Modifying a Canopy [Archive]

Fenix

12-09-2007, 01:53 AM

So I currently have a canopy that uses incandescent lights. I want to change this to a high power light source for coral in a SW tank. I have a friend who is an electrician and can help me.

Does anyone know if this is even possible? Insight and suggestions?

gem

12-09-2007, 01:56 AM

How big is the tank and light hood? You can actually use screw in compact flourescent bulbs in it.

Fenix

12-09-2007, 02:26 AM

20 gallons 24 inches

cocoa_pleco

12-09-2007, 06:37 AM

for a low light reef you could get a blue actinic and daylight compact fluorescent bulb, they fit into incandescent fixtures, you would have 1.5w/g

gem

12-09-2007, 06:50 AM

Coralife makes a 50/50 cf that screws in. They come in 20 watts, maybe more.....don't know. I do know they come in 20 watts. If there are two sockets, that's 2 watts per gallon. I'm not sure if they make a higher wattage though. You'll have to be sure your fixture is rated for at least 40 watts.

gm72

12-09-2007, 04:40 PM

You can also buy retrofit kits to convert fixtures.

gem

12-09-2007, 08:24 PM

True, you can and that would give you better lighting by far than just using the screw in 50/50 bulbs.
It's far better in the long run to just go with the retro fit. But if strapped for money and ok with low light the screw in CF are an inexpenxive option.

Fenix

12-10-2007, 05:47 AM

Thanks for the help guys.

Can anyone recommend me a retrofit kit. One that would be ample for my Coral.

I want it to fit a 10 gallon tank, So 20 inches. I noticed I don't have room for a 20 gallon tank, so I thought I would try my hand at a 10 gallon.

I noticed some light fixtures have 1 x 40 watt vs 2 x 40. Is it so you can have 1 bulb for daylight and one for moonlight?

What do you guys think of this one?
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp17951/si1318716/cl0/currentusadualsunretrofitpowercompact202x40watt

Fenix

12-12-2007, 10:06 PM

kkevvy

12-15-2007, 06:30 AM

Two outlets plugs. One is a blue 460nm Actinic bulb and the other is the 10,000k flourescant bulb.

You coulda got the retrofit for a little cheaper, too. And you have now like 4 WPG.

I got the 1x65 watt for my 20g, a little over 3, MAJOR difference in growth. Looks great.

Fenix

12-15-2007, 07:56 AM

I think you mean 8 WPG for my tank.

kkevvy

12-16-2007, 07:16 AM

Yeah, I wasn't sure what aquarium you were talking about.

But sheesh. Thats alot!

Dave66

12-16-2007, 07:24 AM

Ok so i bought this light

http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-SearchStr--action-view-idProduct-CU01012-idCategory-FILTFIPCTW-category-20_inch_2x40_Watt_Current_USA_PowerCompact_Dual_Sa tellite_Fixture_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Lighti ng_Fixtures_Power_Compact_20in_Units-vendor--tab-0.html

how many outlets does it have? How exactly does it switch from the different lights? Anyone know the answers to these questions?

You use electronic timers that plug into the wall socket. You set the on/off time for the light, and if you stagger the tubes, you can give your tank a proper dawn to dusk cycle.
Here's what the timers look like: http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/12726

Dave

Fenix

12-17-2007, 05:17 AM

I'm thinking i m going to beed more than one outlet. For 30 some dollars a timer I don't think i want to invest in that.

Fenix

12-21-2007, 02:55 AM

New lights

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7797/563lightcomparisondt5.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=563lightcomparisondt5.jpg)

stunner

12-21-2007, 07:10 PM

Looks nice! That first image has a nasty yellow hue hahaha. I picked up a timer for sale at 7 dollars from canadian tire a little while ago for my freshwater planted tank; it's digital too. On my 10galon saltwater that I set up though, I have a nicer timer with two outputs. I'm running 4 screw in type PC 50/50 20watt bulbs over it in a hood that I made. The original hood was too tight for the PC bulbs to screw in.