odyssea MH fixture review... new electronic version

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=9835166#post9835166

[Rick2203]

actually my i suck at taking pictures, the URI's are plurple with a hint of blue , now the coralife bulbs i had before are actually more purple than these but they are less bright since they didnt have the reflector built in,im very happy with them, So King what kind od problems are you running into that its taken you so long, besides running around looking for wire.

[Rick2203]

wow another split

[05Xrunner]

this is a LARGE thread

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9835168#post9835168 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
actually my i suck at taking pictures, the URI's are plurple with a hint of blue , now the coralife bulbs i had before are actually more purple than these but they are less bright since they didnt have the reflector built in,im very happy with them, So King what kind od problems are you running into that its taken you so long, besides running around looking for wire.

The wire took a long time and since I didn't use the internal ballast I had to run the wires from the outside. It wouldn't have taken so long but I kept needing tools or screws that I didn't have. (very frustrating) The waterproof caps are huge and the plastic cover would never fit but why do I need it with the caps being waterproof. I also thought about the heat but the heat from the PC ballast have got to be worse than the heat from these bulbs. We'll see on that soon.

They are installed and running. I love them. That is what I thought my star polyps and frogspawn were supposed to look like!! The PC actinics just don't hit the right range to make things flouress. If someone didn't want to go through the trouble of a VHO mod I highly recommend changing out the PCs now that I see what they should be doing for my corals. The give the tank a slightly bluish tint when both the MH and they are running. My Phoenix's have lightened up some after the burn in.

Also... There is no instructions with the bulb. is the darker half of the bulb go on top because it is the reflector side? That is the way I did it with the writing facing the water.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9835181#post9835181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
wow another split

Mia should be proud!

[Rick2203]

yes the writing faces the water ..the side with the tape looking stuff is the reflector.. the vho mod is awesome well worth it.

[db_triggerfish]

Anyone using the CoralVue ballast, can you post pictures of the wiring this picture has the wire end missing. Thanks,

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s30/dbtriggerfish/CoralVue250wsinglemhballast.jpg

[spawn79]

WOOHOO another split :)

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9835896#post9835896 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
yes the writing faces the water ..the side with the tape looking stuff is the reflector.. the vho mod is awesome well worth it.

Awesome is right. I am VERY pleased with the color. The must be close to the black light range. Even the spots on my watch glow when near them.

[Rick2203]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9835963#post9835963 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by db_triggerfish
Anyone using the CoralVue ballast, can you post pictures of the wiring this picture has the wire end missing. Thanks,

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s30/dbtriggerfish/CoralVue250wsinglemhballast.jpg

someone posted pics a few pages back, of someone wiring them, i believe the wires are the same color as the ones in the fixture so you shouldnt have a problem wiring, there should be only 3 wires coming out of the ballast, there should be 2 hot wires and the ground. i guess i have to wait till my ballast comes in to give better explanations, i will make sure i post pics of the wiring when my ballast comes in.

[kfowler]

I posted pics of the wiring for the Ice Cap. I can't imagine the Coralvue is too much different.

Well I'm reallying looking forward to the VHO mod. I should have the parts by Wednesday.

King Nine - You bought a different ballast for the VHO didn't you?

[kfowler]

One more note, if you need some more mounting screws for the internal grooves in the fixture, I found that the screws on the back of most computers work perfect.

[miatawnt2b]

Good grief. I thought this thread would end up being 2-3 pages of UL listed flaming and that's would be ablut the end of it.

We need a roll-call on how many bought this light because of this thread. Good info has been learned here for sure.

-J

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9836749#post9836749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miatawnt2b
Good grief. I thought this thread would end up being 2-3 pages of UL listed flaming and that's would be ablut the end of it.

We need a roll-call on how many bought this light because of this thread. Good info has been learned here for sure.

-J

We need an index for this thread.

I bought this fixture because of this thread. So I blame you mia. :D

[Rick2203]

Hahaha man i actually bought the fixture a couple of days before i found this thread i was doing searches on this light on google. i didnt even know Reef Central existed i used to lurk on another site, thank god i found this place, i had a nirate problem at the time too and found the Sugar and Vodka thread and my problem solved. thank god for this place.

[jcgso]

yep, it's all your fault mia :D . I bought the 48 fixture because of this thread (and the new ballasts.) Now that I think about it, you guys are costing me plenty of money :eek1: .

[King Nine]

Mia, I too bought the fixture because of your great post at the beginning of this thread. You did such a good job disecting the fixture.

Kfowler, I bought the ARO ballast from hellolights for $35. It is working but I'm jealous of everyone who will be able to just wire in endcaps and use the stock ballast as that would have been 10 times easier.

Also, I'm glad hellolights threw in the free endcap mounts. I would have not had anything to mount them with. I ended up drilling a hole in the middle of the mount so I could screw it down to the little center grove.

Still no sign of the camera. I can't show you how green my frogspawn and starpolyps are now that the VHOs are in.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9837851#post9837851 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
Kfowler, I bought the ARO ballast from hellolights for $35. It is working but I'm jealous of everyone who will be able to just wire in endcaps and use the stock ballast as that would have been 10 times easier.

Yes but I'll bet you get better performance with that ballast vs. the stock CF ballast.

[05Xrunner]

I bought the light cause of the thread...I was already thinking about it. This thread just helped me feel better knowing its not like all the typical naysayers where BSing about

[GSMguy]

props on the split mia :)

[Jorgens]

Aye, I was contemplating buying it the thread pushed me over. 2 months later all is well. Except the ballasts of course.

So sorting thru all this is getting real tough. Can we use the stock ballast to fire up VHO's? I have the 72" model.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9838114#post9838114 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jorgens
Aye, I was contemplating buying it the thread pushed me over. 2 months later all is well. Except the ballasts of course.

So sorting thru all this is getting real tough. Can we use the stock ballast to fire up VHO's? I have the 72" model.

Yes. I believe that's what Rick is doing and I will be using the same stock ballasts.

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9836749#post9836749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miatawnt2b
Good grief. I thought this thread would end up being 2-3 pages of UL listed flaming and that's would be ablut the end of it.

We need a roll-call on how many bought this light because of this thread. Good info has been learned here for sure.

-J

Yes i got the 760w because of this thread and when i get the new ballasts i should be very happy with it. I picked up two of these fans to help with cooling since first time dealing with the heat of MH, but one good thing about it is that the heat is focus at one point which makes it easy to push out. They are on sale at drfostersmith, very quiet.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14701&Ntt=azoo%20fan&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=2004&Nty=1

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s30/dbtriggerfish/azoofanfromdrfostersmith.jpg

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9838614#post9838614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by db_triggerfish
Yes i got it because of this thread and when i get the new ballasts i should be very happy with it. I picked up two of these fans to help with cooling they are on sale at drfostersmith. Very quiet.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s30/dbtriggerfish/azoofanfromdrfostersmith.jpg

i need some of those got a linky?

[db_triggerfish]

GSMguy, i just edited my post added the link.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14701&Ntt=azoo%20fan&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=2004&Nty=1

[naldopr]

I went to ebay and they seel one from aquatek of california


http://cgi.ebay.com/Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Chiller-Cooling-Fan-4-fan_W0QQitemZ230123355759QQihZ013QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9838114#post9838114 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jorgens
Aye, I was contemplating buying it the thread pushed me over. 2 months later all is well. Except the ballasts of course.

So sorting thru all this is getting real tough. Can we use the stock ballast to fire up VHO's? I have the 72" model.

That depends on what wattage ballast you have. I only have 65w ballast in my 48" so I was forced to buy a new 220w ballast. If the 72" has 95w ballast you can probably get away with underdriving a little bit if the bulb is 110w. Have you checked to see what wattage bulb would fit in your 72" fixture. Here is a hint: you probably can't use a 72" bulb. The 48" bulb would not fit in mine. The 46.5" with endcaps is a VERY tight squeeze.

[King Nine]

BTW... Mia, just 38 pages to your 3rd split:eek:

[Jorgens]

I think a pair of 72" at 160w each. If it's a tight fight I'll prob just leave the PC's in. Sunpaq makes a more purple actinic wich will help the greens pop. These blue onesarn't much diff than a phoenix bulb imo.

[H2oH2o]

i was contemplating the 760w light from aquatraders untill i found a link to this thread, nice work you guys. My light will be here in 6 days...

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9839373#post9839373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jorgens
I think a pair of 72" at 160w each. If it's a tight fight I'll prob just leave the PC's in. Sunpaq makes a more purple actinic wich will help the greens pop. These blue onesarn't much diff than a phoenix bulb imo.

I would almost guarantee that they won't fit. The 72" fixture might be a little different but the the 36 bulb doesn't fit the 36 fixture and the 48 bulb would never have fit my 48 fixture. I put in the 46.5 and the endcap of the fixture is ever so slightly bowed. If I were you I would go with the URI 60" bulb. You will get more light than you have now from your CF's and have better colors!

By going with the 60" you would not be giving up near as much as you might think you would be. The CF's have a small gap between them and the plug in area is about an inch wide. With two lights that is two inches and there is probably about a 2" gap between the bulbs making about 4" of unused space. Seeing as how you really don't have 72" of usable space you have more like 70". deduct the 60" bulb and now you have about 5" on each side. That is only 6" different than what you have now. The VHO is so much better than a CF you will actually gain in performance (assuming you change the ballast from what I'm guessing is your 95w to a new more powerfull ballast.)

As for the bulb. I don't know anything about them. I posted a poll and got overwhelming evidence to use the URI and I'm glad I did. The greens stand out like never before. Here is link to the thread with the poll on it: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1104765

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9841673#post9841673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by H2oH2o
i was contemplating the 760w light from aquatraders untill i found a link to this thread, nice work you guys. My light will be here in 6 days...

Welcome to the club. your membership patch will be arriving shortly.:p

Seriously, I hope you like your fixture. If you like tinkering with things you will surely enjoy it as it does give you quite a few opportunities to tweak it.

[Jorgens]

Thanks king...now my gears are turning....

[miatawnt2b]

Well I hope that I am a lucky one, but I have noticed zero issues with heat thus far. Granted, the day temps in the house are only hitting 75 on a scorcher like yesterday (attempt at a bad joke) but My heaters are still working to keep the tank at 78.

-J

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9843001#post9843001 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miatawnt2b
Well I hope that I am a lucky one, but I have noticed zero issues with heat thus far. Granted, the day temps in the house are only hitting 75 on a scorcher like yesterday (attempt at a bad joke) but My heaters are still working to keep the tank at 78.

