Lighting A Long and Narrow Tank With MH

[Nashon]

I have a very narrow and long tank (88"L x 12" W x 18" tall). I recently bought a set of two 250W MH ballasts and so im in the design stage of building a new hood for the MH instead of my VHOs in there now. I would really like to make these work. I figure they should be placed 1/3 from each end. I am also making the reflectors myself so I am hoping that maybe some sort of M shape with the center point over the center of the bulbs and the ends flared out to spread the light further. My thinking is that since its a fairly shallow tank, spreading the light a bit further wont be too bad for coral placed on the bottom.

Any suggestions/thoughts? I will buy a 3rd ballast/bulb if i absolutely have to.
Thanks.

-Nashon

 

[Scooterman]

Is there a way you could also use the VHO's in the same hood?

 

[opihi]

i don't know how you can *not* buy a 3rd ballast. you can get a single MH footprint to about 3'x3', but the light spread is pyramid like, and the top edges will be noticably darker.

you could try using the 2 MH on a Moving Light System (MLS). i've been tossing around the idea of doing this. you'll get the most killer sunrise, sunset motion.

Anthony's Moving Light Systems article

 

[Nashon]

I plan to mount the VHOs on the side of the hood and hopefully that will still leave enough clearance for the MH bulb and reflectors. Im using 2 x 72" 160 watt 50/50 bulbs now. Im trying to avoid a spotlight effect and still be able to keep a nice menagerie of SPS/LPS mix.