If I were you...I'd get 10000k bulbs IF you're planning on using the PC's. I'd make the PC's my actinics. If you go with 12000k, they will be much bluer. You would not need actinics with the 12000k's. Also...the smiley's are actually delivered right to your front door via Fed Ex. I see you got your first delivery!! [img]/ubb/lol.gif[/img][img]/ubb/lol.gif[/img]

[img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]
Joanne

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That which does not kill us makes us stronger...like lifting those salt buckets.

Ok I put together a little diagram for you



The UG numbers are the stock numbers from Aquatic Lighting
with this layout you would have both PC's in the middle and a 175watt 5500 k and both outside sections would be 400watt 12k bulbs. Now there are other options here susan...I dont want you to jump the gun. I feel that this would be a good setup. I just have NO info on their 5500 k bulbs.

The way I figured it if you got everything from Aquatic including 3 spyder reflectors and shipping cost. you are looking at $590. I would definately ask for a discount!!! IF you do decide to go with this...tell them you are VERY active on ALOT of Reef BB's and you will relay the excellent service they give you! this is called the Ninong approach [img]/ubb/lol.gif[/img]

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HI All,

If it were me, this is what I'd do:

(400w 10k) (250w 6500k + PC) (400w 10k)

OR

(250 HQI 10k) (250w 6500k + PC) (250w HQI 10k)

IME, and to my knowledge, the 12k just don't put out enough light. On top of that, they seem to wash out the tank, and give a "blue" look that makes it impossible to see the bright reds/purples, and greens typical of a reef tank.

I think for color, and output, 10k, or 6500k + actinic is the way to go. The the 250w HQI and Iwasaki put out good light (close to eachother) and they are right in the same neighborhood with the 400w 10k. They will also last about twice as long (2 years until lamp replacement vs. 1) After 10k, you take a big dive in output (PAR). Even a mixed, or softie tank is gonna do better with more PAR. If you are looking to go mostly SPS and clams, PAR should be a major concern.

-Perry


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Some call it evolution,
And others call it God.
Each In His Own Tongue (1908)
William Herbert Carruth 1859-1924

You guys are the best..thanks for all the help. Loved the diagram, nice touch. s/w aquaticlights, used Ninongs approach, it worked, thx for the added tip. Have not placed the order yet.
I am also going to go out tonight to buy a couple dozen shades for fam. & friends for when they visit, don't want to blind them, when looking at the tank.[img]/ubb/lol.gif[/img]
love the smileys.....
BTW: the cost of our utility bill, is not going to be that much with this awesome setup, right? [img]/ubb/uhoh3.gif[/img] j/k
I was not at ICQ last night, cause I had to go to HD to get SD. Scuba would of loved to have seen the pallets filled with SD. Maybe will catch up soon at ICQ.
Sue



[This message has been edited by SCETT316 (edited 04-05-2001).]

I'm not a lighting Genious or anything, but is there some valid reason you want to keep your PCs? Why not just do 3 400 Watt 12K?
Unless of course you want Dawn dusk. I'm just thinking that it would be simpler and cleaner to go with 3 MH.My expireance as an electrical Engineer is that simpler is safer. If you wanted to spend a little bit more, but still have some versatility, you could go to a hydroponics store. Typically, they have MH 400watt kits with reflector completely set up, no wiring needed for between $179-$400 pretty long cableing from ballast to light too. The only problem is that they typically have 4000K bulbs. Anyway, with that setup, you wouldn't have to touch the electricals.

Just some ideas.

I do want the dawn/dusk effect.
Thx
Susan

Originally posted by SCETT316:
OK.........I s/w aquaticlight, here is what they are sugg:
2 400w MH 5k one on each side and my PC 4x55 actinics in the middle. They feel with this setup there is no need to upgrade to the 12K.
Pls. give me opinions.
Thx
Susan

That would work!...Im just not familiar w/their 5k bulbs and I know that too low of kelvin rated bulbs will produce a Yellow tint which is not too appealing and also they seem to promote MORE unwanted algae blooms. IMO I wouldnt go lower than 6500k and if you went that low I would go with the Iwasaki bulbs. You could do the retros (2-400watts)from aquaticlight and buy a 10k bulb and then put the PCs in the middle. I do think you would be better off with 3 MH's though


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Scubadude's Website

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

[This message has been edited by scubadude (edited 04-05-2001).]

My PC's are in one unit about 24"l x 7"d more or less. ea. bulb is side by side.
Sue

[This message has been edited by SCETT316 (edited 04-05-2001).]

I edited the msg above...refresh the screen susan [img]/ubb/tongue.gif[/img]

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Check out my NEW website

Scubadude's Website

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

thx scuba for the refresh. I was about to go mix my stress Rx..j/k [img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
S

I really think I'd go with 3 MH's too...but whatever works! The setup sounds good, either way. It's all preferance now.

[img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]
Joanne

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That which does not kill us makes us stronger...like lifting those salt buckets.

ok. You know I listen to you guys..... So - basically just tell me what to get..[img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img][img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
3 MH what wattage ea.
10k or 12k bulbs?
Retrofit Kit
I will then put my PC in the middle.
A few fans I assume from Radio Shack
And I want to put the Ballast down in the cabinet.
Is this doable???? I need to be able to catch fedex. j/k
Tank is not due till 5/4.
Thx
Sue




[This message has been edited by SCETT316 (edited 04-05-2001).]

Now that I know that the tank is 168gallons NOT 120 Gallons I am leaning more towards the 3 MH's again...Sorry Susan [img]/ubb/tongue.gif[/img] Maybe you should mix up that Stress RX...mix me up one too...hehe [img]/ubb/silly.gif[/img]

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Check out my NEW website

Scubadude's Website

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

[img]/ubb/lol.gif[/img]

YES! Someone else is FINALLY as crazy as I am over lighting!!!! It's good to have you on my team now Susan!

[img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]
Joanne

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That which does not kill us makes us stronger...like lifting those salt buckets.