-J

I also have had no heat issues. That being said I have a very open canopy as well as fans.

[Rick2203]

no heat issues here either.

[snulma1]

I'm waiting to order the 24" model since they are sold out right now. but it was because of this thread!!!!

And I have 2x 250w ballasts to rewire them with!

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9843248#post9843248 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
I'm waiting to order the 24" model since they are sold out right now. but it was because of this thread!!!!

And I have 2x 250w ballasts to rewire them with!

for the 24inch you will only need 1x250

[Rick2203]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9843248#post9843248 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
I'm waiting to order the 24" model since they are sold out right now. but it was because of this thread!!!!

And I have 2x 250w ballasts to rewire them with!

jesus thats alot of light for a 24" fixture

[hoyta]

you guys are going to flame the crap outta me:)
I have my 65, and didn't see the point of orderibng a new ballast and bulbs for the vhos- True, vhos are better in the long run, but pcs aren't as bad as they are made out to be:)
I did replace the stock 65wx2 ballast with a workhorse 5, and there is a noticeable difference. The bulbs aren't nearly as yellow as before, and seem to be brighter. Granted, I don't have anything to test this theory, so its just my opinion:) Plus, i had the ballast lying around.
I did order the coralvue ballast, and it should be in by tues-wed...
Can't wait! Will post pics

[05Xrunner]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9844193#post9844193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hoyta
you guys are going to flame the crap outta me:)
I have my 65, and didn't see the point of orderibng a new ballast and bulbs for the vhos- True, vhos are better in the long run, but pcs aren't as bad as they are made out to be:)
I did replace the stock 65wx2 ballast with a workhorse 5, and there is a noticeable difference. The bulbs aren't nearly as yellow as before, and seem to be brighter. Granted, I don't have anything to test this theory, so its just my opinion:) Plus, i had the ballast lying around.
I did order the coralvue ballast, and it should be in by tues-wed...
Can't wait! Will post pics
LOL I dont even use my PC's anymore. just the 2 250mh and thats it. since I got 14k bulbs I dont need the actinic

[supersaltlick]

Just ordered the 48" last night. Can't wait till it gets here. How long has it taken people to get these (I'm in East TN)?

[kfowler]

Mine shipped 48 hours after order. Shipping time was around 3 days to Detroit.

[kevin95695]

I bought mine back in the early days of this thread. They owe -J royalties (or they should).

Don't have time to go back through all the splits: What bulbs will fire on the unmodded rig besides the Phoenix's?

Thanks.

[Rick2203]

Reflux 12k,phoenix 14k ,have been fired with the stock ballast i dont remember if any other have been fired.

[snulma1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9843256#post9843256 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
for the 24inch you will only need 1x250

Yeah, I know I only need 1 but I have 2, so i'll have a backup I guess
or when I upgrade, I can save more money on ordering sans ballasts!

[kfowler]

Ushio 14k also fires.

[billyzbear]

Sorry if I sound stupid. Why buy a fixture that needs a ballast change to work correctly?

[Jorgens]

I got one of those 14k off E-bay but haven't put i tin yet. I was waiting for my neew ballast first. Im sure it will fire...

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9846673#post9846673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billyzbear
Sorry if I sound stupid. Why buy a fixture that needs a ballast change to work correctly?

$$$$$$$

need I say more

[King Nine]

Hey guys, I found my camera. I'll try to post pics tonight of the VHO mod tank shots.

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9839067#post9839067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
That depends on what wattage ballast you have. I only have 65w ballast in my 48" so I was forced to buy a new 220w ballast. If the 72" has 95w ballast you can probably get away with underdriving a little bit if the bulb is 110w. Have you checked to see what wattage bulb would fit in your 72" fixture. Here is a hint: you probably can't use a 72" bulb. The 48" bulb would not fit in mine. The 46.5" with endcaps is a VERY tight squeeze.

I think I posted back a split or 2 ago :lol: that I was considering using (2) 95w 36'' and (2) 78w 24" with the (4) stock PC ballasts that come in the 72" fixture... thats 5 feet of VHO bulb with an additional 11.5 inches to fit in the endcaps... so spacewise should fit fine... also allows almost 350w of VHO... so the "pop" should be pretty intense with URI VHO actinics :D

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9846673#post9846673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billyzbear
Sorry if I sound stupid. Why buy a fixture that needs a ballast change to work correctly?

Even having to buy a new ballast, the fixture is still cheaper than anything comparable. Even better if you ask them to credit you the stock ballast when you order. I did a cost comparison a few pages back that might help.

[billyzbear]

If you had an open top I guess but for the reflector it wouldn't add up. How much for a 250w de reflector? I read alot of this post but when I found out that the ballast needed to be changed it turned me off. I guess the ballast for the PC's will fire VHO but can the t5 be put in?

[Rick2203]

Amen!!!!

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9847614#post9847614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billyzbear
If you had an open top I guess but for the reflector it wouldn't add up. How much for a 250w de reflector? I read alot of this post but when I found out that the ballast needed to be changed it turned me off. I guess the ballast for the PC's will fire VHO but can the t5 be put in?

I'm not sure what you mean by the reflector. You'll have to elaborate a little more.

I believe someone did a T5 mod a while back. I see no reason why you couldn't. You may even be able to get two bulbs per side to fit.

It isn't necessary to change out the PC's unless you want to. I currently am running mine with the MH and I notice a marginal difference in color pop. I'll be doing the VHO mod just because I want to try it.

I said this a while back. I do really like this fixture even with some of the limitations. (eg ballast). I will say that I don't believe it's a good fit for someone who doesn't have any DIY skills. If you like to tinker, there's all kinds of things you can do.

[Jorgens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9847015#post9847015 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlso63
I think I posted back a split or 2 ago :lol: that I was considering using (2) 95w 36'' and (2) 78w 24" with the (4) stock PC ballasts that come in the 72" fixture... thats 5 feet of VHO bulb with an additional 11.5 inches to fit in the endcaps... so spacewise should fit fine... also allows almost 350w of VHO... so the "pop" should be pretty intense with URI VHO actinics :D

I havent looked real deep yet. There are 4 ballasts on the 72"?? 4x 96w?

If hats the case I think I see why your going with your vho mod. saves a bit on ballasts.....

keep us posted....

[Jorgens]

heres the bulbs I was talking about. These are more on the "blacklight" spectrum and would intensify your greens more than the stock actinics. From hellolights....

http://www.lampsnow.com/96wpccfac033.html

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9848090#post9848090 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jorgens
I havent looked real deep yet. There are 4 ballasts on the 72"?? 4x 96w?

If hats the case I think I see why your going with your vho mod. saves a bit on ballasts.....

keep us posted....


Yes, the stock setup is (4) x 96w PC in the 72"... each PC has its own ballast. I figure this should be a relatively 'simple' mod in that I would just have to cut off the 4-pin PC caps and replace each one with a set of VHO endcaps...then pop in bulbs and should be good to go! :D

If I were to try to use a 72" 140w VHO bulb it would raise 2 issues; first, no room for endcaps since the entire fixture is only 72" long; 2nd, I would have to pull all 4 96w PC ballasts and replace with 2 140w ballasts, and I would like to keep it as simple as possible so I don't screw up and ruin a 2-month old fixture (I'm sure the wife would love that :rolleye1: )

Lastly, I would end up with - if it would fit - with 'only' 280w of VHO - vs. 346w of VHO doing it my way...

That's about 20% less wattage - although I think either way should give killer 'pop' to the tank compared to the PCs in there now-

[carlso63]

Changing the subject (slightly) :p :

I put a 6" Crocea clam in my tank last Friday... figured given the stock ballasts supposed low PAR ratings that I should plant the sucker way up on my LR, right under a 15K MH bulb... It was perched probably 10 inches below one of the MHs...

Well, 3 times the clam "blew" itself down to the sandbed and "snuggled in". By the 3rd time I gave up and just oriented it in the sandbed directly underneath one of the MH bulbs - but it is now probably a good 22 - 24" below the bulb itself.

It seems fine; fully opened, nice blue / green pigments around the edge of the mantle, reacts if I go near the tank (retracts quickly then slowly comes back out), and hasn't moved from the place where I put it.

Anybody know if there is a way to tell if it is not getting enough light? Will it close up or change colors or fade?

Right now I keep the MHs on for 7 or 8 hrs / day and the PCs for about 12 hrs / day... is that long enough?

[naldopr]

this ballast are wired now the bulb are super bright white!
or I'm getting crasy????

[kfowler]

My Crocea was doing the same thing. Jumping off every rock I put it on. I finally took a piece of rubble rock and placed it in the sand. I then put the clam on top of the piece and it attached in a couple of days. You can then move it to where ever you want. I still keep mine on the bottom.

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9848943#post9848943 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
My Crocea was doing the same thing. Jumping off every rock I put it on. I finally took a piece of rubble rock and placed it in the sand. I then put the clam on top of the piece and it attached in a couple of days. You can then move it to where ever you want. I still keep mine on the bottom.

Thanks, Kevin...

Do you think I'll have any issues with sufficient light intensity since I still have the stock MH ballasts ?

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9848387#post9848387 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlso63
Yes, the stock setup is (4) x 96w PC in the 72"... each PC has its own ballast. I figure this should be a relatively 'simple' mod in that I would just have to cut off the 4-pin PC caps and replace each one with a set of VHO endcaps...then pop in bulbs and should be good to go! :D

If I were to try to use a 72" 140w VHO bulb it would raise 2 issues; first, no room for endcaps since the entire fixture is only 72" long; 2nd, I would have to pull all 4 96w PC ballasts and replace with 2 140w ballasts, and I would like to keep it as simple as possible so I don't screw up and ruin a 2-month old fixture (I'm sure the wife would love that :rolleye1: )

Lastly, I would end up with - if it would fit - with 'only' 280w of VHO - vs. 346w of VHO doing it my way...

That's about 20% less wattage - although I think either way should give killer 'pop' to the tank compared to the PCs in there now-

I guess I could have done mine that way. One 18" and one 36" would have given me 5 less watts than the 46.5" but would have used all the stock ballasts. It still would mean a lot of wiring as the ballast endcap wires are only 6 or 7" long.

EDIT: The good thing about the VHO mod is less heat so far. I don't know if it was the ballast or the bulbs but there is much less heat from touching the top of the fixture.

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9848498#post9848498 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlso63
Changing the subject (slightly) :p :


Right now I keep the MHs on for 7 or 8 hrs / day and the PCs for about 12 hrs / day... is that long enough?


