DIY lighting

[Kelly]

Does anyone know of some good plans that work and have diagrams?? I looked
at the stuff on RC and on google but I haven't found exactly what I need
yet.

I also haven't decided exactly what type of lighting to make so any plans at
all would be helpful.

TIA
Kelly

[Steve Sells]

When you decide what type, then ask for diagrams.

What shape/size tank? what do you want to do with it? Your request is
like me asking for blueprints for a house, when I don't know what kind or
size of house that I want. There are many options available.

the Basic choices are:
If you use MH (Metal Halide) you will replace bulbs every year, they are
hot, but high output of light for the power used. Bulbs are costly.
PC bulbs are cooler, and less intense, ballast can be expensive, bulbs are
$30 and up.
NO (Normal Output) can be $10 and up for bulbs the least efficient, and
replace them 4 to 6 months for best quality of light, easiest to replace
ballast.

What is it you really want to know?

Steve


"Kelly" > wrote in message
news:PFIRb.313345$ts4.182292@pd7tw3no...
> Does anyone know of some good plans that work and have diagrams?? I looked
> at the stuff on RC and on google but I haven't found exactly what I need
> yet.
>
> I also haven't decided exactly what type of lighting to make so any plans
at
> all would be helpful.
>
> TIA
> Kelly
>
>

[Kelly]

Tank is 30" in length and 12.5" deep (30 gallon).

I guess PC would be the best for me cause its middle of the road.. I don't
need plans to build the canopy just how to wire the lights and if they need
to be a special kind of ballast for a maine tank? Has anyone had bad luck
with a certain brand or model? I want to have the max. amount of light I can
fit, I am guessing 3 50/50 PC tubes @65 watts each?? Can they all be run off
one ballast? I live in a climate that basically keeps the tank fairly stable
@ about 72-76F. I use my heater to keep the tank around 80-82F so heat
wouldn't be too much if an issue since I can just turn down the heater.

[Steve Sells]

PC lighting is what I run on my 55 gal, I have 4 55 watt bulbs, the JBJ
unit has 2 ballast's.

I bet you could try 2 of the 50/50 type 65 watt bulbs ( that is a above
average light levels ) and see, as long as no small polyp stony corals. and
even then some may be fine, Just use a good quality reflector, and get the
most out of the lights you do use.

As for wiring the ballast includes the connections,

I WILL reply if you send me info off list, when you buy a ballast and still
need any help, its not too hard. I am an Electrician, IBEW local 305, No
charge :)

Steve

"Kelly" > wrote in message
news:7GVRb.320620$ts4.303838@pd7tw3no...
> Tank is 30" in length and 12.5" deep (30 gallon).
>
> I guess PC would be the best for me cause its middle of the road.. I don't
> need plans to build the canopy just how to wire the lights and if they
need
> to be a special kind of ballast for a maine tank? Has anyone had bad luck
> with a certain brand or model? I want to have the max. amount of light I
can
> fit, I am guessing 3 50/50 PC tubes @65 watts each?? Can they all be run
off
> one ballast? I live in a climate that basically keeps the tank fairly
stable
> @ about 72-76F. I use my heater to keep the tank around 80-82F so heat
> wouldn't be too much if an issue since I can just turn down the heater.
>
>