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ksmart 
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 Topic: mh's + t5's
Posted: October 20 2009 at 4:32pm |
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So Im setting up a 40 gal and I have 2x175 mh but I also want to add 2x39 t5's for the actinics. Do you think I should just run 1x175 instead of two? I think if I run both mh's it would run the tank a little over 10watts/gallon and I know "they say" 8watts/gallon is best. If I ran one mh with the t5's that would be about 6 watts per gallon that should be sufficient? Thanks for you input!
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Ryan Thompson
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Posted: October 20 2009 at 4:41pm |
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Run the 175 right in the middle and add 2 ATI Blue Plus bulbs. If it isn't enough you can always add the other MH later. Plus don't use the watts to gallons theory. It is over rated and really doesn't work anymore these days. Just FYI
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ksmart
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Posted: October 20 2009 at 4:43pm |
 Ryan Thompson wrote:
Run the 175 right in the middle and add 2 ATI Blue Plus bulbs. If it isn't enough you can always add the other MH later. Plus don't use the watts to gallons theory. It is over rated and really doesn't work anymore these days. Just FYI |
cool, oh and ill forget about that theory. Being new to the hobby I hear things im obviously not sure of still, so thanks for lettin me know!
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Ryan Thompson
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Posted: October 20 2009 at 4:47pm |
ksmart wrote:
Ryan Thompson wrote:
Run the 175 right in the middle and add 2 ATI Blue Plus bulbs. If it isn't enough you can always add the other MH later. Plus don't use the watts to gallons theory. It is over rated and really doesn't work anymore these days. Just FYI |
cool, oh and ill forget about that theory. Being new to the hobby I hear things im obviously not sure of still, so thanks for lettin me know! |
No big deal! It is still a very common theory out there. While it has some truth, it is not the complete fix.
The only problem I see with only one 175 is the spotlight effect. The light will only be good for a 24" x 24" foot print and that is with the right reflector. I still think one 175 in the middle will suffice. Just keep anything that needs the light underneath the bulb. The ATI Blue Plus bulbs will cover the ends very nicely and should give enough light to keep softies and even some LPS.
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ksmart
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Posted: October 21 2009 at 10:15pm |
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Ill try that and see how things go. when I build the canopy, how tall should I build it, how high do I want the lights above the water?
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bluespot101
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Posted: October 23 2009 at 11:48am |
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Hey Ksmart do what you want with your lighting i would recommend getting others opinions than just Ryans.
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Jeremyw
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Posted: October 23 2009 at 11:51am |
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I have a light that some would say its causing a spotlight effect. Its from a tank I bought from izzy on here... i think it looks great. Even though it may have a little spot light effect you cant really tell and corals are growing all over in the tank not just directly under the light!
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Ryan Thompson
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Posted: October 23 2009 at 11:52am |
That is funny coming from someone at Aquatica. Oh the irony of the above post by bluespot.
ksmart,
I would build the canopy tall enough so you can work in the tank and not have lights get in your way. I would keep the halides 12" or so off the water and keep the T5's roughly 6" or so.
edit - nice job Jeremy! Posting just before I did. LOL
Edited by Ryan Thompson - October 23 2009 at 11:53am
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Chad
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Posted: October 23 2009 at 12:38pm |
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If you have a good reflector the 175 should be plenty!
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What?! You pooped in the refrigerator, and ate the entire wheel of cheese?! I'm not even mad.... That's actually amazing!
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Aquatic Evolution
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Posted: October 23 2009 at 4:48pm |
ksmart-
Be very carefull about putting you halide in the middle, make sure your aquarium does not have a brace in the middle. If your brand does, it will cast a shadow and U.V. wiill cause it to eventually fatigue and break. Causing it to possibly fail.
You can however have a very beautifull, and succesfull Aquarium with only a 175 W bulb
Ryan- The only posts from my store are mine!!! AQUATICA
bluespot101?
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Chad
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Posted: October 25 2009 at 7:08pm |
Shawn, he was making a referance about another member posting about "someone from aquatica"
I agree that I wouldn't use one right about a center brace, I was thinking a 40 breeder with no center brace.
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What?! You pooped in the refrigerator, and ate the entire wheel of cheese?! I'm not even mad.... That's actually amazing!
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Ryan Thompson
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Posted: October 25 2009 at 9:41pm |
Chad,
From what I know, bluespot works at Aquatica and is not very fond of me. Just like Shawn. So I was not surprised that they singled me out and told ksmart to get other opinions other than Ryan's (me).
I don't know how many opinions you can really give. They wanted to know if they needed one or two MH. I said one because I assume it is a 40 gallon breeder with no center brace. I also assume that ksmart would have realized that one MH would not work if there was a center brace blocking light. Just common sense to me.
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Aquatic Evolution
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Posted: October 26 2009 at 11:45am |
Ryan, it would probably not be wise to attach my store name to another post made by someone else. Bluespot is entitled to their opinion(s) just like you. All I know the post is not related to my store...
Back to the topic- What may seem like common sense to you may not be to others. I've unfortunately seen this mistake having been made many times over the years. Some people will take advice very literally "run the 175 right in the middle" is not the best thing to say without knowing everything applicable. You need to be carefull and paint the full picture.
I don't single you out Ryan, you just seem to comment on nearly all of them.  When I see things being said that could be possibly detrimental to someones success, I feel inclined to advise. I dont feel you were giving bad advise, just not thinking it through.
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Chad
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Posted: October 26 2009 at 12:45pm |
So Ksmart is it a 40 breeder or a tank with a center brace?
Good call Shawn, I realize that a lot of the times people don't have the whole story and then their advice becomes bad advice. I just haven't ever seen a 40 gallon aquarium except for the 40 breeder which is why I kinda assumed although I should have double checked.
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What?! You pooped in the refrigerator, and ate the entire wheel of cheese?! I'm not even mad.... That's actually amazing!
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Aquatic Evolution
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Posted: October 26 2009 at 1:35pm |
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It kind of depends on the age and brand. Some do, some dont.
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Dion Richins
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Posted: October 26 2009 at 3:12pm |
Sorry this is off topic,
But i just want to point out how fortunate we are to have a LFS/Shawn willing to come on this site, Voice his opinion and help OUR members out.
We all have our own opinions and while I personally might not agree with a bit of advice from any one I don't think it is necessary to attack them or a store.
Remember there is no absolute wrong or right in this hobby. Just tons of different ways to do it
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Jeremyw
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Posted: October 26 2009 at 3:34pm |
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ksmart
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Posted: October 26 2009 at 3:43pm |
It is a 40 breeder no center brace. Thanks for all of your help and input!
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