I started a thread a month ago about Photoperiod using MH, in the SPS forum and got back many good replies.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1089552

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9849002#post9849002 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlso63
Thanks, Kevin...

Do you think I'll have any issues with sufficient light intensity since I still have the stock MH ballasts ?

I'm probably not a really good person to ask about this. This is my first Crocea. My gut feeling is you'll probably be ok but I don't think the clam will thrive. I know that Crocea are the most light hungry clams of the group. I've read that if it looks like the clam is over extending itself, then it's looking for light. I really don't know what that would look like. It would really help if we could get someone else with a PAR meter to run some different scenarios. Either way, I wouldn't stress about replacing the ballast immdediately. However I would plan for it sometime in the near future. ( I back these statements up with no facts. Only gut opinion. :rollface: )

[captain19365]

Carlso63........
I have a crocea clam under the 48" 760W Odyssea MH lights with everything stock for now.(No Mods) Everything appears fine. I switched from PC lighting to this fixture.

You can tell if your clam isnt happy with the lighting by watching it's mantle "over- extend". A long time ago I tried to have my clams up on my LR and they kept jumping/falling off...

[captain19365]

One other thing that I forgot to mention was the color of the clam's mantle.... Green/Brown mantled clams require less intensity lighting than say a red/yellow/purple colored clam. I am sure the bulb's spectrum color also plays a role too.

My crocea is purple and survived under my PC lights. My Maxima clam is brown and really thrived and in fact tripled in size under the same pc lights.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9850002#post9850002 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by db_triggerfish
I started a thread a month ago about Photoperiod using MH, in the SPS forum and got back many good replies.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1089552

Well that thread went as I expected. Lots of different answers. Interesting. It's a shame is got out of hand for a moment. I'm running my MH 9 hrs and Actinics 10 hrs. I may drop it to 8. Would be nice on the electric bill.

[Rick2203]

i run my vhos for 10hrs and my MH for 8 i might cut down to 7hrs of mh since i mostly have lps and softies

[King Nine]

I just can't take a picture that shows what the tank looks like with the VHO's. If I use the flast it is too clear/white and if I don't use a flast it is WAY too blue.

O5Xrunner, any suggestions on point and shoot digital camera settings??

When I get home I'll take a photo of them installed but so far that is about all I can give ya.

[Rick2203]

i know king in the pics i took it looks blue but in reality its more purple than blue

[miatawnt2b]

King Nine,
try changing the white balance setting on your camera.
-J

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9853699#post9853699 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miatawnt2b
King Nine,
try changing the white balance setting on your camera.
-J

I'll give that a shot. As to what setting I have no clue. The beauty of digital photography is that you can take so many test shots and know quickly which works.

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9851380#post9851380 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by captain19365
Carlso63........
I have a crocea clam under the 48" 760W Odyssea MH lights with everything stock for now.(No Mods) Everything appears fine. I switched from PC lighting to this fixture.

You can tell if your clam isnt happy with the lighting by watching it's mantle "over- extend". A long time ago I tried to have my clams up on my LR and they kept jumping/falling off...

Thanks... my clam is mainly brown / blue with the irridescent blue and green around the outer edge of the mantle... it is open but not 'overextended', in fact it is open slightly less (maybe a few mms less) than it was at the LFS.

I was just concerned due to the distance from clam to MH bulb (at least 20 inches) and didn't want to go to the 'clam' forum section to ask, because I figured I'd get some "expert" flamer who would tell me my lights are "junk" and my clam is "doomed"... unless, of course the lights "burn your house down" first :lol: :lol: :lol:

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9855541#post9855541 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlso63
Thanks... my clam is mainly brown / blue with the irridescent blue and green around the outer edge of the mantle... it is open but not 'overextended', in fact it is open slightly less (maybe a few mms less) than it was at the LFS.

I was just concerned due to the distance from clam to MH bulb (at least 20 inches) and didn't want to go to the 'clam' forum section to ask, because I figured I'd get some "expert" flamer who would tell me my lights are "junk" and my clam is "doomed"... unless, of course the lights "burn your house down" first :lol: :lol: :lol:

you need to find out what kind of clam it is for placement. some clams need tons of light and will need to be closer to your light.

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9855560#post9855560 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
you need to find out what kind of clam it is for placement. some clams need tons of light and will need to be closer to your light.

It is a Crocea; about 5 - 6 inches... I know that it is supposed to need tons of light - the most light of commonly kept Tridacnids -
if you check back a page or 2 on this thread, I originally placed it pretty high up on LR, right under one of the MHs... It 'blew' itself down to the sandbed 3 seperate times... after the 3rd time I left it alone (other than turning it so the mantle faced the front of the tank, for viewing purposes) and it has not moved any further. It is directly below one of the MHs, probably 22 inches total from bulb to sandbed... I was thinking of letting it sit maybe a week (to 'acclimate' to the light) and then try again.

At the LFS it was in a large but shallow 'frag' type tank (maybe 15" deep max) with several others, all on the sand. Lighting there was from hanging 400w DE fixtures but they were suspended a good 2 feet above the waterline (and still raised the pre-chiller temp readout to almost 90 degrees!)

Point is, at least right now, it doesn't seem to want more light; no overextension, color changes, or fading, nicely opened but not gaping, not moving around 'in search of more light / better conditions'...

Sorry, guys, for 'sidejacking' (?) this thread, but hey, look on the bright side... that much closer to another split! :D

[King Nine]

Hey guys,

I called Aquatraders about the bad ballast. The girl on the phone was nice but I didn't get very far. I told her that they were way underpowered and she said their technician said if it powered a 250w bulb it was a 250w ballast. I told her that is was a 250w ballast but that is was way underpowered and that yes it could fire a bulb. I explained to her that everyone was thinking the bulbs were junk for being yellow but now that good ballast were being used the bulbs were fine and white now. She said she would tell them about it but to send an email about it. We'll I know how quick they respond to email (like a snail) so I think everyone should call and complain about these ballast. The more people call the more they will have to do something about it. (or hopefully feel the need to) So.. don't everyone call at once but please call and let them know that others are talking about them and it is in their best interest to fix the problem. We should not have to spend an extra 200 dollars on a new fixture.

[tprize]

To Be Honest if they fixed the ballasts, I would buy one in a heart beat.

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9860924#post9860924 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
Hey guys,

I called Aquatraders about the bad ballast. The girl on the phone was nice but I didn't get very far. I told her that they were way underpowered and she said their technician said if it powered a 250w bulb it was a 250w ballast. I told her that is was a 250w ballast but that is was way underpowered and that yes it could fire a bulb. I explained to her that everyone was thinking the bulbs were junk for being yellow but now that good ballast were being used the bulbs were fine and white now. She said she would tell them about it but to send an email about it. We'll I know how quick they respond to email (like a snail) so I think everyone should call and complain about these ballast. The more people call the more they will have to do something about it. (or hopefully feel the need to) So.. don't everyone call at once but please call and let them know that others are talking about them and it is in their best interest to fix the problem. We should not have to spend an extra 200 dollars on a new fixture.

I called spoke to nice lady same thing with techs email them no reponse from email. You are right we should all call. If they sell something at 760w only to have 560w and yellow low par then it is not fair.

Will call again.

[kevin95695]

760w stock and my croceas and derasa are rockin'!

[kfowler]

If they'll give a credit for the ballast when you order it, I think that's the best way to go. Kind of a pain but I think it's worth paying the extra money for a more viable ballast.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9861384#post9861384 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
If they'll give a credit for the ballast when you order it, I think that's the best way to go. Kind of a pain but I think it's worth paying the extra money for a more viable ballast.

If things stay the same then you're right. I was hoping to get them to take some actions to fix the problem so that other ballast would not have to be purchased. Maybe that is a pie and sky thought but here's to hoping.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9861740#post9861740 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
If things stay the same then you're right. I was hoping to get them to take some actions to fix the problem so that other ballast would not have to be purchased. Maybe that is a pie and sky thought but here's to hoping.

Well I think your efforts are worth while. You never know. The fixture would certainly be a lot more attrative if they could take care of the ballast issue.

[dblase]

good review

[tprize]

Ok I have a silly question, what would happen if you put a 175W bulb in there? If the ballasts will adjust the voltage, maybe the stock ballast will run that perfectly fine, just on a the lower wattage bulb. I would be really happy if the 250W ballasts light up a 175w bulb no problem without the "Pee color". So if anyone has tried this, or would be willing to try this -assuming it won't just blow the bulb up- this could be a great solution if it works.

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9863497#post9863497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tprize
Ok I have a silly question, what would happen if you put a 175W bulb in there? If the ballasts will adjust the voltage, maybe the stock ballast will run that perfectly fine, just on a the lower wattage bulb. I would be really happy if the 250W ballasts light up a 175w bulb no problem without the "Pee color". So if anyone has tried this, or would be willing to try this -assuming it won't just blow the bulb up- this could be a great solution if it works.

Pretty sure a 150 / 175w bulb is smaller and won't fit in a 250w fixture

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9863497#post9863497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tprize
Ok I have a silly question, what would happen if you put a 175W bulb in there? If the ballasts will adjust the voltage, maybe the stock ballast will run that perfectly fine, just on a the lower wattage bulb. I would be really happy if the 250W ballasts light up a 175w bulb no problem without the "Pee color". So if anyone has tried this, or would be willing to try this -assuming it won't just blow the bulb up- this could be a great solution if it works.

Not positive with the 175 bulb but the 150 bulb has a different mount than the 250. An electronic ballast should run any bulb wattage that's within the ballast's max wattage.

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9860924#post9860924 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
Hey guys,

I called Aquatraders about the bad ballast. The girl on the phone was nice but I didn't get very far. I told her that they were way underpowered and she said their technician said if it powered a 250w bulb it was a 250w ballast. I told her that is was a 250w ballast but that is was way underpowered and that yes it could fire a bulb. I explained to her that everyone was thinking the bulbs were junk for being yellow but now that good ballast were being used the bulbs were fine and white now. She said she would tell them about it but to send an email about it. We'll I know how quick they respond to email (like a snail) so I think everyone should call and complain about these ballast. The more people call the more they will have to do something about it. (or hopefully feel the need to) So.. don't everyone call at once but please call and let them know that others are talking about them and it is in their best interest to fix the problem. We should not have to spend an extra 200 dollars on a new fixture.

