[patsfan1130]

Well, I JUST finished hanging it and fired it up and all I can say is.....Oh my God!! It looks like a completely different tank. This is amazing! I cant believe I have gone all this time without MH. I currently have it 12'' from water surface (my living room is lit up pretty good) and plan on lowering it to 8-10'' gradually.
My fish are pretty much scared stiff and corals actually seem to have closed a bit but I assume this is due to the change.

The fixture itself looks amazing!! VERY sleek!!!!

WOW! all I can say is WOW


Mark

[Reefland]

Glad to hear you are pleased with your addition. PWhen you get a chance post a picture for us!

[Ninong]

Mark,

If you are switching from 260 watts of PC fluorescent lighting to 650 watts of metal halides, I think you should raise your fixture to 15" above the surface and reduce your total photoperiod by two or three hours per day for the first two or three weeks. This is a pretty drastic increase in intensity compared to what your corals were used to previously.

Good luck,




P.S. -- How did you handle the problem with the ceiling?

[patsfan1130]

Originally Posted by Ninong

Mark,

If you are switching from 260 watts of PC fluorescent lighting to 650 watts of metal halides, I think you should raise your fixture to 15" above the surface and reduce your total photoperiod by two or three hours per day for the first two or three weeks. This is a pretty drastic increase in intensity compared to what your corals were used to previously.

Good luck,




P.S. -- How did you handle the problem with the ceiling?

Ok..will raise to 15''. I tried using various drywall fastenters in the ceiling of my closet but decided that I was not going to trust them (I could see the weight would put stress on the drywall). So..in the end I bought a 2x3 and cut it to 4' then painted it with ceiling paint and fastened it to my ceiling with wood screws. then attached the light to the 2x3. you can barely notice the 2x3 is even there but I wouldnt care even if it stuck out like a sore thumb bacuase it's all about the halides!!!

Mark

[Poseidon]

Congrats!! I know you will love the new lights. Make sure to take it easy on the acclimation process or else you will cook all your corals!