So I decided to switch from T5s to MH. Why? I wanted more powerful lights, couldn’t afford LEDs, and have always had “shimmer envy”.
I wish I had had the clubs PAR meter to test levels before taking down the Nova Extreme Pro 6bar fixture. But I didn’t so I’ll have to wait for the guy that’s getting it to take the measurements for me ;D I’m guessing that the 2x250w MH bulbs and 48" VHOs are significantly more intense then the T5s. The one problem I’m having today is the fish seem afraid to come out of the rock work to swim around. The hippo has popped out here and there, the yellow tang, and the tomato clown won’t venture out, and the purple tang will only stick her snout out of her cave.
I have the new fixture hung very high over the tank so as not to burn out the corals. I will lower it some next week and some more the following week.
The first thing I noticed and am EXTREMELY pleased with is the color of the 14K Phoenix bulbs - even before turning on the VHO actinics the colors in the tank were starting to pop. Once I turned on the actinics the corals absolutely began to glow.
The pictures won’t do it justice, the overall look of the tank is extraordinary right now. It will look even better once I get the light lowered to it’s final height.
The bonus was the 12 LED moonlights. I’m looking forward to being able to watch my tank in the middle of the night again.
Tank looks great Craig. GolfC
What is your lights schedule and do you think you will need a chiller? Mine is 150g and I have 2 150wMH, temp gets to 84f in summer time, tank is in the basement. Just curious, I know you like to keep it at 75f range. Anyway your reef looks great!
I generally shoot for 76-78 but will allow it to get to 84 in the summer and down to 74 in the winter. I keep my house very cool in the summer 68 on the main floor. It’s usually a good 6-8 degrees cooler in the basement so I doubt i will need a chiller.
Lighting is usually actinide from 9:30am-9:30pm with 10k on for 9 hours in the middle. It will change a little right now as I acclimate the tank to the new lights
[quote=“reefman66, post:6, topic:3756”]
Nice softy tank! now ready for more hard corals. Here comes the SPS bug to bite.[/quote]
SPS bug bit about 2 months ago - which is what led to the light switch. I just pictured the LPS and shroom as they had some of the greatest color pop.
[quote=“houndsbayman, post:7, topic:3756”]
Looks great Craig, nice coloration and wait until you see the growth increase. Good luck with your new lighting system.[/quote]
Thanks John - I can’t wait. I’m lookoing forward to being able to SPS lower in my tank too.
Great move Craig. What sort of fixture is it? thePhoenix 14Ks are a pretty nice light. and in my opinion, there is still nothing better than VHO actinics for flourescents. I have to drop by and see the new set.
I bought it used - there’s no name on it - but if I remember correctly it is a cheap Ebay fixture that ws gutted and upgraded with Icecap Ballasts, better reflectors, and VHOs (it originally came with T5s).
I’m really impressed with the colors of the Phoenix bulbs -the tank has a nice look even without the VHOs on…but SOOOOOOO much nicer when they’re on.