Agreed, King Nine. I will be calling them tomorrow. I will mention that the Power Factor - labeled '90%' on the ballast - is more like '60%'... and (I think) that is where the problem lies..if I get a lady who justs repeats what the "technician" told her, I'm gonna ask to speak to the technician... (better learn Mandarin real quick! ;) )

Agree that it may not get us anywhere; but if enough people complain, maybe something can be done and maybe the issue can be fixed for future customers - and an exchange program set up for those of us with the "crappy" ballasts...!

(yeah, yeah, I know I'm daydreaming again :lol: )

[tprize]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9863581#post9863581 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
Not positive with the 175 bulb but the 150 bulb has a different mount than the 250. An electronic ballast should run any bulb wattage that's within the ballast's max wattage.


Well Maybe one of you can find a friend with a 175W bulb he will let you try. Since it is like 30% less power having a ballast that out puts 30% less then it says may turn out to be the diamond in the rough. I don't know about you guys, but if I can get a 175W fixture with pc's for that cheap I would be just as satisfied.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9863737#post9863737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tprize
Well Maybe one of you can find a friend with a 175W bulb he will let you try. Since it is like 30% less power having a ballast that out puts 30% less then it says may turn out to be the diamond in the rough. I don't know about you guys, but if I can get a 175W fixture with pc's for that cheap I would be just as satisfied.

I'm curious if the ballast would run a 150 watt bulb at the full 150 watts or 60% of full power. I'm not sure how these eballasts work.

[snulma1]

What did you guys do with the old ballasts? Maybe you can find a cheap mogul/socket/reflector deal and use them on a frag tank and use a 150 or a 175 and see how it does.

[snulma1]

oh yeah! For those who are looking for the 24" 380w model, its back in stock! I just ordered mine! Rock on!!!!

[ILLBEEDAT]

WHAT BRAND OF BALLASTS ARE GOOD FOR THIS LIGHT AND DOES ANYONE HAVE PICTURE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ISTALL THEM.

HELP PLEASE..

[tprize]

Look back a couple of pages you will find your answer.

Hey snulma1, before you replace your ballast, see if you can get a 175 from a friend and see if it fires at the right color.

[05Xrunner]

I got 2 Coralvue Eballast. its really nice.
Come in its own nice anodized blue housing, and is already wired for the plug. Just gotta connect 2 wires for the plug on the light

[JxMetal]

Ok, maybe wrong place to ask this but here it goes.

I have last years 48" 175 watt version. Which bulbs have the most par? 10k, 14k, or 20k?

Thanks

[jayvee10]

Hey Guys,
I also got the 36" 442W because of this thread and I'm pretty satisfied with the built. I'm one of the many fellow reefers that is on a budget and glad that I found cheaper alternatives like this. Here is a tank shot using the 250W stock ballast and 10K Metal Halide from aquatraders vs a stock ballast but using a 14K metal halide I bought from ebay from a guy that ships from Hong kong. Got the the 14K for only $15 including the shipping already and was also shipped fast( 1 week) I assume that this might be a similar type of MH that aquatraders have for the 14K since it came from China. The results are Great and the difference is day & night. My corals seems happy with the light and I plan to have this setup for a few months until I'm ready to upgrade the MH ballast and a Phoenix 14K. This is the way to go with fellow reefers on a tight budget and eventually upgrade to a better ballast and light afterr a few months. Thanks for all the info I got from this thread.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/13238810K.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/13238814K.jpg

[tprize]

Wow that difference is amazing. Please post the seller and bulb you got so others can look at this option.

[snulma1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9864768#post9864768 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tprize
Look back a couple of pages you will find your answer.

Hey snulma1, before you replace your ballast, see if you can get a 175 from a friend and see if it fires at the right color.


I'll give that a shot, but do they make DE 175's? I thought they only came in 70/150/250/400..etc. And if they do come in 175, will it fit the 250 socket, or does it need the 150's socket?

[carlso63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9864921#post9864921 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jayvee10
Hey Guys...
Here is a tank shot using the 250W stock ballast and 10K Metal Halide from aquatraders vs a stock ballast but using a 14K metal halide I bought from ebay from a guy that ships from Hong kong. I assume that this might be a similar type of MH that aquatraders have for the 14K since it came from China...

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/13238810K.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/13238814K.jpg

FYI - I got the Odyssea / Aquatraders 15K bulbs with my 72" fixture and the colors on your second shot are pretty much identical to what my tank looks like... one of the reasons I haven't rushed out to buy new "better" ballasts yet ( the other being I'm just cheap :))

[carlso63]

P.S. - moved my Crocea clam to other side of my tank (less flow) and he / she / it now stays perched up on the LR; maybe 10" below the lights and looks great !!! :D :D :D

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9864921#post9864921 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jayvee10
Hey Guys,
I also got the 36" 442W because of this thread and I'm pretty satisfied with the built. I'm one of the many fellow reefers that is on a budget and glad that I found cheaper alternatives like this. Here is a tank shot using the 250W stock ballast and 10K Metal Halide from aquatraders vs a stock ballast but using a 14K metal halide I bought from ebay from a guy that ships from Hong kong. Got the the 14K for only $15 including the shipping already and was also shipped fast( 1 week) I assume that this might be a similar type of MH that aquatraders have for the 14K since it came from China. The results are Great and the difference is day & night. My corals seems happy with the light and I plan to have this setup for a few months until I'm ready to upgrade the MH ballast and a Phoenix 14K. This is the way to go with fellow reefers on a tight budget and eventually upgrade to a better ballast and light afterr a few months. Thanks for all the info I got from this thread.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/13238814K.jpg

Is this ebay link where you got yours?

http://cgi.ebay.com/250-W-14K-HQI-DE-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-Lamp-Reef_W0QQitemZ120115551228QQihZ002QQcategoryZ46314QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Thanks,

[jayvee10]

Is this ebay link where you got yours?

http://cgi.ebay.com/250-W-14K-HQI-DE-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-Lamp-Reef_W0QQitemZ120115551228QQihZ002QQcategoryZ46314QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Thanks, [/QUOTE]

Yup You got it right. that's the same bulb. It's pretty cheap and worth to try. I was surprised when it came from Hong Kong. shipping was fast I got mine in a week considering it came form another country.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9864613#post9864613 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
What did you guys do with the old ballasts? Maybe you can find a cheap mogul/socket/reflector deal and use them on a frag tank and use a 150 or a 175 and see how it does.

I've considered using mine for a frag tank with a cheap mogul bulb.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9865625#post9865625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlso63
P.S. - moved my Crocea clam to other side of my tank (less flow) and he / she / it now stays perched up on the LR; maybe 10" below the lights and looks great !!! :D :D :D

"Sit! Now stay....Stay....Good clam."

[kfowler]

These fixtures are great for budget minded reefers. They're also great for those of us who want to mod the hell out of something without worrying about ruining an expensive piece of equipment.

[spawn79]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9866780#post9866780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
These fixtures are great for budget minded reefers. They're also great for those of us who want to mod the hell out of something without worrying about ruining an expensive piece of equipment.

Took the words right from my mouth. Which one would you mod. $1000-1200 fixture or 370? :)
Even then it's built well enough that unless you screw up bigtime there isn't much chance you'll break anything important.

[kfowler]

Not to mention the wiring is very straight forward and simple.

[tprize]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9865437#post9865437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
I'll give that a shot, but do they make DE 175's? I thought they only came in 70/150/250/400..etc. And if they do come in 175, will it fit the 250 socket, or does it need the 150's socket?

Your right, hmm I doubt you can just shove the SE one in there =). I would try going with a new bulb like these guys then. If anyone knows of a DE 175 please don't be quiet about it.

[snulma1]

Also, has anyone here modded their 24" model for the PCs? I was trying to figure out what I can do for those lights, using the stock PC ballast? IF I can fire any T5's or VHO's off of it, plus I don't know how much room I have to play with.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9868435#post9868435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Also, has anyone here modded their 24" model for the PCs? I was trying to figure out what I can do for those lights, using the stock PC ballast? IF I can fire any T5's or VHO's off of it, plus I don't know how much room I have to play with.

Ask me again this weekend. My VHO bulbs and endcaps come in tomorrow.

[Rick2203]

Kevin did you find the 18" Uri's?

[kfowler]

I went to one LFS this past weekend and they and they had the moisture resistant endcaps but not the 18" URI. So that night I ordered the endcaps and bulbs from Hellolights. The next day I went another LFS and they had the 18" URI but about $8 more each than Hellolights. It all worked out since I wouldn't be able to do the mod until this weekend anyway. Plus Hellolights was cheaper. Still cost me $67 for the mod.

[Rick2203]

yea i have to order some waterproof endcaps to change out mine, i ordered the ballast from aquavue but i forgot to order the caps, coulve saved on the shipping, anyway aquavue is out of the coralvue 250mh ballast supposely they were being shipped from the manufacturer today, well see, its been almost 12 days

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9868435#post9868435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Also, has anyone here modded their 24" model for the PCs? I was trying to figure out what I can do for those lights, using the stock PC ballast? IF I can fire any T5's or VHO's off of it, plus I don't know how much room I have to play with.

You will have no room in length but plenty of width. A 24" VHO bulb will probably not fit. You will be able to fit an 18" though. I had to put a 46.5" bulb in my 48" unit. Also, check the wattage out. Your ballast will fire any bulb its rated wattage is or lower. You might be able to push a few extra watts but I wouldn't press it too much. If you do it you will love the VHOs. I went with the URI SA and get great colors from my flouresent corals. I had to change the ballast though.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869140#post9869140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
I went to one LFS this past weekend and they and they had the moisture resistant endcaps but not the 18" URI. So that night I ordered the endcaps and bulbs from Hellolights. The next day I went another LFS and they had the 18" URI but about $8 more each than Hellolights. It all worked out since I wouldn't be able to do the mod until this weekend anyway. Plus Hellolights was cheaper. Still cost me $67 for the mod.

Kevin,

Are you getting to use the stock ballast?

[snulma1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869165#post9869165 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
You will have no room in length but plenty of width. A 24" VHO bulb will probably not fit. You will be able to fit an 18" though. I had to put a 46.5" bulb in my 48" unit. Also, check the wattage out. Your ballast will fire any bulb its rated wattage is or lower. You might be able to push a few extra watts but I wouldn't press it too much. If you do it you will love the VHOs. I went with the URI SA and get great colors from my flouresent corals. I had to change the ballast though.

The 18" VHO Actinics are only 30w per bulb. If I put those on the stock ballast thats overdriving 2 bulbs by 35 per bulb, is that too much? I've never overdriven a bulb b4 and the thought of it gives me the creeps, I just keep picturing an exploding bulb.

