Lighting for Dummies

[pupeluv]

I'm just a delicate feminine flower (okay, if you knew me that would be funny) that's new to all this marine stuff. So forgive me if my question is remedial.

I have a 29 gallon tank (standard hood) I'm getting ready to turn into a 37 gallon tall. If I get a retrofit vho kit will I just gut the existing hood and install the kit? If I buy a good kit, will the instructions be clear? I'm semi-handy, so I'm sure I could do it myself with good instructions. I'd appreciate some info. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Here s an option. I have not used them. I run a 250 MH. People on this board have recieved very good customer service and their instructions are supposed to be great.

A & H Supply

 

[Anonymous]

You will likely find that a standard hood is not going to be of much use for retrofitting to VHO or PC's. Mainly because of the heat issue and the fact that other than it being someplace to mount the bulbs it is completely useless. I would suggest you either get something like a pine canopy or build/buy a simple wooden box to mount the retrofit into.

 

[GotKalk]

Hello from Flagstaff...

I am about to add two 250s to a DYI hood. I would be glad to help you out if I can.

Rick

 

[mgamelin]

Kelly
Here's some pictures of the system that I made for my 33 gal. This system is 175 watt retro that is 37" long and has a variabe speed fan for your canopy. Your more that likely going to have to make a canopy or get someone to make it for you.It should be at least 6" off the water for VHO and 10" For a MH system. If you keep the VHO bulbs close to the water surface you will be finding yourself cleaning the salt from them quite often . Have you considered a hanging fixture..

[ August 10, 2001: Message edited by: mgamelin ]

 

[swreefer]

You can gut a standard strip light and place a PC retro inside. AHsupply sells all the equipment and has pics of the end result on their website.
Here is the link. http://www.ahsupply.com/36,40,or.htm

 

[lawndoctor]

Kelly: I had a 37 and did what you are suggesting. I gutted and bolted together two All-Glass Twin Tube hoods, put in four VHO bulbs and two small Radio Shack fans, and ran the thing with an Ice Cap ballast. I took out everything, modified the white plastic reflectors, and used the pin connectors that came with the hood. VHO end caps were too big. Eventually I built a more roomy and sturdy hood out of oak to match the shelving into which the tank was built, but the cannibalized All-Glass hoods did work. Assuming you're handy, if not a delicate flower, you should be able to make it work. Good luck.

 

[FishHead1]

Kelly,
I'm a pollinator - JK.
Just an observation - are you aware that going from a 29 to a 37 does not do much good. The 37 has the same surface area as a 29.

 

[pupeluv]

Thanks for all the great info. I'm working on a budget here. I have vaulted ceilings and cats, so a hanging ballast isn't really an option. I'm just going to the tall tank for seahorses and so I can reuse my stand, etc. Plus I got the tank for $1 a gallon at Petco. I know taller doesn't let me have more fish.

Bummer, I was hoping I could use the hood I have. I guess I'll have to try making my own. This could take a while.

 

[hectina]

www.ahsupply sells inexpensive ready to use hoods. BTW, taller doesn't mean more fish, but it can mean more rock in interesting formations. Also, it allows more variaton of coral types, due to the longer distances from the light source