why are lights so %&%*in' much $$?

[FishKid]

I am looking for a lighting solution for my 72 gal. Without it costing my $1,000.71, is there any way for me to have "clam grade" lighting?

mark

[icemark]

http://www.rpi.edu/dept/union/aquari...ml/DIY_MH.html

and I like the Sola ballasts at http://www.bulbsa2z.com/shopping/sho...t=Metal+Halide

[FishKid]

Think I could just buy 4x96w PC lights? I've decided that clams arent for me... atleast for now, I'll settle for SPS I have a feeling this hood is gonna cost me about $500, so I will settle for cheap lighting...


does anyone else have a hood on their 72 gal bowfront (or anyother bow front for htat matter)

mark

[horn1004]

Have you looked at the 72 gal BF canopy that was made by Scott here at reefland. It looked really nice. I built one this summer for my 46 gal BF. I'll be posting some pics soon. Anyway, I don't think his prices are that bad either. He quoted me $250. I thought it was a little high, but now that it's done, I now know why it would have been $250. There is a ton of labor that is involved in building a hood for a bow front. I definitely think you could get one made and shipped by him for under $500. If you want me to I can send you some other pictures of what the canopy will look like for a 72 gal.

[chromis]

dual 250 watt iwasakis are $335 at reefland or premium aquatics. Another option would be to get the ballast and bulbs, and then get these little fixtures that clip on to the back of your tank. One of my favorite fish stores uses them but I have no idea what they're called or what they are. Also look into used lights, there are always lights for sale here or at reefcentral.

[FishKid]

I will have one made by scott, as the one I made is horrible, and his prices are good... $80 for ground delivery is what is killing me! Now that I think about it, I will order the dual iwasakis from scott too. as he gave me a nice deal if I buy both, but I will not be able to order probably until around november.

with 2 250 iwasakis, and 2 actnic bulbs, would I be able to keep about anything??

mark

[naser]

just buy adual 175 or 250 mh lighting system. ther not the much money and you can keep whatever you want.

[FishKid]

your right, I can always add actnics later on... ok, thats set. If I buy the ballast from reefland.com, what else do I have to buy? mogul sockets? reflector? etc?

mark

[naser]

i mean you can always get a higher k bulb and phase out atinics all together. i have a 10000k and a 6500k. i also have 2 55 watt pc's for atinic'c.. the 10 would look alright without the added atinic's but i feel that the yellower 6500k bulb is far to yellow. but your corals dont care either or. its all in your eyes.

[FishKid]

PFO 250watt Dual "EYE" Ballast for Iwasaki Bulbs for $145, beside that item what else do I need??

[chromis]

Dont go with the EYE. Just 2 seconds ago I was reviewing Sanjay Joshi's lighting comparisons and the regular MH ballast put our more PAR then the MV/ EYE ballast. Also if you ever want a 10k bulb(dunno why you would but...) then you will have wished for a regular MH ballast. As for what you need, is Scott making you a reflector? If not then consider the PFO "optuimum" reflectors. Then you need bulbs and wiring.

IMO
Andrew

[FishKid]

thanks for the headsup, is the PFO 250watt Dual Ballast better? So I would need wiring, lights, sockets, and reflectors.. right? how long should the reflector be? Is this one good: PFO 12" Optimum Reflector w/Mogule Socket? and this bulb: 250watt 65k Iwasaki Metal Halide Bulb? is that it??

mark

[Reefland]

Dual 250w MH Ballast
2-12" Optimum Reflectors w/Mogule socket
2-250w Iwasaki's (41R)

Scott

[FishKid]

scott, you definatly earned your income, now all I have to do is find work! ;) I cant wait!


mark

[sher]

icemark, for the 400w are thos eye ballast or regular MH ballast?

[icemark]

The PFO eye ballasts are really MV ballasts as 250 watt Iwasaki bulbs are whiter when used with a MV ballast.

The Solas can be used for either MV or MH, although I have only used the 250 watt ballasts, they seem to my eyes just as white as a PFO eye ballast, again with the Iwasaki bulbs.

[sher]

icemark, i wasn't clear. the 400w on the link, are they the MV ballast:

Ballast Part # 71A4071 -- 1 bulb 400W (quoted $46.58 at graybar)
Ballast Part # 71A4300 -- 2 bulb 400W (quoted $77.55 at graybar)

i'm thinking of going to 400w saki's and want to use MV on these.
PFOs MH ballast are the Solas.

[icemark]

Sorry, Not sure, you might try advances site:

http://www.advancetransformer.com/ec...HID_LookUp.asp

[ScottC]

Anyone know how much I'm looking at for 3 2x55w PC ballasts? I called greybar and they told me something like $130 a piece. I thought that was nuts. Does home depot carry them? anyone know the plu# for them? Thanks

Scott