[hoyta]

WOW!!!! The coralvue ballast really does make a difference!!!!!
I have tons more light, it seems, and crazy glitter lines! Definetely get the coralvue 250 ballast- its really worth it!

[kfowler]

King Nine - I will be using the stock 65 watt ballasts. Well one is stock. The other is a Coralife replacement.

snulma1 - Electronic ballasts should not OD the bulb. They should run it at the exact wattage the bulb is rated for. That's the benefit of an eballast.

Who had to use endcap mounting plates? King Nine I thought you did but Rick did you?

[Rick2203]

no i didnt use endcap mounts, remember i used regular endcaps not waterproof, the hole is right in the middle of the endcap, i just toop a screw and screwed it directly into the grove of the rail thats in the middle of the opening of the fixture.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869468#post9869468 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
no i didnt use endcap mounts, remember i used regular endcaps not waterproof, the hole is right in the middle of the endcap, i just toop a screw and screwed it directly into the grove of the rail thats in the middle of the opening of the fixture.

Crap. Now I think I may need the mounts.

[Rick2203]

where are the screw holes on the waterproof caps? on each end?

[snulma1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869449#post9869449 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
snulma1 - Electronic ballasts should not OD the bulb. They should run it at the exact wattage the bulb is rated for. That's the benefit of an eballast.

Is that what the stock PC ballast is?

[Rick2203]

yes the stock ballast are E-Ballast

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869537#post9869537 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
where are the screw holes on the waterproof caps? on each end?

Here's the caps. Looks like they may be a real pain to mount.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/lamps-now_1944_5732549

Here's the mounts I maybe should be bought.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/lamps-now_1944_5758028

[Rick2203]

i would just mount 1 side on the grove thats in the middle then silicone the other end to the fixture itself, that should work, like i said i only use 1 screw in the middle , thats what my caps have, and then used silicone to glue it to the fixture, the mount is sturdy i have no problems

[Rick2203]

by the way kevin the only way the mounts might work in our setup is taking the mount and drilling 2 holes in the middle, screwing it into the fixture groove so the mount would actually be right in the middle of the groove with 2 screws 1 front and 1 back, then just screwing the endcaps into the mount. thats what im going to do when i get my caps

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869674#post9869674 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
by the way kevin the only way the mounts might work in our setup is taking the mount and drilling 2 holes in the middle, screwing it into the fixture groove so the mount would actually be right in the middle of the groove with 2 screws 1 front and 1 back, then just screwing the endcaps into the mount. thats what im going to do when i get my caps

That's what I was considering but I'm not sure I'd be able to get to the screw. If I use the computer screws, I can use a hex wrench to turn the screw. That may work. I've also considered drilling two holes through the fixture itself and then using a nut and bolt to hold the cap.

[Rick2203]

all you need to make sure u get a long enough screw that is big enough to hold tight in the groove. trust me i just found some screws laying around and it was perfect its really tight and i know in my LFS they have VHO Bulb clips that hold the bulb in the middle that way the weight of the bulb is held in 3 places instead of just at the ends.

check this out

http://www.hellolights.com/lampclipst12.html

[kfowler]

I suspect that I won't need any clips since the bulbs will only be 18". What do you think?

[King Nine]

Kevin,
I just drilled a hole in the middle of the front edge. If you place the two raised pieces downward they compensate for the ridge you are placing it on and act as feet. It was quite easy. I might should have use tighter fitting screws than the #4 size I chose but they seemed the closest to the ones being used to hold the clips in place. I'm not worried at all about it falling out or anything.

[Jorgens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9864921#post9864921 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jayvee10
Hey Guys,
I also got the 36" 442W because of this thread and I'm pretty satisfied with the built. I'm one of the many fellow reefers that is on a budget and glad that I found cheaper alternatives like this. Here is a tank shot using the 250W stock ballast and 10K Metal Halide from aquatraders vs a stock ballast but using a 14K metal halide I bought from ebay from a guy that ships from Hong kong. Got the the 14K for only $15 including the shipping already and was also shipped fast( 1 week) I assume that this might be a similar type of MH that aquatraders have for the 14K since it came from China. The results are Great and the difference is day & night. My corals seems happy with the light and I plan to have this setup for a few months until I'm ready to upgrade the MH ballast and a Phoenix 14K. This is the way to go with fellow reefers on a tight budget and eventually upgrade to a better ballast and light afterr a few months. Thanks for all the info I got from this thread.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/13238810K.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/1/13238814K.jpg

So your the guy who outbid me on that damned bulb last week!! lol j/k . I got mine in last thu and haven't installed it yet. Coralvue ballst made 1 helluva diff!!!! now to scrap up for 2 more...=/

[jayvee10]

Jorgens,
Probably not. but it was fun if we had cross paths on the bidding. lol. Got my bulb from ebay 2 weeks ago. Anyways, the auctions are ending daily and you have a good chance of getting it at 4.99 plus $8 shipping. The only problem I have with the bulb is the metal ends is kinda loose an needs to be tweaked to improved contact. no big deal.

[Jorgens]

ayei got mine last week, i won the auction 2 wweks ago...3 weeks ago i got outbid twice. had to be you!!!! lol
im clearing plans to put that bulb in now...nice looking tank!!!

[hoyta]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869160#post9869160 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
yea i have to order some waterproof endcaps to change out mine, i ordered the ballast from aquavue but i forgot to order the caps, coulve saved on the shipping, anyway aquavue is out of the coralvue 250mh ballast supposely they were being shipped from the manufacturer today, well see, its been almost 12 days


Check out reefexotics. I got mine for 110 shipped. There are alot of places that have them for 102.00

[Rick2203]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9874474#post9874474 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hoyta
Check out reefexotics. I got mine for 110 shipped. There are alot of places that have them for 102.00

thanks i actually got an email yesterday with a tracking number i should have it by tuesday.

[akaatomic]

Did the Coralvue MH ballasts require much rewiring? Was it tough or easy to do?

[Rick2203]

coralvue ballast is only 2 wires, and it doesnt matter wich way u wire it because theres no wrong way to wire it,

[akaatomic]

So it's a matter of disconnecting the cable between the fixture and the old ballast and running it into the new ballast? If it's that easy I can even drink beer while I do it. Nice.

[05Xrunner]

I took 2 pc cords..cut them off and wired them into the coralvue ballast wire. now I can plug them into the fixture like the stock ballast

[Rick2203]

i should get my ballast by tueday i will post a picture step by step on how to doit, for you guys that are iffy about doing the job.

[akaatomic]

Excellent. Thanks man.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869824#post9869824 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
I suspect that I won't need any clips since the bulbs will only be 18". What do you think?

There are no need for clips with water proof endcaps. The bulbs are literally screwed to the socket.

Helloligts didn't give you endcap mounts with your purchase? Maybe I got them and the discount on the bulbs because I was ordering a ballast.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9875052#post9875052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
There are no need for clips with water proof endcaps. The bulbs are literally screwed to the socket.

Helloligts didn't give you endcap mounts with your purchase? Maybe I got them and the discount on the bulbs because I was ordering a ballast.

I don't believe they gave me any mounts. It's not in the invoice. The package is out for deliver so I should know this afternoon.

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9874953#post9874953 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
i should get my ballast by tueday i will post a picture step by step on how to doit, for you guys that are iffy about doing the job.

Thanks,

[snulma1]

Anyone know how long it will take aquatraders to ship? I ordered it 2 days ago and still don't have a tracking number.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9875759#post9875759 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Anyone know how long it will take aquatraders to ship? I ordered it 2 days ago and still don't have a tracking number.

I ordered on a Saturday and received on Friday. I am a 4 to 5 day ship from California.

[kfowler]

King Nine / Rick I need some help. My endcaps and bulbs came in today. I should have asked this before but how do I wire the ballast to the endcaps? Does it matter which wire goes where? For the CF Pin 1 & 2 go to Fila 1 and Pin 3 & 4 go to Fila 2. So how does this translate to a VHO bulb?

Thanks!

[kfowler]

Does this diagram make sense? So I would wire Pin 1 and 2 to one endcap and then Pin 3 and 4 to the other endcap.

http://www.fulham.com/images/WDgifs/wire12.gif

[Rick2203]

pin 1&2 go to 1 endcap and pin 3&4 go to another.. it doesn't matter wich wire goes to each side of the endcap.. so remember wire 1&2 of the straight pin plug go to one end cap and 3&4 to the other .thats it. pretty simple.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9878937#post9878937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
pin 1&2 go to 1 endcap and pin 3&4 go to another.. it doesn't matter wich wire goes to each side of the endcap.. so remember wire 1&2 of the straight pin plug go to one end cap and 3&4 to the other .thats it. pretty simple.

Got it. I'll post some pics in a sec. Thanks!

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9878937#post9878937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
pin 1&2 go to 1 endcap and pin 3&4 go to another.. it doesn't matter wich wire goes to each side of the endcap.. so remember wire 1&2 of the straight pin plug go to one end cap and 3&4 to the other .thats it. pretty simple.

Kfowler, for the love of ... Don't wire that way!!!

No, seriously he is right. It really is that simple. Sorry I didn't get to my computer. I was having my daughters 5 year old Birthday Party earlier. Can't wait to see your pics.

[kfowler]

OK had to take a break to watch Casino Royale before I posted. Odd movie. Anyway, I finished the mod and I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. It's always fun doing a project you've never done before and it works the first time you fire it up. So here's how it went.

As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to find a way to mount the endcaps without using the additional mounts. I was also concerned that if I didn't use the stock reflectors, some unfiltered UV light might leak out of the MH. I also didn't like how all the wired would be exposed and I wanted the mod to look as clean as possible. I'm using the stock CF ballast and a Coralife CF ballast. So I decided to use the stock reflectors and mount the endcaps to them. I had to drill out the old clamps which was king of a pain.

So here's the finished endcap mounts.

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL487/154764/15797752/250403854.jpg

With the 18" URI Super Actinics. Notice how there's noway I could use the splash shield but I don't believe it's necessary.

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL487/154764/15797752/250403851.jpg

Here's a comparison pic between the stock PC actinic and VHO actinic.

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL487/154764/15797752/250403837.jpg

I would post some pics of the tank but I can't get an accurate picture. Here's a very poor frogspawn shot, actinics only.

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL487/154764/15797752/250403848.jpg

I do think the VHO bulbs make the colors pop more. It's definitely a different type of color since the stock actinic is light blue and VHO is purple. The stock actinic is also brighter. More along the lines of a regular bulb. I do wish I could have used a higher wattage bulb. I think it would be perfect if I could have used the 24" 65 watts bulbs. That being said, the zoas, ricordia and frogspawn look amazing.

