Increasing my lighting

[wkopplin]

I am taking the lighting on my tank up to 5 400W halides. I am running 3 @20K and 2 @10K. The 10k's are on the way. My 4 month old ARO VHO ballast from Hellolights died, so I decided to just go with all halides on the tank. I might revive the VHO's at some point to supplement with actinics.

[thedraven]

Wow.. maybe Im the only one who doesnt know, but what size is your tank? :wtf:

400watt x 5? Now thats a MAN'S lighting rig!!

[CD]

Wow.. maybe Im the only one who doesnt know, but what size is your tank? :wtf:

You are not the only one curious about that. I read wkopplins posts and constantly wonder. I suspect the tank is huge with the tang population-
reminds me of the turtle farm in Grand Cayman. :D

Chris

[RobertG]

400watt x 5? Now thats a MAN'S lighting rig!!

No just the signs of one going NUTZZZZZ! ****, Blake you trying to be seen from space.
Hymm, are they electronic or Magnetic? $$$$$$$ is all I see.

Bet it is Cool though.

[wkopplin]

The display tank is 215. I would like my house to be seen from space. I have three on there now and it just does not seem like enough light. They are (unfortunately) magnetic.

[GaryP]

Are you going to put your own power plant in the backyard?

Gary

[Richard]

WOW! And to think I've been debating adding a 3rd 400w to my 215.

Hey Blake, I have icecap electronic ballasts and I like them alot. They have two wires that you can connect that will dim the light output about 40%. With a timer you could rig them to give you better control of your light cycle rather than just on/off. Might save a few $ on your electric bill as well. I don't use the dimming feature since I only have 1440 watts over my tank.

[GaryP]

Only 1440 watts!

Is this turning into my wattage is bigger than yours kind of thing. Or rather is this a my electric bill is bigger than your's? I knew someone was going to take Jim Norris's place.

Gary

[Richard]

LOL! They are tall tanks though.

[wkopplin]

Oh, I bet I have most beat on the ol' electric bill. Mine is way up there. I will check out the icecaps, but to replace 5 of them might be a little steep.

[::pete::]

You mentioned putting back the VHO's ... ever think about T5's? I am and thats why I ask.

[NaCl_H2O]

Blake just wants to get the duty cycle up on his monster chiller a little! :o

For comparison Purposes ;) :
215g = 3x400W 6.5K MH, 2x160W 72" VHO Actinic
140 = 2x250W 10K MH, 2x96W PC Actinic
Pentagon = 2x48W PCs
Fuge = 4x96W PCs
QT = 2x48W PCs
Frags = 175W 10K MH

I think that's about 3,000 Watts ... and I maintain a Golden Tan :-D

[::pete::]

Hey where are the updated pics .. Steve?

[theedprado]

you might want to consider converting the ballasts to a higher voltage(220), it will cut energy consumption in about half, if you have multi tap ballasts.

[NaCl_H2O]

Hey where are the updated pics .. Steve?

All you would see right now is lots of algae! After It cycles I'll post more pics

[::pete::]

Ha ... algae is a good sign!