150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start

DrVader said:
Looks awesome but I'm useless :D
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But honest (lol)!

I know - the more I read, the more decisions / options there seem to be. Glad I didn't start the canopy yet (going to start prepping the stock tomorrow). Pretty much have the plans in my head, but still need a little clearer picture of how it's all going to come together.

The instructions with the retro kit are really kind of weak (especially for a $600+ kit). It has no pictures (guess they didn't know how much I love pics) and it's a bit confusing on what goes where and how?? I will likely end up calling them for a bit of help (include pics and you would probably cut down on your calls).

I have researched and found a bit on installing the kit ... feedback from someone who has installed a retro or two would be great!!!
 
cfsinc said:
IceCap's - the makers of the Ballasts - instructions say to mount the ballasts above the water line in a location with sufficient air flow to permit cooling. Also, to avoid mounting the ballasts inside the light fixture next to the lamps.

It looks like on the outside back of the canopy?!?
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guess so..
 
I haven't installed any retro kits but have been researching diy canopies, and the majority of people either have them mounted on the back of the canopy or seen a few mount them on top purely for heat issues. Either way you go I'd avoid putting them down under the tank. Awesome build by the way. I'd go with back of the canopy =)
 
nguyendetecting said:
I haven't installed any retro kits but have been researching diy canopies, and the majority of people either have them mounted on the back of the canopy or seen a few mount them on top purely for heat issues. Either way you go I'd avoid putting them down under the tank. Awesome build by the way. I'd go with back of the canopy =)
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You can put them under the tank, as long as you build in some fans. That's where the Coralife Retrofit ballast is nice, because the ballast box has fans and switches built in.

I bought one for $45 and then added 2 AHSupply reflectors.
 
jmhart said:
You can put them under the tank, as long as you build in some fans. That's where the Coralife Retrofit ballast is nice, because the ballast box has fans and switches built in.

I bought one for $45 and then added 2 AHSupply reflectors.
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What about the recommendation of above the water level??
 
nguyendetecting said:
I haven't installed any retro kits but have been researching diy canopies, and the majority of people either have them mounted on the back of the canopy or seen a few mount them on top purely for heat issues. Either way you go I'd avoid putting them down under the tank. Awesome build by the way. I'd go with back of the canopy =)
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Thanks for the feedback - I think on the back of the canopy will be the way to go. I will try and double dip with the fans, using them for both bulbs and ballasts. We'll see what I can come up with ...
 
cfsinc said:
What about the recommendation of above the water level??
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Drip loop. Put in a drip loop between the bulbs and ballast, and then another between the ballast and plug. I have my coralife ballast mounted to the back of my stand, but at the top of the stand(if that makes sense), so all the cords run almost down to the floor before coming back up to plug into the ballast.

However, the downside is that it can be difficult to take the hood off if the ballast is mounted to the stand. The coralife ballast easily disconnects the bulbs from the ballast, but if you go with ahsupply or any other retrokit, get a couple quick disconnects.
 
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