Lighting questions...

[bc_slc]

zeltar - if it means the diff between a good and great MH setup, you can go without any supplemental VHO/T5/PCs. There is such a variety of MH bulbs that you could find ones that you like well enough without the supplementals and most of them give excellent PAR. The MH really should be the core and most important component of your lighting setup in my opinion and I think that you would find the 6.5k MHs very yellow, even with 10k VHO's to balance it out. You would likely be happier with 10k or 13k bulbs that will burn more crisp white - then there is no need for the 10k VHOs. The growth difference you would see is not a huge difference.

And yes, a DIY ballast would be one you wire and enclose yourself. Basically they are the same internal parts as a normal ballast. You have to put them in a box (tool box or fuse box works well) then wire a plug to go in the wall and a short plug to attach the pendants.

 

[zeltar]

zeltar - if it means the diff between a good and great MH setup, you can go without any supplemental VHO/T5/PCs. There is such a variety of MH bulbs that you could find ones that you like well enough without the supplementals and most of them give excellent PAR. The MH really should be the core and most important component of your lighting setup in my opinion and I think that you would find the 6.5k MHs very yellow, even with 10k VHO's to balance it out. You would likely be happier with 10k or 13k bulbs that will burn more crisp white - then there is no need for the 10k VHOs. The growth difference you would see is not a huge difference.

And yes, a DIY ballast would be one you wire and enclose yourself. Basically they are the same internal parts as a normal ballast. You have to put them in a box (tool box or fuse box works well) then wire a plug to go in the wall and a short plug to attach the pendants.

So you would recommend MH 10k's and if I wanted a more pleasing view for myself I couls add the Atinics?

What about the staggering of the on/off periods to attempt to simulate the sunrise/sunset. I had my last setup start with the atincs and a few hours later the MH's would come on then be the first off with the atinics last to go off.

So what is the verdict on the DE vs. the SE MH bulbs? I hear the issue about the spray on the glass ans I like the ides of the pendant vs. open air in the hood. I see a problem of having the retro kits mounted to the canopy when needing to remove it for maintenance. I guess I will have to flip the three sided coin to make a final decision.

Thanks for everyones input. Keep up the good work.

 

[NaH2O]

LOL - lighting was one of those decisions I dreaded....I just wanted someone to decide for me . I plan on having my actinics on first, then MH A, then MH B.... later we do the reverse: MH A turns off, followed by B, followed by actinics.

 

[zeltar]

Exaclty, How come it isn't as easy as "pick the red pill or pick the blue pill"?

 

[bc_slc]

So you would recommend MH 10k's and if I wanted a more pleasing view for myself I couls add the Atinics?

What about the staggering of the on/off periods to attempt to simulate the sunrise/sunset. I had my last setup start with the atincs and a few hours later the MH's would come on then be the first off with the atinics last to go off.

So what is the verdict on the DE vs. the SE MH bulbs? I hear the issue about the spray on the glass ans I like the ides of the pendant vs. open air in the hood. I see a problem of having the retro kits mounted to the canopy when needing to remove it for maintenance. I guess I will have to flip the three sided coin to make a final decision.

Thanks for everyones input. Keep up the good work.

That is my plan for my own setup. Actinics on about 2hrs - 90 min before the MH's, then both all day, then the MH off about 90min - 2hrs before the actinics. I currently have an icecap 660, but you could likely go with a 430 for the actinics and just run 2 bulbs, 46.5" each. The URI bulbs are the best since they have the internal reflector. Since my canopy won't have a top, that as an added bonus for me.

It sounds like you are undecided on the DE vs SE setup. That is going to be your own decision to make. If you still have questions do some more research or try and see some of the setups in person. I thought the decision was easy. The DE setups represent the best currently available lighting option with only a few negatives, which I felt were minimal (other than cost). With this setup, I never plan on needing to upgrade my lights.

The more difficult decision, I think, is choosing the bulb. It is hard to find a place where you can see diff bulbs side by side to compare the blue/white/yellow degree of color...

 

[NaH2O]

This might help a little with seeing the color comparisons: Bulb Color Comparison

 

[zeltar]

This might help a little with seeing the color comparisons: Bulb Color Comparison

WOW Great site. Too bad I have already jumped the gun and purchased my setup. Though I dont think I want to change anything, yet .

I scored two Reef Optix III's with matching dual ballast with separate controls. A 10k and a 12k bulb. I am now in search of a VHO atinic setup.

My photo period will be the following:
Atinics on first
Then 12k on followed by 10k on.
Then 10k off followed by 12k off.
Atinics off last.

Havent figured out lenghts yet, but I got time....

Eventually I want to add some DIY moonlighting. That will be sometime down the road since my tank has not even started being constructed yet. All of the other components are falling into place, AM 2100 for CL, with 4 way OM (thanks Paul) have two existing sumps that are going to be stacked with fuge on top and all other part in the lower, skimmer etc.

The other things I still need are:
Ca reacor
RO/DI filter
Salt (any recommendations?)
Live rock
and finally to answer my question of weather or not to go BB or a small layer of CC for asthectics.

I can almost taste it, but I still need to build my stand and canopy too

 

[bc_slc]

you should be set. You just need the tank, stand, water, sand and rocks....then you should have several weeks to work the rest out. If you want a really fun project, you could make your reactor. I finished mine a while back and it was a great project. Not too complex and you can save some serious money.

BTW, great site Nikki.

 

[zeltar]

you should be set. You just need the tank, stand, water, sand and rocks....then you should have several weeks to work the rest out. If you want a really fun project, you could make your reactor. I finished mine a while back and it was a great project. Not too complex and you can save some serious money.

BTW, great site Nikki.

What plans did you follow for your Ca reactor?

 

[bc_slc]

The one on Reef Central by DJ88. It is in the DIY section.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=144438

It really wasn't that hard. After all, the reactor is just a storage place for the calcium media.