Boret June 30, 2009 June 30, 2009 So I decided to keep adding things to my setup. Nobody tells you how much fun is to keep building things!!! I have a 20L (20x12x12) collecting dust so I decided to set it up. With the Reeflo Dart I have added to the system (You can follow the link to the 92 build for more details) I have the water circulation all worked out. I will use a 3/4" SCWD and 2 LocLines inside of the Frag Tank for water movement and 1" overflow. All I need now is to figure out a light setup. The easiest/cheapest for me right now would be to use a 175w MH Ballast with a PFO reflector that I have handy. I am a bit concern about it though. Will another MH add too much extra heat to the system? Can I place it fairly high to avoid the extra heat and still provide decent PAR to the frags? The Frag tank is fairly shallow and if I add eggcrate I can have the frags only 3-4 inches from the top. Thinking about doing two levels... but I digress. A lot of people have success in their frag tanks with T5s, you do avoid the heat issue, but I just don't have a single T5 related piece (ballast, lamps, endcaps, reflectors, etc...) to scavenge... so I will have to get everything new or a used setup. Making it quite pricey. I think I need at least 4 bulbs T5 (3x10k + 1xBlue). Right? Then there is the 30" length to consider, it is a difficult length to accommodate light setups. It might be too long for a single 175W MH but too short for 2. I might be able to get away with VHOs.... I can probably put together 4 x T12s in a DIY rig and be done. The only advantage over T5...T12 have internal reflectors. A couple more questions: In your frag tanks.... do you guys go for all 10K for growth or do you throw in actinic in the mix for coloration? Do you run the Frag Tank light at night to help balance pH? The Frag Tank will be in the same room as the Fuge that already runs the lights at night. Thanks in advance for all the advice!!
blaze98 June 30, 2009 June 30, 2009 I have a 36" Nova current fixture over my 20L, it is the 4 bulb version. Might be overkill, but it works. I tried running all 3 10k bulbs, but the color made the zoa's look horrible. I ended up changing the bulbs out and replacing with 1 Aquascience 15000k, 1 Aquascience 22000k, 1 ATI blue plus, and 1 Giesemann 6000k bulb. I like this color combo and it gives my zoas a decent growth rate. As for the frag rack, I built a 2 tier rack the top tier puts corals about 4-5 inches from the light and the bottom puts them between 7-8 inches.
Boret June 30, 2009 Author June 30, 2009 I have a 36" Nova current fixture over my 20L, it is the 4 bulb version. Might be overkill, but it works. I tried running all 3 10k bulbs, but the color made the zoa's look horrible. I ended up changing the bulbs out and replacing with 1 Aquascience 15000k, 1 Aquascience 22000k, 1 ATI blue plus, and 1 Giesemann 6000k bulb. I like this color combo and it gives my zoas a decent growth rate. As for the frag rack, I built a 2 tier rack the top tier puts corals about 4-5 inches from the light and the bottom puts them between 7-8 inches. Cool, thanks Blaze. I took a look at your build for the frag tank and it definitely gave me some ideas. How much was the light if you don't mind me asking?
m3fan8ic June 30, 2009 June 30, 2009 I recently added a frag tank to my system as well, I am using 175w pendant with 12K which is hanging about 12" above the water level. I have PC 4" fan blowing the hot air out but at same time I have chiller in my system as well. One of the member drilled my tank (1") for plumbing and I have one MJ1200 for flow. I might take MJ1200 out and put HK2 b/c MJ has too much flow. I created 2 layer rack with egg crate so I can move my sps's on the top layer and softies on the bottom. I am using Mag36 as my return which also feeds my chiller and frag tank. I am planning to switch the MH bulb to 15000K since my tank is only 15" high
blaze98 June 30, 2009 June 30, 2009 I really need to update that thread. I got the fixture for $60 from a CMAS member, the bulbs were the biggest cost, trying different combo's.
m3fan8ic June 30, 2009 June 30, 2009 Any pics m3fan8ic? I'll take some actual pic when I get home and post it but this is the setup pretty much except few plum change.
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