So now my mods include:
- Hinge mounts to open and close the fixture
- Variable speed fan
- New MH ballast
- VHO actinics

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9880747#post9880747 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
OK had to take a break to watch Casino Royale before I posted. Odd movie. Anyway, I finished the mod and I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. It's always fun doing a project you've never done before and it works the first time you fire it up. So here's how it went.

As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to find a way to mount the endcaps without using the additional mounts. I was also concerned that if I didn't use the stock reflectors, some unfiltered UV light might leak out of the MH. I also didn't like how all the wired would be exposed and I wanted the mod to look as clean as possible. I'm using the stock CF ballast and a Coralife CF ballast. So I decided to use the stock reflectors and mount the endcaps to them. I had to drill out the old clamps which was king of a pain.

I do think the VHO bulbs make the colors pop more. It's definitely a different type of color since the stock actinic is light blue and VHO is purple. The stock actinic is also brighter. More along the lines of a regular bulb. I do wish I could have used a higher wattage bulb. I think it would be perfect if I could have used the 24" 65 watts bulbs. That being said, the zoas, ricordia and frogspawn look amazing.

So now my mods include:
- Hinge mounts to open and close the fixture
- Variable speed fan
- New MH ballast
- VHO actinics

Nice job. I used the stock reflectors as well. I just used some tin snips and cut them to fit between the endcaps. Does yours really look that purple in person. Mine are tinted to the violet spectrum but nothing like what you have pictured. Mine are much more blue than that.

[Rick2203]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9880528#post9880528 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by King Nine
Kfowler, for the love of ... Don't wire that way!!!



hahaha i read this and i said ohhhhhh sh@t i did it wrong the whole time my house is going to burn down, damn you king nine you made me question my own work for a second there.

[Rick2203]

Kevin wow my Uri super actinic are not that purple they have a purple/blue tint holy smokes how the hell do your bulbs look so purple im loving it.

[Jorgens]

guys? look for the 03 actinics. They are purple an do not need the vho mod. Plain CF's

[Rick2203]

Jorgens the problem with the CF is not 100% the color the thing is test show that CF compared to VHO suck, you get far less par from a higher wattage CF than a Lower wattage VHO the CF are not that efficient. its not all about the color.plus have you seen how hot CF's run compared to VHO

[kfowler]

I'm nt going to have much luck describing the differrence between purple and violet. :D I think some it may just be my photo skills. I snapped some very quick pics last night. I'll try again later today. That's interesting that you think the bulbs look different than your's. I'm using two different brand ballast and they look the same so I don't think that's it. I do notice that I believe the Coralife ballast seems slightly stronger.

[snulma1]

Damn you Kevin!

Now when I get mine and I try and do the mod im gonna have no room for error! Nice work!!!

[GSMguy]

T5s are bright and have actinic pop best of both worlds why has nobody dont the T5 mod?

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9881506#post9881506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
hahaha i read this and i said ohhhhhh sh@t i did it wrong the whole time my house is going to burn down, damn you king nine you made me question my own work for a second there.

LOL:D

I couldn't pass it up!

[King Nine]

All right, I have to post some kind of pic of the tank with the VHO Mod. I can't get my camera to take a good pic either. With flast is too clear and without is too blue. I used a slower shutter speed and got a little better representation with the flash.

Here it is with out the flash VHO only:
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/KingNine/008.jpg

Slow shutter with flash. Closest I've come to getting it to look similar:
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/KingNine/009.jpg

Mine is no were near barney purple. Just slightly violet.

[spawn79]

Barney purple
lol

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9882153#post9882153 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
T5s are bright and have actinic pop best of both worlds why has nobody dont the T5 mod?

I could have sworn someone did doa T-5 mod a while back. Or they were at least talking about it.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9883332#post9883332 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
I could have sworn someone did doa T-5 mod a while back. Or they were at least talking about it.

I thought so as well.

[snulma1]

Well if anyone wants, when mine gets here i'll do it, but someones gonna have to tell me what I would need.

[Rick2203]

someone did do a T5 mod, they just never took pics of the finished project.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9883705#post9883705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Well if anyone wants, when mine gets here i'll do it, but someones gonna have to tell me what I would need.

It should be basically the same as the VHO mod. The question I would have would be if you can get two bulbs on each side and the possibility of individual reflectors.

[GSMguy]

id rather have one bulb with an IC SLR reflector than 2 without.

[snulma1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9883856#post9883856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
It should be basically the same as the VHO mod. The question I would have would be if you can get two bulbs on each side and the possibility of individual reflectors.

So what size T5 bulb would I need, and do you think I could fire 2 on each side? Especially since the stock ballast would over drive one bulb!

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9883918#post9883918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
So what size T5 bulb would I need, and do you think I could fire 2 on each side? Especially since the stock ballast would over drive one bulb!

It will not overdrive your bulb because it is an electronic ballast. They will only give the bulb what it needs up to their rated wattage. So... you need to look at what wattage bulbs you have in your size fixture and then look at what size the T5s come in and what wattage they are. I did all my research for my VHOs at hellolights.com to see what would fit in mine. I also don't know if the T5 bulbs are the same length as the VHOs. If they are then you will need to buy the next size down bulb than the size of your fixture. The 48 VHO would not fit in my 48 fixture.

[snulma1]

Well based on what helolights info, the next size down from my fixture is 18" but neither are T5's, I think 24" is the smallest T5 size.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9884523#post9884523 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Well based on what helolights info, the next size down from my fixture is 18" but neither are T5's, I think 24" is the smallest T5 size.

I don't know much about T5s. Maybe they are not as long as they say or maybe there is another brand that makes a smaller bulb. Have you checked any other sites for T5s? GSMguy would probably know if he is watching the thread. He seems to be the resident T5 expert.

[kfowler]

I had some NO T5's over my tank before. They are 21.5" long which would be ideal. You would have to find HO version.

[snulma1]

The HO T5's I found run 22" from end to end. They claim they are perfect for a 24" fixture. So I guess I'll find some endcaps and bulbs and do it up once they get here.

[kfowler]

Are you going to use 1 or 2 bulbs per side and are you going to use the stock reflectors. You know for a 24" the T5 might be the way to go. What wattage are the bulbs you're looking at?

[kfowler]

Hmm. All the T5 HO output bulbs I see in that length are 24 watts. I was hoping to see it in higher wattage. So the question would be, would you get deeper penetration with the T5 actinics and would adding a 2 bulbs on each end make a difference.

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9887478#post9887478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
Hmm. All the T5 HO output bulbs I see in that length are 24 watts. I was hoping to see it in higher wattage. So the question would be, would you get deeper penetration with the T5 actinics and would adding a 2 bulbs on each end make a difference.

24w of t5 with individual reflector is equal to more than 65w pc easily

and the penetration and color would be deeper

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9887544#post9887544 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
24w of t5 with individual reflector is equal to more than 65w pc easily

and the penetration and color would be deeper

plus you can overdrive the bulb.

[Danyal]

Dr. Foster and Smith now has 40w VHO t5s.

[spawn79]

So why is it that some people one minute are saying you can overdrive the bulbs but others say that since it's an electronic ballast it will automatically put the correct wattage to the bulb. This does not sound like overdrive.

Which one is it? I would say that since there are so many types of ballasts out there all with different wattages they would not auto adjust to the wattage. If they had that capability then we wouldn't have 100's of ballasts with different wattages and bulb requirements out there.

[Rewd]

Where do you get the CoralVue dual ballast? I can only find the single.

[snulma1]

Kevin, I need to take a look and see if I can fit 2 end caps next to each other on each side. If I can, them maybe i'll do that and throw in 2 actinic on each side, or 1 actinic and one daylight just to see how it works with the MH.

Although, I did just look at those VHO T5's on Dr F&S's and they don' t look too bad, just gotta check the actual length of them b4 I try and mod them up.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9888543#post9888543 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spawn79
So why is it that some people one minute are saying you can overdrive the bulbs but others say that since it's an electronic ballast it will automatically put the correct wattage to the bulb. This does not sound like overdrive.

Which one is it? I would say that since there are so many types of ballasts out there all with different wattages they would not auto adjust to the wattage. If they had that capability then we wouldn't have 100's of ballasts with different wattages and bulb requirements out there.

Everything I read says electronic ballast adjust to the bulb and will not overdrive it. I, however, am no electrician.

[Rick2203]

well here i go with another dumb idea, but i had a dilema , the light coming out of the fixture was unbearable it lit up my dining room and half of my living room, so i got a idea from one of the guys that posted a pic on this thread way earlier , what i did got a roll of velcro and some black background tank background from the LFS and cut 3 strips to go around the fixture and the tank, there is now no visible light coming from anywhere but the tank, kinda sucks my tank is not back it wouldve looked so much better, but the background paper is completely removable with the velcro tape. just wanted to chime in in case any of you guys that have no canopy had the same problem. here are some pics.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1922.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1925.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1923.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1924.jpg

[Rick2203]

by the way the light in the tank is way whiter , excuse the crappy photo skills

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9887544#post9887544 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
24w of t5 with individual reflector is equal to more than 65w pc easily

and the penetration and color would be deeper

I was referring more to comparing a T5 to VHO. Would a 24w T5 penetrate deeper than a 30 watt VHO? I guess this would depend greatly on the individual reflectors.

If the ballast is electronic, it will not OD the bulb.

snulma1 - One thing to consider if you do two bulbs on each side is how you're going to power them. You'd have to look into how to wire the two bulbs to the one ballast. I believe you can bridge the bulbs but I'm not to sure.

One big difference I have noticed with the VHO bulbs is the lack of heat. They certainly run cooler than the PC.

[snulma1]

Kevin - I was just thinking that. I'm not positive if I can bridge them either, but I think im gonna wait until the fixture gets here then go and do some measurement first. No use getting all stressed if the endcaps won'teven fit anyway.

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9889850#post9889850 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Kevin - I was just thinking that. I'm not positive if I can bridge them either, but I think im gonna wait until the fixture gets here then go and do some measurement first. No use getting all stressed if the endcaps won'teven fit anyway.

Good idea. One nice thing is that the T5 endcaps are pretty small. Should be interesting.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9889818#post9889818 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
I was referring more to comparing a T5 to VHO. Would a 24w T5 penetrate deeper than a 30 watt VHO? I guess this would depend greatly on the individual reflectors.

