Adding actinic to a MH fixture?

[Eliz]

I took the stock top off my aquapod 12 gallon and put on the sunpod 70w MH. Which is great but I was wondering if there was a way to add actinic to the setup? I was trying to think of a way to take the actinic bulb and ballast off the old top and finding a way to mount it on the MH. Anyone got any suggestions?

[Rosseau]

pics would help for those of us who don't know much about the inner working of the AP.

[Butchdawg14]

eliz........you dont like the LED lights!!!! lol jj jj those are only at night i guess but i dont know if actinics would work on the sunpod!

are you going to built a canopy?

[Eliz]

Butchdawg I already have an LED upgrade in the works!!! I don't think the LED upgrade is going to give me anymore blue during the day time. No I do not have plans to build a canopy :(

[Butchdawg14]

yea i agree........well... thats why i might get the 20 k blub im not sure though.....but im in the same boat as you....


i want more blue! let me know what you end up doing....i guess we can just keep eachother updated since we have the same set up

[FishHick]

Funny, I was just thinking about doing the same thing. I have the 24g, and upgraded a few months ago to the 150 Sunpod. I am hesitant though because I didnt want to ruin the stock hood, but I guess what else am I going to use it for. I am interested in seeing the result as well if someone manages to figure out a way to do this.

[fishymann]

unless there is room for a retrofit PC fixture i dont think you'll have many options, check out some retrofit PCs and see if they'll fit if so you can buy a actinict bulb

[junkitu]

What about adding a separate 20" Current USA Satellite fixture instead of trying to mod the Sunpod? It's bulkier but would save the mod effort. Ideally, there would be a clip on fixture like the JBJ Viper that ran PC lights and didn't take up much space.

[MplsMan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9887297#post9887297 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Eliz
I took the stock top off my aquapod 12 gallon and put on the sunpod 70w MH. Which is great but I was wondering if there was a way to add actinic to the setup? I was trying to think of a way to take the actinic bulb and ballast off the old top and finding a way to mount it on the MH. Anyone got any suggestions?

funny i was thinking the same thing of adding a actinic to the back or the front of the sunpod mh light i just added yesterday, dont know yet ?
i was thinking of doing some type of retro kit add on.
let me know what you come up with ...i'll do the same.

[Eliz]

MlpsMan thanks for coming on board with us! :) I was think the same (adding them to the front or back of the MH) but can't think of any way. Ok this is far out but here is something you guys can think about.......
The LED panels on each side of the MH light is removable. If those panels were removed maybe there is a way to add actinic on each side of the MH light in those two openings. The only problem with that is the actinic would have to be a square bulbs and have to fit in that spot!!!! I told you this was going to be far out :) Ok if you are wondering what is going to happen the LED I have some new ones on order that I am planing on trying to mount soon. I was planning using them as an additions but I think they will work as a complete replacement for the old LEDs! I will let you know on that later. I am sure someone is going to get this soon. :)

[Slakker]

What's the width of the sunpod?

I remember finding some T5 single bulb retrofit kits that weren't very expensive, and you could get them with an actinic bulb included. Let me see if I can dig up the website.

[Slakker]

Found it. Seems like it wouldn't take too much to mount this on the side of the sunpod fixture or something.
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_nova.htm

[Eliz]

OK !!! I have an update on what I have done with my LED's! I did not accomplish making the tank bluer when the MH lights are on. :( BUT I made the my dusk and dawn effects much, much better! I bought this LED setup
http://cgi.ebay.com/LED-Double-Aquarium-Moonlight-n-power-supply-MOON-LIGHT_W0QQitemZ160115887104QQihZ006QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I mounted one strip on the front side of the MH glass Plate and one on the back side of the glass plate. These LED make my corals far more colorful than the actinic light ever thought about doing!!! As I said before it doesn't help any while the MH light is on. But if you are looking to beef up the way your corals look for photos or just for your pleasure I would recommend this!!!! I am currently ordering a larger strip from these guys. The 6 inch strips with 6 LEDs left the sides a little dark. So I have ordered two 10inch strips with 9 LED on each. Hope this helps.

Slackker, thanks for the link. I will check into that also!

[junkitu]

Pics please. Both of the installation as well as the dawn and dusk effect.

[reef211]

Wow, i was planning on adding some actinic light to my 24g too, Thanks Slakker for the website. I will place an order for them, i think two of the 18'' actinic will be enough for my 24g. with my 150 watt mh 14k that will make my corals pop out so much. Good looking out Slakker.

[Slakker]

No problem :) I was thinking about using those retros to light my 12g, but found that the same company makes an 18" fixture that runs 2x20w bulbs that I think would be better...problem is I'm not sure if that would be enough light for LPS/Zoas

[Eliz]

junkitu, I will take some pics and post when I get everything together. But I promise my tanks look no where as good as yours! I am just a baby starting out. :)

reef211, Will you post a pic if you do order them. I thought about adding those lights as slackker suggested but my MH is only 16.5 inch long and those lights are 18 inch. I could not find a place to mount them. Just keep us updated if you do it.

