Hi,
ordered the 4 MH sets last week, and then ordered the Radium 20K bulbs from Dave at Deer Park. Got the 4 reflectors today - apparently the ballasts and hangers etc got split, so AusPost may deliver them tomorrow.
Bulbs should also be here tomorrow.
Could not resist it, so unpacked the reflectors - wow they are big !!
I built a basic frame for them last week, which, in future, will be mounted inside the hood.
The frame is smaller than the Hood/outer dimensions of the tank.
Just to get a true sense of scale and space allocation, I have mounted the 4 MH reflectors.
Glad I had the frame, so I have flexibility in hanging positions.
I had planned to have one across the width of both short sides, and one around the middle of the long sides. Then add the other lights - either T5s or LEDs.
As I was worried about, the position of my glass cross braces, will affect the light getting into the tank. Add to that the Center Wier, with the motorized Actuator for th Closed Loop system.
As of now, I have hung them, tentatively, as per the images.
One across the deep short side - 1200mm deep step down.
One across the shallow side - 900 mm deep.
Due to the braces, I hung one between the braces, which makes it pretty close to the deep side, and same for the other long side.
This means I have a "gap" along the right side.
I hink it will come down to positioning the alternate lights, probably the Hydra 52's Dave is suggesting, in those gaps or free spaces. As a result, I may have to then adjust whatever corals go into these areas, according o the lights above.
I will now be able to finalize the specs for the construction of the Hood.
What is the ideal average height the MH should be hung from the water surface for optimal spread and light penetration ?
I think the Hydra LEDs can be hung slightly lower, closer to the water, so this may give me more felxibility.
Your thoughts, suggestions, dire warnings or violent reactions - as always most welcome.
Tks
Jac