If the ballast is electronic, it will not OD the bulb.

snulma1 - One thing to consider if you do two bulbs on each side is how you're going to power them. You'd have to look into how to wire the two bulbs to the one ballast. I believe you can bridge the bulbs but I'm not to sure.

One big difference I have noticed with the VHO bulbs is the lack of heat. They certainly run cooler than the PC.

I think I mentioned it quite a few pages ago but the heat is MUCH less with the VHO than the PCs. The top of the fixture was hot to the touch with the PC's and now almost cool.

[snulma1]

How do most people have their fixtures mounted? did most of you guys use the legs or did you hang it?

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9896754#post9896754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
How do most people have their fixtures mounted? did most of you guys use the legs or did you hang it?

Legs but... I have them raised up on wooden rails so I have better access to the tank.

Old Way Pics:
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/KingNine/024.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/KingNine/025.jpg

New Way Pics:
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/KingNine/canopy005.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u18/KingNine/canopy001.jpg

[jcgso]

I used the Coralife hanging kit, about $16 and works perfectly with the 48" fixture. I have it about 8" above the tank.

[Rick2203]

Ok Guys as promised i would post pics when i got my coralvue ballast, here is are pics of how to wire them ,the difference is awesome, they are worth the $115 or whatever they cost i cant remember, as you can see by the first pic the ballast comes in a case, the coralvue on the left and the aquatraders on the right.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1936.jpg

here are the instructions that came with the ballast, you dont really need them its pretty straight forward
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1959.jpg
i ended up cutting the cable that goes to the fixture of an old aquatraders ballast that i had laying around that crapped out on me, you can use computer power cable if you have one laying around its the same thing.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1942.jpg

this is the wire coming from the coralvue ballast notice the 3 wires, the green one is ground, you dont need it,unless you want to run a ground wire somewhere else. i didnt use it .
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1938.jpg

this is the wire coming from the pc cable or the old ballast , only 2 wires , black and white,and some thread i guess to make the wires secure inside the sheath.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1940.jpg

just tape black to black and white to white, forget about the green ground wire its not even mentioned in the instructions.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1941.jpg

this is the finished product
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1960.jpg

[Rick2203]

ok here is the before pic of the tank with the stock aquatraders ballast, here are also some pictures of some coral with the old ballast aquatraders and the VHO mod i did.by the way im using the phoenix 14k bulb
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1848.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1849.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1934.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1804.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1795.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1801.jpg

OK NOW HERE IS THE AFTER PIC WITH THE CORAVUE BALLAST, IM SORRY I DIDNT TAKE PICS OF THE CORALS.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u227/rick2203/HPIM1957.jpg

[chkra_hp]

So at the end of the day, replace of stock ballast for MH is a must and mod of VHO for PC is optional? how much different would it make for the PC?

[Rick2203]

if you change the ballast the PC and VHO you wont barely notice the difference because the MH is so bright, its just your option to do the VHO mod, i just did it because i like the look of the VHO's when the MH is off

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9912945#post9912945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
if you change the ballast the PC and VHO you wont barely notice the difference because the MH is so bright, its just your option to do the VHO mod, i just did it because i like the look of the VHO's when the MH is off

Agreed. IMO, the MH ballast replacement is a must and everything else is for kicks. There is only marginal difference in the VHO mods. They still look really cool though. :D

[kfowler]

One more thought. Most of us are using the 14K Phoenix bulb. If you use a 10K, you may notice more of a difference between the PC and VHO. I'm not sure.

[Rick2203]

if i wouldve had a good ballast from the get go, i would have still been using the stock 10k bulb

[kfowler]

Same here. I like the Phoenix bettrer but I wouldn't have jumped to change bulbs.

[snulma1]

Well hopefully my fixture will ship tomorrow which means i'll get it on wed. Talk about torture! Sheesh! I'll be looking into doing the T5 mod with 2 bulbs aside if possible.

[King Nine]

I keep putting off the ballast and doing other stuff. I'm going to have to make that a priority soon!

Edit: I would have stayed with the stock 10k and done the ballast instead also if I would have known better. I do like the Phoenix better though.

[Rick2203]

yea king nine you need to do that. the bast thing is a big difference I had shadow spots in my tank and now the whole tank is bright.. very big difference.

[griff609]

whoo.. 3 days and 89 pages later... I decided like 40 some pages ago, and purchased the 24" 250w MH setup it should be here Friday. Now I just have to order the new ballast probably coralvue. I'm glad I found this thread I was about to hack up my 48" Outer Orbit.

Great thread and great info!

Thanks guys!

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9917708#post9917708 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by griff609
whoo.. 3 days and 89 pages later... I decided like 40 some pages ago, and purchased the 24" 250w MH setup it should be here Friday. Now I just have to order the new ballast probably coralvue. I'm glad I found this thread I was about to hack up my 48" Outer Orbit.

Great thread and great info!

Thanks guys!

Did you ask for a credit on the stock ballast?

[griff609]

hehe.. no I ordered it before I read that far into the thread. I don't think it would have mattered though as I bought it through ebay (not from the mysterious aquatrader seller, I forgot the name). I'll find some use for it, try a 150 on it maybe.

Sad thing is I'm still waiting on the tank (special order) 60 gallon cube. I won't really be able to fool with it to much until then. I'm just buying all the equipment now to be ready.

I am interested in wether or not I can run duel T5's in the place of the power compacts with new ballasts of course. It's been debated in the thread but still no one has tried it yet ( 2 on each side). VHOs looked good but my tank will be deep and I may have to sit the fixture low as it came so the splash guards will have to stay in place.

I'll probably stick with the 10k (if thats what I'm getting) as most people said they would of been happy with it if the ballast wasn't junk.

I think the money saved is going to a Reefkeeper 2

[rod113]

Got my new coralvue ballast today and everyone is right big differance I have the stock bulbs and they look fine so I will use them for now great thread been reading it since the very beginning thinks to everyone who has helped

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9918374#post9918374 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by griff609
hehe.. no I ordered it before I read that far into the thread. I don't think it would have mattered though as I bought it through ebay (not from the mysterious aquatrader seller, I forgot the name). I'll find some use for it, try a 150 on it maybe.

Sad thing is I'm still waiting on the tank (special order) 60 gallon cube. I won't really be able to fool with it to much until then. I'm just buying all the equipment now to be ready.

I am interested in wether or not I can run duel T5's in the place of the power compacts with new ballasts of course. It's been debated in the thread but still no one has tried it yet ( 2 on each side). VHOs looked good but my tank will be deep and I may have to sit the fixture low as it came so the splash guards will have to stay in place.

I'll probably stick with the 10k (if thats what I'm getting) as most people said they would of been happy with it if the ballast wasn't junk.

I think the money saved is going to a Reefkeeper 2

One thing to consider if you do dual T5's on each end is that you would have to have an external ballast. I don't believe there's enough room in the 24" for the ballasts. I'm not sure if the stock 24" ballast could handle two HO T5's.

[griff609]

Yeah I would prefer all external ballasts to help reduce heat issues in the hood. I just need to figure out if two t5s will fit in each side, with individual reflectors preferably. It should be here tomorrow so I'll figure something out this weekend. LFS sells tek retro kits I may go up there Sat and check prices.

I have access to T8 electric ballasts which are 4x32w and the 24" T5's are 24w I'm so tempted to try it. I haven't been able to find many topics on this. I just don't want to blow up 80 buxs worth of t5 bulbs.

My tank dimensions are 24x24x24 so the t5's would definately penetrate further then the power compact but I don't think just two bulbs alone would be worth the effort so it's 4 t5's or no go.

[snulma1]

Ok Griff, I was going to try and do a dual T5 setup buy my fixture probably won't be in till next week. So I guess the torch will pass to you! May the Force be with you!

[King Nine]

I had fun doing my VHO mod and love it. I can't wait to see what you guys get with the T5's!!!

Now that I have the VHO SAs I love the color and the actinic pop soo much I almost wish I had a 20k bulb instead of the 14k.

If I upgrade the ballast will the tank get whiter as it seems to do in you guy's pics??? The 14k gave me so much pop on this ballast I hate to lose it.

[Rick2203]

actually my tank didnt get whiter i still have that 14k shimmer its just the tank looks brighter, you can tell its way more light shinning thru

[Soxx]

To all of you that have kept this thread going......BRAVO! I've read this thread from the very start. All the info is so helpful. Like so many of us budget and going broke is always a concern. 2 years ago i bought the 48" coralife 150 HQI fixture for my 55 and later bought the 24" 150HQI for my 30 cube. Great lights but I'm probably still paying for them on a credit card! Wish Aquatraders had all the bugs worked out 2 years ago...Oh well. I saw a few pages back about a guy on Ebay selling new HQI bulbs and other stuff. My stock Coralife bulbs were burning a little darker(yellowish). I bought one of these 10K 150HQI bulbs from Ebay(Greatdel). Just received it today, popped it in.......WOW. The bulb is crisp and white. I've got another on the way. Just like many of you have proved. Higher cost does not mean higher quality. To all of you that keep this thread going......Keep up the great work and updates on mods. I have learned quite a bit. Just think that I paid 59.00 for a coralife bulb 10K bulb that burned yellow..NO MORE!

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9923650#post9923650 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Soxx
To all of you that have kept this thread going......BRAVO! I've read this thread from the very start. All the info is so helpful. Like so many of us budget and going broke is always a concern. 2 years ago i bought the 48" coralife 150 HQI fixture for my 55 and later bought the 24" 150HQI for my 30 cube. Great lights but I'm probably still paying for them on a credit card! Wish Aquatraders had all the bugs worked out 2 years ago...Oh well. I saw a few pages back about a guy on Ebay selling new HQI bulbs and other stuff. My stock Coralife bulbs were burning a little darker(yellowish). I bought one of these 10K 150HQI bulbs from Ebay(Greatdel). Just received it today, popped it in.......WOW. The bulb is crisp and white. I've got another on the way. Just like many of you have proved. Higher cost does not mean higher quality. To all of you that keep this thread going......Keep up the great work and updates on mods. I have learned quite a bit. Just think that I paid 59.00 for a coralife bulb 10K bulb that burned yellow..NO MORE!

This week i won two one for around 12 and the other around 13 then $8 for shipping each. 14K 250w from the same ebay company. Last month i got the better blue refractormeter for very little. I love it. Will post pictures when i get the 14K. One catch they ship from Hong Kong so it takes several weeks in my case 21 days for the refractormeter. But at these prices i'll wait. 20K 250w only 4.99 with two hours left. Good Luck.

