Adding actinics without much room

[recoiljpr]

Okay DIY'ers, I'd like to see if anyone has some ideas on adding actinic supplementation. I have a DIY canopy I made for my tank (36"W X 18"D X14"H). In it, I have 2 lumenbright-mini reflectors (16"X16"X4"). So as you can see, I don't have much room at all to place any lights to the sides of the reflectors (about 1" on each side of the reflectors). I do have more then enough depth to place them below and to the side of the MH. My only concern would be that having them below and a bit to the side would block a lot of the light from the MH.

I do know some T12 have internal reflectors, which would mean I wouldn't need external reflectors. But I think a t12 would be wider then a T5 and the external reflector.

Since the inside of the canopy is painted white, could I just put T5's in there without reflectors? Since the Actinic will only be for supplemental lighting (my viewing pleasure only) would that work?

Any other ideas?

[princer7]

I think that would work.... if they are below, you may get some use of the lumenbright to bounce some of the actinic back into the tank. I would use the narrower T5s.

[CoryDude]

t-5's with external reflectors are the same width as t-12's w/internal reflectors. You need to allow about 2" a piece for either.

I've got vho's slightly under my mh reflectors. They block a little mh light at the top edges of the tank, but nothing noticable.

[recoiljpr]

Just to give everyone an an update. I went with T5's (ATI SuperBlue+). I mounted them under and to the sides of my mh. I hung them using flexible wire fishing leaders. I'm really enjoying the little bit of oomph it added to the look of the tank. It toned down the overly white hues from the 10k's. It also really helped to make the greens pop.

[recoiljpr]

I wanted to post these two pictures, showing the difference actinic makes to the viewing pleasure. :-)

Before, Without Actinics-
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb220/recoiljpr/DSCF0250.jpg

After- With Actinics
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb220/recoiljpr/83009.jpg

[allan]

Looks good Jason, need to see it in person though. When's the next fight? :)