+dapettit Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I finally got the ballast working properly. I had to replace a bad capacitor. Thanks to Robert Manning the cap was replaced. When we fired the lights up we both noticed a distinct shadow down the center of the tank. I have 18" round lumenbright reflectors with 2x250 SE 14K SPS bulbs fired by a PFO dual ballast. Robert suggested I might cut the reflector (see photo below) and pop rivet them together. At first I wasn't sure but the more I think about the more I think this will work. I am also thinking about adding a couple of T-5 actinics. What is the consensus? No offense Robert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ACampbell Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I had this issue when I first got my tank. I have a different kind of reflector though. With the help of Gabe, I was able to turn them 180 degrees and move them slightly closer together. It fixed the spread of light and looks a lot better now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I would not cut them. They are specifically designed to work best the way they are. The reason you have a shadow is they are too close to the water. Obviously you can't move them up without having a taller canopy, so I would try doing what Andrew recommended first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Moving them horizontally is not going to happen since the adjustable mogul base sticks out about 4 inches (see the green circles). I have about 2" work of play between the reflectors. How about moving them inward? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Not sure what you mean by Horizontally. In toward each other is what we meant. Also I think Andrew meant to say rotating them 90 degrees not 180. The other thing you could do is use a shim to slightly angle them toward the center if they are too hard to move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 (edited) Ok I think I understand. I can not rotate them due to the mogul base, the lid will not close. I might be able to cut the base to make it fit. Or, I might just rebuild the hood. How high off the water should they be? Edited April 24, 2008 by dapettit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ACampbell Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Sorry, my explanation was not very clear. I think moving them inward, regardless of where you base is, a couple inches will make a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Andrew that I can do. I think i take it down this weekend and give it a try. Any other suggestions? I think this is the best and easiest fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ACampbell Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Yea, we just rotated mine because of the design of the reflector. Since you have super awesome reflectors, it shouldn't make much difference where the base is. If you still don't get the results you want I think Gabe's idea of use a shim is great. If nothing else, it will be bright in the center and a little dimmer around the far edges of the aquarium, which would be my preference over having a darker center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdavis735 Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 and if you'd like to build a new canopy and don't have the facility. . . I have a cabinet shop at my house and would be more than happy to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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