Soxx, Can you post pictures?

Thanks,

[Rick2203]

triggerfish whats the name of this ebay seller, im in need of a skimmer for a sump , i wanna see what this guy has

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9923915#post9923915 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rick2203
triggerfish whats the name of this ebay seller, im in need of a skimmer for a sump , i wanna see what this guy has

Here is the link:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZgreatdelQQhtZ-1

He doesn't have that much right now as people win the next day he puts new ones out, but the last few days no 250w ballast etc. I have never seen a skimmer with him.

[griff609]

Well I got the fixture in today other then a few minor blemishes on the case (not unexpected) it looks good. I ended up with the 15k bulb, not much info here on the bulb as most recieved the 10k. I wish my tank was done already. I'm going to take the fixture apart tonight and map out a plan for the T5's see if it's doable.

For the cost of the fixture any minor problems are neglible, go read the Solaris thread where people are paying upwards of 1-4k for a fixture and the problems (yes it's new tech but for the cost quality control should be perfect) are just as bad.

With the Odyssea buying a new MH ballast and even doing a T5 setup would still bring me in under the comparable 24" Aqualight Pro moneywise, which I would even then have better quality electronics after the fact.

[kfowler]

People who have received the 15K bulb love it.

[griff609]

Thats cool, I turned it on to do a quick function check and everything works fine. I won't be able to really tell color until I get the tank and new ballast. I'll get some pics when it's all together.

[snulma1]

Hey Griff, when did you order yours? I ordered mine on the 2nd and I still haven't gotten a tracking number! The woman on the phone gave me some crazy reason about unpacking a container and that it wasn't going to ship until the 11th, but you obviously got yours

[Jorgens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9927728#post9927728 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Hey Griff, when did you order yours? I ordered mine on the 2nd and I still haven't gotten a tracking number! The woman on the phone gave me some crazy reason about unpacking a container and that it wasn't going to ship until the 11th, but you obviously got yours

again your not paying for customer service...remember? There a good honest company. Not always the quickest. but as most pointed out in the thread they have been fair in resolving any issues. I'm sure your fixture will arrive and in good shape!!

[griff609]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9927728#post9927728 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
Hey Griff, when did you order yours? I ordered mine on the 2nd and I still haven't gotten a tracking number! The woman on the phone gave me some crazy reason about unpacking a container and that it wasn't going to ship until the 11th, but you obviously got yours

I ordered mine off ebay not through aquatraders, same fixture though. I may not be able to do the T5 mod as of yet, last night my laptops graphics card crapped out on me so if Dell replaces it I'm good, but I might have to spend the T5 money on it if they don't replace it. Hopefully not I have like 25 days left on my warranty. :eek:

[Soxx]

db_triggerfish,
Wish I could post pics. Haven't posted enough to learn how to post a picture! Went to Atlanta this past Sat.(12th). Went to 4 LFS. One had a Phoenix 14K DE 150 bulb over a 30 cube. Boy did it look good. My 22.00 10K DE bulb is still as crisp and white as ever. Those LFS guys repeatedly said that Coralife bulbs don't burn in good. End up yellow. If I learn how to post a pic I certainly will. Buy the way I see you are in S Fla. I live in S Ga.

[miatawnt2b]

whoa!
back from vacation, and I am glad I didn't have hundreds of pages to get through.
thanks for posting pics of the new MH ballast install. My ballastwise wiring was identical, but the ballastwise ballast doesn't come with the pretty case.

On an off note, we went snorkeling at Cemetery beach in Grand Cayman. UNBELIEVABLE! I highly recommend this location.

-J

[Rick2203]

welcome back mia, the thread has slowed down a bit , i guess everyone is busy doing mods and taking their fixtures apart.

[snulma1]

Or just waiting for the fixture to ship!

[kfowler]

I've been fragging. Corals likey lights alot.

[griff609]

I ordered my coralvue 250w ballast last night, all they had was the dimmable version. Something I doubt I'll ever use, but who knows.

[snulma1]

Ok, this is ridiculous! I ordered my fixture on the 2nd, they waited till the 11th to ship it, and its not supposed to get here till the 19th.

I would have paid for the shipping if it would have gotten here at least 5 days quicker!

[griff609]

snulma1, it sux you have your tank and no light. I'm still waiting on my tank but I have the light. You can never win...

I was going to order mine from aquatraders originally but they had a disclaimer when I looked on the site saying they were out of stock going to ship on 11th for the 24". They took it down now I think it was around the 5-6th when I checked. I said screw it and went to ebay. I paid about 200 bux shipped. The guy repacked both boxes into one big box so shipping was more I guess.

[snulma1]

Yeah, I saw that too, but I guess in my mind I was hoping that they would have at least upped the shipping method to compensate for the over 1 week lag time. Oh well, I guess its mostly my fault. Stupid Patience!!!!

[griff609]

Are you going to try and use the stock ballast for the MH? or did you order a new one?

[snulma1]

I have 2 Electronic Ballasts that are a few yrs old, but never used. So im gonna try to use one of those first. But im debating on whether to do that, or buy a 150w socket and bulb and try to fire that off the stock ballast.

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9941231#post9941231 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
I have 2 Electronic Ballasts that are a few yrs old, but never used. So im gonna try to use one of those first. But im debating on whether to do that, or buy a 150w socket and bulb and try to fire that off the stock ballast.

I contemplated that but thought it was better to have the more wattage. In my case I would be giving up 200w doing that and I think the corals need more than 300w in a 75g tank. Maybe that is enough and 500w is too much.

[snulma1]

yeah, I have 2 issues though...

1. The tank is only a 20H. With a 20L sump. So I'm really worried about heat.

2. My house is kinda old, and the wiring job that was done, was garbage. They wired all the outlets in my basement (approx 7-8) along with the wiring for my washer/dryer. So If my computer is on and I try to do a wash and dry at the same time, the circuit blows (working on fixing this!)

So thats why the 150 might be better

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9942251#post9942251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
yeah, I have 2 issues though...

1. The tank is only a 20H. With a 20L sump. So I'm really worried about heat.

2. My house is kinda old, and the wiring job that was done, was garbage. They wired all the outlets in my basement (approx 7-8) along with the wiring for my washer/dryer. So If my computer is on and I try to do a wash and dry at the same time, the circuit blows (working on fixing this!)

So thats why the 150 might be better

Is your light going to be in a canopy or open? I have no heat issue with mine and I have the exact same size tank. I do a have fan blowing across the water which makes a huge differece.

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9940476#post9940476 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by griff609
I ordered my coralvue 250w ballast last night, all they had was the dimmable version. Something I doubt I'll ever use, but who knows.


griff609,

I started looking into buying 2 x Coralvue 250w dimmable ballast from reefexotics.com So i went to coralvue.com to get more info but was unable to see it listed as a product they make. That got me thinking maybe they don't make it anymore, maybe recalls who knows. So i sent a email to coralvue very quick response.

To: support@coralvue.com
Subject: I want to buy your 250w dimmable HM ballast
I want to buy your 2 x 250w dimmable HM ballast I found it on ebay and a online retailer (reefexotics) but I a concern that maybe it had a flaw or recall or something because you don't have it on the website.
Question do you still sale it?
Can’t find a picture?
Thanks,

REPLY FROM CORALVUE:

We have corrected the issues with the ballast and they are back in stock now. You can contact Tony at Reef Exotics and he can help you.
David



Find out if the one you ordered are the corrected ballast.

I called Tony at Reef Exotics he said he should have them in stock in about a week.


I plan to order them because on hot summer days you can lower the power to about 162 watts or raise the output to about 275w. that is a nice feature.

[snulma1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9942799#post9942799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfowler
Is your light going to be in a canopy or open? I have no heat issue with mine and I have the exact same size tank. I do a have fan blowing across the water which makes a huge differece.

I plan on using the legs and leaving it open on my tank. I figured that I would place a fan on my sump, and since its in the basement, the temp is usually fairly cool. How high do you have yours mounted?

[King Nine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9942251#post9942251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
yeah, I have 2 issues though...

1. The tank is only a 20H. With a 20L sump. So I'm really worried about heat.

2. My house is kinda old, and the wiring job that was done, was garbage. They wired all the outlets in my basement (approx 7-8) along with the wiring for my washer/dryer. So If my computer is on and I try to do a wash and dry at the same time, the circuit blows (working on fixing this!)

So thats why the 150 might be better

I don't have any heat probs either but I have mine set up similar to kfowler: open top with fan blowing across. Mine is raised above the tank about 8" from top of tank to bottom of fixture.

The voltage should not be your problem in your outlets but more so the amps you are pulling. Mia would be the expert on this issue though.

[Rick2203]

mia one quick question totally off topic, do you have a Jebo skimmer by any chance?

[kfowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9943574#post9943574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snulma1
I plan on using the legs and leaving it open on my tank. I figured that I would place a fan on my sump, and since its in the basement, the temp is usually fairly cool. How high do you have yours mounted?

I thought I had a pic on file of my canopy but I don't. I basically have an 8" canopy with no top. On the back of the canopy, there's a 120mm hole for a fan. The light fixture sits on top of the canopy. I do not use the legs. I installed hinges instead. The fixture is about 8" from the water surface.

I also have a sump that helps with heat.

[annamarie421]

I've read through most of the thread now, and I haven't seen anybody mention using Blueline E-Ballasts with your Odyssea MH fixtures. I already have a Blueline E-Ballast, which is the only reason I am thinking of using them instead of the Coralvue ballast which many of you seem to be having good luck with. Should the Blueline ballast be as easy to wire to the fixture as the Coralvue?
Here's a link to the ballast:
http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=18406&cat=539&page=1

Thanks in advance!
Anna

[Rick2203]

anna from the looks of the ballast i dont think you will have to wire anything up , if you decide to use it, it looks like it already comes with the female a/c plug that plugs into the fixture , so it looks like its plug and play,as long as its a E-Ballast it should fire up the bulb with no problem.

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9947668#post9947668 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by annamarie421
Should the Blueline ballast be as easy to wire to the fixture as the Coralvue?

Thanks in advance!
Anna

From the picture they look like the easiest. It looks just like the cable that aquatraders stock ballast has. The Sunlight Supply cable looks the same but are different.

[kevin95695]

If anyone comes up with a few 'plug and play' upgrade ballasts that would freakin' great!!!

[Rick2203]

well the one that anna just posted thats plug and play, so far thats the only one i have seen, but look a few pages back i posted the how to wire the coralvue ballast up its pretty simple