Made the switch from PC to MH...verdict is still out.

Subliminal

Subliminal

AC Members
Feb 21, 2007
1,806
0
0
50
Princeton, NJ
Formerly I had a 24 inch Hamilton fixture on my 30 inch wide 29g.

2x 6700k 55w PC
2x actinic 55w PC

I just installed the new setup:

175w Hamilton Tech ballast
14k Hamilton bulb
PFO parabolic reflector

I don't know if bulbs need to break in, or how long they take to reach optimal color, or whatever, but it's been about 15 minutes and:

The tank isn't lit as well as it was with the PC...

The light seems pretty even all the way across...which is good.

The color isn't as blue as I'd hoped...

Maybe I just need to adjust, but it doesn't seem like the upgrade I was hoping.

Of course, in 3 months I don't have to spend $200 on new snazzy german bulbs.

Maybe I'll add a few t5 actinics to the hood in the future...hard to say yet.

:flamed:
 
Yeah, it's just funny that i was expecting so much more.

I'll tell you what, though...the green stuff in the tank is sure a lot greener. My BTA was orange, and now it's definitely green.
 
IMG_3167.jpg

I need to do something about the light spilling out the back/sides. I don't mind the shimmer on the wall above the tank, but the bright light on the sides is no good. I also need to match the curtains to the carpet, if you know what I mean...I plan to wrap the metal stand in wood to match.

IMG_3168.jpg

IMG_3169.jpg



A new FTS of my algae farm...got at least 5 or 6 varieties going in there. ;)
IMG_3165.jpg


And a pic of my happy little nuclear family:
IMG_3166.jpg


:)
 
nice! but yeah, for a tank without actinics, i like a goo 20K better. although the suggestions above about some cheap t5s will do WONDERS! :)
and also, the PCs may have looked better, but wait until you see how your corals respond. ive tried both for extended periods of time and IMO, there is absolutly NO comparison, even with lower lighting corals as long as they are acclimated. never again will i use PCs. you'll be happy:)
and if you are looking for something to eat the algae until you can control the nutrients, try some sea hares :)
 
Ok, after sitting there staring for hours last night, i'm starting to really like it.

I think it was just getting used to it, after switching one off and one on in the span of about 15 minutes.

Sorry aquarium inhabitants...daddy just changed the sun. ;)
 
lol, see if you notice this....mine are often the only lights on downstairs when it gets dark. Because well, they light up the fricking house without the canopy being finished. I don't have supplements with them either so when they go off all of a sudden we've found ourselves tripping over things in the dark..lol
 
Yeah, my uncle was actually over last night and i was pointing things out when the lights went dark. It was pretty much a shocker since it was pitch black after that...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom