More lighting talk... (1 Viewer)

[Llama]

I'm off topic on my other thread so I am starting fresh with more thoughts and question. For those that are lost or bored here is where I'm coming from: http://marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=47073&highlight=

OK so I've decided just to go with my original purchase and pick up the used Icecap 430 w/ T12 endcaps and standoffs because it's a hell-of-a deal. However, all this planning/shopping has got me thinking about my current lighting I have now. It's a Icecap 660 overdriving 4 T5 bulbs with what looks to be hello lights reflectors. The more I think about it the less I like the look of my T5's when overdriven.

Does anyone have experience with both overdriven and non-overdriven T5's??

Will I notice the better color?

Currently I can grow acro on the sand. Will this still be possible?

Should I really sell the 660 and buy a Workhorse 7 for my T5's??????

The reason I'm asking is that I want to do this right this time. Lots of planning as far as placement of T5's and VHO's and such. May as well get my power supply in oder as well.

The outcome I am looking for will be some well placed T5's sandwiched between two VHO super actinics. I say well placed because I actually want to be able to get my hand in and out of the tank. So they will be more than six inches from the water's surface.

I want the VHO's to supply my dawn to dusk and be dimmable (hence the icecap) and I want my T5's to give me the color that helped me go this route in the first place.

 

[flexrac]

what's the size of your tank again?
workhorse 7's will run 4 54watt t-5's or 2 110 watt vho's. everywhere i have read states that icecaps overdrive your bulbs resulting in shorter life for your bulbs. I have 2 workhorse 7's and they work great. as a matter of fact, it's what i will be using to setup my t-5's on the 110 tank.
workhorse 7's will adjust to any voltage up to 220 watts. (hope i said that right) basically, you can run any bulb combonation up to 220 watts.

sounds like you are doing the same thing i intended to do on my tank, since i already have 2 vho's on my system all i would have to do was remove the two mh 250's and add 4 t5's, was going to use the new ones with the internal reflectors. but i got a deal on the the end caps and reflectors. in my lighting thread asking the same thing you are asking here, it was recommended that i try to run 6 t5's instead of the vho-t5 combo. still undecided. I do know 4 bulbs would work on my system fine.
hope i did not hi-jack your thread, just trying to help.

 

[Llama]

No hi-jack at all.

The tank in question is a 90 gallon. It's 24" tall so I am worried about not getting the same penetration with the non-overdriven bulbs.

I was thinking about just going all T5's. However I have read that actinic T5 can't give you the same pop that the VHO super actinics can. That's why I wanted to go that route.

It's a tough decision.

 

[flexrac]

yeah i know, only problem i see with your config is the bulb size, two vho's plus t5's and reflectors, have you considered the overall width of your config. i know with my canopy, i can't fit 6 bulbs on my hood with out trimming my reflectors. i have to shave atleast 1inch on one of the reflectors.
if i go 4 t5's and two vho's i may have to go with the new vho's with internal reflectors. which mean i would have to return my current bulbs and order new ones.

 

[Llama]

Honestly I have my 4 T5 reflectors spaced about a quarter inch apart as it is. I believe I have lots of room to work with still. I will be mounting the reflectors close enough so that I can "link" them edge to edge. Also I have no VHO bulbs so I will be getting the ones with internal reflectors.

Hopefully it will fit!

 

[flexrac]

you do know that's the only option you have with them right (vh0) they all come with internal reflectors.

 

[Llama]

That is certainly what research has shown.

 

[flexrac]

get to building, i need inspiration to start mine.
maybe this weekend.

 

[Llama]

This weekend is myself and my step-brothers birthday weekend!!!!

I will be at the pool drankin. Hopefully I'll remember to feed the fish!

The build should be completed by next weekend though!

 

[flexrac]

if i get some help i'll do mine this weekend.
who wants to come by?