Getting ready to move to Wisconsin so I am leaving behind the decent aquarium scene here (I worked at a large LFS here in Columbus years ago).
Just started looking at reflectors and ballasts. Like the Cayman Sun double ended fixtures (for some reason I remember HQI bulbs had some advantages over mogul bases) and dig the Reef Brite dimmable/controller friendly ballast but not sure the two would work together!! (Thinking 400W over the 1000W though, those 1000W bulbs just scare me!)
When I was in the hobby years ago there was a great write up on Reef Central or one of the other forums (or book or magazine or something) about a massive plywood tank. The builder/author used a couple layers of ply, a homemade filler of sawdust and glue for seams, screw heads, and corners, 4" fiberglass for seams and corners, then large sheets of glass for the "body" of the tank, then multiple layers of epoxy. I want to go that route and build a bomb proof tank, especially now that I am looking at a goofy shape. LVLs for the "stand", frame, and support/bracing.
I've been looking at using Red Dragon's for my closed loops b/c I like the thought of being able to set up a flow schedule to ramp up/down to coincide with my lighting, tides, moon...I dunno. If I can save some cash in lighting I can shift that to being able to do the flow things without going "cheap."
The sea sweeps look like a different way of achieving that sweeping flow like a sea swirl. Is the Tunze 6255 the giant one?
I saw Tidal gardens video on the Orpheks. I looked at them quick but haven't dug into them too much, definitely look interesting!! I think I like them a little better than the Maxspects.
Just started looking at reflectors and ballasts. Like the Cayman Sun double ended fixtures (for some reason I remember HQI bulbs had some advantages over mogul bases) and dig the Reef Brite dimmable/controller friendly ballast but not sure the two would work together!! (Thinking 400W over the 1000W though, those 1000W bulbs just scare me!)
When I was in the hobby years ago there was a great write up on Reef Central or one of the other forums (or book or magazine or something) about a massive plywood tank. The builder/author used a couple layers of ply, a homemade filler of sawdust and glue for seams, screw heads, and corners, 4" fiberglass for seams and corners, then large sheets of glass for the "body" of the tank, then multiple layers of epoxy. I want to go that route and build a bomb proof tank, especially now that I am looking at a goofy shape. LVLs for the "stand", frame, and support/bracing.
I've been looking at using Red Dragon's for my closed loops b/c I like the thought of being able to set up a flow schedule to ramp up/down to coincide with my lighting, tides, moon...I dunno. If I can save some cash in lighting I can shift that to being able to do the flow things without going "cheap."
The sea sweeps look like a different way of achieving that sweeping flow like a sea swirl. Is the Tunze 6255 the giant one?
I wouldn't count on 1000w MH being around forever (at least in terms of their practical use over reef aquariums). There were always fewer options in this wattage to begin with and some of the stadium light manufacturers have dropped out (Hubbel for example) in favor of LED fixtures (lamp choices have also dwindled). The maxspect floodlights have two channel color/intensity control (plus you select the kelvin temp when you purchase) and are very reliable. I agree on the spread and need for more LED fixtures vs MH (so don't expect much in the way of electrical savings). There are a few big reefs using the maxspects out there. The Orphek Amazonas are a good option, smaller form factor, controlled by apex. They seem more reliable than the Atlantiks. I don't know anyone with a mature reef using them long term but they are worth the look.
I saw Tidal gardens video on the Orpheks. I looked at them quick but haven't dug into them too much, definitely look interesting!! I think I like them a little better than the Maxspects.