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chris.rogers 
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 Topic: DIY MH mounting hardware
Posted: March 13 2008 at 3:26pm |
What do you guys use to mount your hardware; socket, bulb, and reflector?
One time I had all the pieces then realized I had no clue as to how to secure it to the inside of my canopy and never took the time to explore how others did it either.  |
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Ils sont fous, ces Romains!
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jonafriendj
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Posted: March 13 2008 at 3:28pm |
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I screwed my reflectors to 3x4s and hung them by eyelets so I could adjust how high they are.
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Pleasant Grove
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chris.rogers
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Posted: March 13 2008 at 3:47pm |
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I don't know what 3x4s and eyelets are by name.
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Ils sont fous, ces Romains!
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jonafriendj
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Posted: March 13 2008 at 4:01pm |
A 3x4 piece of wood. Like a two-by-four, but not as wide. And eyelets, just metal screws that the top is round so you can run a hanging wire through it  I could post a pic later if that doesn't make sense. I'm curious how other people do it too.
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Pleasant Grove
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superman1981
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Posted: March 13 2008 at 5:48pm |
Hey Chris, I have no clue on how to work with MH's, but I just thought I'd jump in to tell you not to fry yourself in the process 
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Sure you are, you are Crappy Reef Club Member #1 -Chk4tix 6 gal nanocube 65 gal build thread
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chris.rogers
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Posted: March 13 2008 at 7:26pm |
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Ha.
The electrical stuff isn't a problem. I can hook it up.
I thought 3x4's were an L bracket...
How do you affix the socket to something?
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Ils sont fous, ces Romains!
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jpndave
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Posted: March 13 2008 at 10:28pm |
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Did you get a new tank? Post some pics and maybe we can help out. A few of us are making some lumenarc style reflectors. You are welcome to join in the project if you would like. I have a sheetmetal brake and a line on the reflective aluminum.
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chris.rogers
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Posted: March 14 2008 at 8:45am |
That's nice of you, Dave, but no, I'm not ready to do the next tank yet.
I'm still not even sure whether or not I'm going with T5 or MH... I keep changing my mind.
I'm just trying to figure out how it's done, that's all.
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Ils sont fous, ces Romains!
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jpndave
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Posted: March 14 2008 at 10:32pm |
Well, how about both? Halide main lighting with T5 actinics or get really bold and try LEDs. I am in process on trying out the LED thing. I think larger tanks may still be cost prohibitive. Andy (sanddune600) is doing a 100 with two halides and two 4' T5 actinics. I think it will turn out nice.
Let's get you back into a tank!
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chris.rogers
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Posted: March 17 2008 at 9:41am |
Well, T5s are cooler (temperature wise), cheaper to run, and more efficient.
Halides just seem to perform better, though. (That's purely anecdotal and based on my experience.) I love the way the light pops.
But in the end I keep coming back to the cost efficiency. If T5s/VHOs can do 90% of the job at 50% the energy, the engineer in me says to go with them.
On a 90 gallon, I'd want at least two halides running at 175W, even though I'd prefer 250W, we're looking at 350W. On the other hand, T5s, running a 4x54 setup would be sufficient for my SPS/LPS/Clam/Anemone desires, we're looking at 216W. Again, this is if I elect to go with the weaker 175W MH instead of the 250W setup. So even lowballing it, I'm running at 60% the energy drain.
I just don't know.
To satisfy the urge, though, I think I'm gonna pick up some 1/4" acrylic and build a frag tank with one DIY 175 MH so I can start to grow frags and be ready to stock the 90 gallon as soon as it's ready.
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Ils sont fous, ces Romains!
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firefighter6681
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Posted: March 17 2008 at 2:40pm |
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65 Gallon and just getting started again after over year break.
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firefighter6681
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Posted: March 17 2008 at 9:53pm |
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65 Gallon and just getting started again after over year break.
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