HOT TIP Submissions -- Topic: Lighting Tips

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HOT TIPS Column: February Issue of Advanced Aquarist

February's theme is "Lighting Tips." Please submit any tips or tricks you have found while working on your lighting -- change-out schedule, ideas for moonlighting simulation, etc. Your tips and tricks will help new and existing reefkeepers and also helps to bring the hobby to the next level (plus it's just cool to get published in a magazine like Advanced Aquarist).

When published, your hot tip will have your username published (along with your real name if you so desire). Every month we will be running a new HOT TIP thread so stay tuned and help out when you can.

The staff at both Reefs.org and Advanced Aquarist would like to thank you for your continued interest and support of our online community, magazine, and services.

Let the submissions begin!

Best regards,

Reefs.org and Advanced Aquarist staff

 

[playfair]

Keep 'em clean!
It sounds simple enough, but it's surprising how many people let their open lamps and reflectors get all salted up... If I notice dried spray on the lights or surrounding area, I'll wipe it down with a damp paper towel after they cool down at night.

 

[dgasmd]

Quality reflector makes a huge difference. Most are incredibly inefficient and we end up paying a tons of money in electricity just lighting up the top of the canopy and the room.

 

[Mikef1]

Im sure we have all done this once in the hobby but for you newbies when buying lighting get what you really want the first time instead of spending more the second.

 

[Anonymous]

When I change out my lights, I write the date I install them ON the bulb. It's easy with PC's, I just write on the plastic base. It would work with MH as well, just take a sharpie and write on the top threads of the base. (where the metal meets the glass) That way, if I forget when I changed them, I have an easy reference.

B

 

[Emperator]

adding to playfairs topic, i regularly clean my mh bulbs. instead of using water, use rubbing alcohol, it tears the salt spray right off and will evaporate leaving no film.

 

[fishfanatic2]

Spectrum and Kelvin rating is important for tank health and asthetic purposes.

 

[shr00m]

dont get ripped off. 55x2 watt pc ballast about $24.00 and 55x4 ballast for $33.00 workhorse 5 and workhorse 7 https://www.1000bulbs.com/category.php?category=770

ive seen 4x55 strips at the LFS for 260.00 ... that is a ripoff when you can DIY in a hood, or retrofit an old NO strip for 1/3rd the price.

 

[BlennyBabe]

In a pinch, aluminum foil can be used as a reflector until anopther can be aquired.

 

[MI0706]

Im sure we have all done this once in the hobby but for you newbies when buying lighting get what you really want the first time instead of spending more the second.

I'm that newbie who is upgrading his PC lighting to MH lighting...

 

[Modo]

If you can't afford or get your hands on some decent reflectors for MH us galvanized AC duct.

It comes in large round sections that can be cut with tin snips or hack saw. Take pliers and pry the connections up and bend open. Some even come unassembled. Then using some screws apply to hood. Easy, cheap and great for heat dissapation.

 

[JD'sReef]

I have a hamilton hood with a 175 MH (still a newbie). Would a small reflector behind the MH help out even more. The hood is already metal and I was woundering if this would help out even more.
Also, are you all on the 10k banwagon or have you tried other kalvins? My 55k football has got to go; I like it better with only atinics at night.

 

[kim]

How many watts ?

Well, (Fossa and Nilsen Vol 1, page 199) says that irradiance at the equator at midday averages 77,500 lumens/meter and peaks around 126,500 lumens/meter.

Daylight (6,500 K) halides and flouro's emit approximately 80 lumens/watt.

Which suggests that to mimic water surface conditions, 1 kW of lighting per sq meter, and good reflectors, are required.

Not everyone wishes to mimic these conditions, but it is an objective number from which to start.

kim