[forbze16]

I have a 37gl (all I have room and budget for). 30" with cross piece. I'm going to build a hood for the tank and was looking for suggestions on lighting options. How badly will the cross brace hinder MH? What about 4x55 PC or T5's? Since no one makes 30" anthing, I'm turning to the pro's to give me some ideas.

Thanks in advance

[zhenya]

I suppose it will all depend on what exactly you are going to keep in this tank. If mostly fish, some shrooms and couple of softies I think you can retrofit your canopy to stagger 2' fluorescent bulbs like T5's. What i mean is to place one to the left and one closet to the right side of the canopy and so forth. I would probably use like 4 of those bulbs if you can fit them in the canopy. I think with T5's you;ll be able to maintain few hard corals as well.
Check out Vince's online store( www.oceanencounter.com) or stop by if you live in the Philly area.

here's apage from Vince's website with various T5 retrofit selections.
http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=ICTR

I am sure there are other vendors offering similar set ups, I just thought that if you live in the Phily area that you could check out your local guy.
HTH.

[DapperDan]

Vince moved his business to NC a couple of months ago, new phone number is on his website. Still a great place to get aquarium supplies from.

DD

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by DapperDan

Vince moved his business to NC a couple of months ago, new phone number is on his website. Still a great place to get aquarium supplies from.

DD

Ooops!
Shows how long ago I bought anything... I agree, though, my experiences dealing with Vince were always positive.

Forbze16,

Here;s a good choice for a premade T5 fixture, exluding bulbs.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=SunlightT5
It is 24" so the most drop off on each side would be 3". If you hang it about 6-7 inches above the tanks it shouldn't be a big deal, I would think.

[forbze16]

Gene, long time no chat. We met a few times when NJRC was in its infancy (4 years ago), Malcolm's old place was one. I know Vince and have no problem ordering from him. Although ReefGeek has him beat on price for the retro kit. Right now I know I can get 4x24w T5's under the hood I"m planning. I'm really trying for the "color with movement" theme (LPS, softies, maybe a BTA). The goal is to get back into this hooby full speed after a brief hiatis with 3 moves in 2 years.

Thanks for the advice.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by forbze16

Gene, long time no chat. We met a few times when NJRC was in its infancy (4 years ago), Malcolm's old place was one. I know Vince and have no problem ordering from him. Although ReefGeek has him beat on price for the retro kit. Right now I know I can get 4x24w T5's under the hood I"m planning. I'm really trying for the "color with movement" theme (LPS, softies, maybe a BTA). The goal is to get back into this hooby full speed after a brief hiatis with 3 moves in 2 years.

Thanks for the advice.

I thought I recognised your handle...
It's nice to hear that you are getting into the hobby again, god's speed.

By the way, if you need a rose E.quadricolor,I got about 22 of them in my 110g tank.At least I think it;s 22, it could be more. I'll give you one when you are ready for it, just drop me a PM.

[The Grim Reefer]

Can't go wrong with reefgeek but I think Vince is offering free shiping on his T5 retros, that might make a difference.

[forbze16]

Gene,

Thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it. I will definitely look you up when I get the lighting straightened out.

First things first, need to build the hood. Then I will go from there.

--Dave

[Reefland]

You might want to decide on your lights before building a hood. The reason is this way you can build your hood around your lights.

[forbze16]

Good point. What I do know now is that because of the center brace and the location of the tank, MH (hood & pendant) are out. The hood will be designed around fluorescent lighting. The dilema is what kind. I've never been totally satisfied with PC and VHO just seems soooo yesterday. So the design idea hasn't been altered that much. Now I just have to remember all that I learned in shop class in high school all those years ago...

Sorting through the DIY section now for some ideas and pointers on staining and painting.

Thanks guys,

Dave