deal with it just fine. The light spreads perfectly across the water surface and there is not a dark spot in the entire tank. I am going to try and lower it down over time, but I don't currently run a chiller so I might have some heat issues if I go to low. Now for the only part anyone cares about.....Pictures! The first three pictures are of the tank with the old fixture. The rest are the new fixture and it running. Also, as always the pictures don't do this any justice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 I need shades just to look at the last pictures Looking really nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Hydro Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 Very nice....looking good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diabeetus Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 great job!! looks really good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medi Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks for the compliments! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 good job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medi Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks Jeremy. I do have one question though. I reduced my photo period with my MH in half due to the increase in light, but is that really necessary since the bulb wattage is the same? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooks Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Wow.. your tank looks amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medi Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks Brooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks Jeremy. I do have one question though. I reduced my photo period with my MH in half due to the increase in light, but is that really necessary since the bulb wattage is the same? Better safe than sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks Jeremy. I do have one question though. I reduced my photo period with my MH in half due to the increase in light, but is that really necessary since the bulb wattage is the same? Better safe than sorry. That's a really nice looking setup! I "usually" don't have much of a problem changing lighting conditions and "usually" I get the changes in color I was expecting but with the ballasts and reflectors you upgraded to I wouldn't be surprised if you increased the amount by 50% or more so yah, better safe than sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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