Building a Canopy

[Jiddy]

Heres my gameplan. Im going to run a three 400w setup.

Thinking of making it look like sparky's setup. Wanted to go with these items:

3 IceCap 400 Watt Electronic Metal Hallide Ballast- found a price of $175 a piece. (I want the 110v ballast right?)
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=IC3181

3 Spider Reflectors with Mogul Sockets at $48 ea.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CP5753

Then besides bulbs all i need to do is build and they will come correct? Just wanted some feedback.

As far as VHO supplementatioin ill be using my existing setup of IceCap 430 ballast with two VHO's for blue.

Hows that sound?
Jiddy

 

[Jiddy]

gREAT thats what ill do then

 

[big t]

Hey Jiddy, that should work pretty damn good. I would recommend to use xm20k bulbs and 2-4 uri super actenic vho bulbs for supplimentation. Have fun

 

[Krish]

I should have my MH's tomorrow with the 20K xm bulbs so I'll let you know what I think of them Jiddy. So far, a lot of people seem to love um

 

[Jiddy]

Nice, thanks guys

 

[mattseattle]

so what made you choose those reflectors? I'm curious as I'm debating what reflectors I want on my new tank.

 

[Jiddy]

Well im actually getting this setup, same reflectors, just a package deal from a RF sponser. The reason i went with this design was because i wanted IceCap ballast and this package price was "doable"

http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=64&products_id=116

 

[Krish]

Jiddy, I just posted this over on Matt's thread as well, but this is basically the same reflector as you linked which Rob is using to run about 750 watts over his 75 gal. This is the link to what the reflectors look like as well as a photo of under Rob's canopy

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...oduct_Code=PFO-PR24ONLY&Category_Code=Sockets

 

[Jiddy]

I do like those Krish, and if it wasnt a package deal i was getting with the spiders i would opt to get those ones, i think they are a nice fit to do MH with VHO.

Who has canopy dimension specs?

 

[mattseattle]

thanks Jiddy - that is a pretty good deal.

 

[Krish]

Who has canopy dimension specs?

What do you mean there Jid? For you to build one yourself as in exact measurements?

 

[Jiddy]

I dont need exact measurements because i can adjust them from someone elses smaller version. What i would like is a plan and/or design to work with

 

[Krish]

Ahh...Well, if it will help some, I can shoot some closeups of my new canopy to give you a few ideas to work on.

 

[Jiddy]

Only if your canopy is cool! No seriously that would help alot, did you build it? if so do you have some progessive shots

 

[spongebob lover]

well i like my Hamilton but i might give it a try with the XMs next time to see how it looks.

 

[Krish]

LOL...No, I let the guy who built all my cabinets build it seeing he was making something for the baby's room, but I can include enough angles to make it self explanitory. Give me a few minutes

 

[Krish]

K...Here they are. I will be adding in a small strip to attach the MH's to this week and then I'll post photos of how it came out. I can work on my tank without taking off the canopy now with the big door

 

[Jiddy]

Thanks for the shots Krish. My question is where will your MH's go? I think i like your design, but i might incorporate three doors in the front (actually on the piece that lifts)

 

[Krish]

They MH's will attach to both the stationary part to the back of the canopy as well as a brace I am adding in on both sides for each reflector. I'll post the photos of how I do it as soon as I get my lights. Should work out great! I wish you the best on yours

 

[Jiddy]

Thanks buddy