Question about lighting

jordan3548 · Feb 1, 2011

So I want to add a little more pop to my corals without the LED budget lol. I am thinking of adding 4 36 inch 39 watt T5HO on my 120 since all I have is MH's now. Question is if I buy all the individual parts and bulbs it adds up quickly but i can buy a 4x39 watt 36 inch fixture alot cheaper and just break it down. Is it okay to break a fixture down like that? Im sure its ok just want some opinions 1st. Thanks

Sasquatch · Feb 1, 2011

why not? so long as you use the correct wire to lengthen there's really not much involved, most of them were assembled by 7 yr olds overseas lol

btkrausen · Feb 1, 2011

yeah, I wouldn't think it would be a problem granted all the wiring was correct. I'm looking to do the same thing to my tank, but thinking about using those Stunner strips

Captain Nemo · Feb 2, 2011

I would think you would be fine, but I would triple check my wiring! If its wrong just a crosse wire, ka-put! be careful and write down the diagram!

aalvarado87 · Feb 2, 2011

personally i would say just add like a strip of leds even if its only a few they will last forever you won't have to change them out and they will give you awesome pop. I have seen guys wiht stunner strips and it is amazing the pop they give colors.

subielover · Feb 2, 2011

Well what are you running now? LED's are going to give you the most pop, if you are a DIY type guy, there are some really cool things that you can do. If not, the Ecoxotic stunner lights are very nice for accents. I use the Exoxotic Panorama modules on my biocube and love them. If you are looking for an all out LED tank, take a look at the Evolution LEDs.

raymond · Feb 2, 2011

i get so scared when messing with wiring, but it should be able to work i would think, just be careful

aalvarado87 · Feb 2, 2011

raymond said:
i get so scared when messing with wiring, but it should be able to work i would think, just be careful

it is pretty nerve racking I always try to double check the wiring diagram and make sure htey are going the right way. I would hate to head line the news because I didn't double check something. Which you do see time to time. Wiring leds was pretty darn easy though I did not have much problems and found it very easily wiring up the leds.

mc-cro · Feb 2, 2011

so are you guys saying to run LED's as supplimental lighting or in addition to? I currently run 250w 10K with VHO actinic and I love it. although I have tossed around the idea of trying to put some blue LED's in to give the corals a more electric type of light without going for the full 20k windex water type of look

btkrausen · Feb 2, 2011

mc-cro said:
so are you guys saying to run LED's as supplimental lighting or in addition to? I currently run 250w 10K with VHO actinic and I love it. although I have tossed around the idea of trying to put some blue LED's in to give the corals a more electric type of light without going for the full 20k windex water type of look

Thats what I'm thinking about doing soon. Adding 4 Stunner strips to my tank for a little blue and then leave them on for 30 min after the MH go off for a nice night effect :)

m and m · Feb 2, 2011

I would go with a strip or two of reefbright, i have a 24 inch strip on my 30x30x24 and one strips lights the hole things very well. You wanna talk about pop these bad boys make corals glow, i can see my scrolly down the thirty some of foot hall leading to my fish room.

johnanddawn · Feb 2, 2011

once you go LED there is no turning back, i wouldn't even bother with the T5's - they'll give you more light no doubt, but T5's will not do what LED's do - if you want florescent VHO actinics are nice but still don't compare

pickupman66 · Feb 2, 2011

the LED lights like those from Reefbrite and the stunner strips can really add pop. I have 4x36 with my halides and you can barely tell they are doing anything. I am not happy with them.