[reef211]

Sup RC,

I just place an order for two 9w 18'' actinic from marineandreef the total was $39.60 I hope i get it by monday or tuesday. i will post some picture up as soon i get them hook up.

[reef211]

I just got my light in from marineandreef, and guess what both of the light doesn't work. I call them and they were so helpful, so they are sending me two new one. I should be getting them in on friday. I was so happy today, but **** happen.

[Eliz]

reef211 that sucks. I always end up getting something new that I can't get to work the first time around. :( Keep us posted! :)

[reef211]

Sup RC, finally i got my actinic up and running for about a two week now, my computer was down so i was not able to upload any pictures at that time. The actinic that i got was not like the 03 actinic as they clam, it is more like the the t5 blueplus. so i only use one instead of two, i was affair it might be to bright with the MH. I like the color that it put out. The coral look alot nicer now and it more blue now. Here are some picture of the light.

<center>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0723.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0723.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0721.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0721.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0715.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0715.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0711.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0711.jpg"></a>
<br><br>
</center>

[Slakker]

Glad it worked out for you. It looks really nice :)

I've got a 175w 14,000k MH bulb on my 12g now and I'm contemplating coming up with a way to supplement with Actinics...I kinda wish that those little 10w Coralife mini compact fluorescent screw in bulbs came in Actinic rather than just 50/50...

[PSam]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9887297#post9887297 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Eliz
I took the stock top off my aquapod 12 gallon and put on the sunpod 70w MH. Which is great but I was wondering if there was a way to add actinic to the setup? I was trying to think of a way to take the actinic bulb and ballast off the old top and finding a way to mount it on the MH. Anyone got any suggestions?

Buy a 14K Phoenix to replace. No actinic needed.

[Jimbo327]

I love the look of the actinic. Makes the corals really pop out.

[Eliz]

PSam, Thanks! You got any pics to got with that? :)

[reef211]

I have the 14k phoenix but the color doesn't pop out like the 20k , so with the actinic on with the MH, the color is really nice.

[PSam]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10123025#post10123025 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reef211
I have the 14k phoenix but the color doesn't pop out like the 20k , so with the actinic on with the MH, the color is really nice.

Might blame that on the Viper's ballast? I'm not impressed in the least with that product.

Eliz - I can take one this week, sure. See if I can get an accurate representation with our old digital :).

[reef211]

PSam, so you think it's the ballast that is not giving the 14k it look, what ballast do you suggest?

[Eliz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10121366#post10121366 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PSam
Buy a 14K Phoenix to replace. No actinic needed.

Psam, do you know where I can find that bulb in a 70w? I found it in a 150w but not 70. :( Anyone?

[junkitu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9957501#post9957501 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Eliz
junkitu, I will take some pics and post when I get everything together. But I promise my tanks look no where as good as yours! I am just a baby starting out. :)

Any luck with those pics? I'd really like to get a dawn and dusk effect with my sunpod.

[Eliz]

junkitu, I did take some pics with my crappy old camera but there was a hugh reflection of my window in the picture. I will wait until dark tonight and take some pictures! I do have some pics of how I mounted the leds. Hope this picture works :)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/eliz1801/034.jpg

[junkitu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10153416#post10153416 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Eliz
junkitu, I did take some pics with my crappy old camera but there was a hugh reflection of my window in the picture. I will wait until dark tonight and take some pictures! I do have some pics of how I mounted the leds. Hope this picture works :)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/eliz1801/034.jpg
Nice. I'm anxious to see your dawn/dusk pics and hear more details about your install.

[MJSavage]

Yes, more details on how you like the look! Do the lights make your corals floresce?

Mike

[Eliz]

I am sorry that I have not posted any pics yet. I only have a cheap kodak camera and when I take the picture with the new leds on it makes the picture look funny ??? Here are some maybe these will help.

Blue Factory LED's Only
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/eliz1801/007.jpg

Blue & White Factory LED's Only
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/eliz1801/008.jpg

Factory LED's & Custom LED's

[Eliz]

Sorry left off picture of Factory LED's & Custom LED's

IMG]http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/eliz1801/011.jpg[/IMG]

[Eliz]

Let's see if this will work!

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/eliz1801/011.jpg

[Slakker]

Looks pretty nice!

[ykwan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10117736#post10117736 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reef211
Sup RC, finally i got my actinic up and running for about a two week now, my computer was down so i was not able to upload any pictures at that time. The actinic that i got was not like the 03 actinic as they clam, it is more like the the t5 blueplus. so i only use one instead of two, i was affair it might be to bright with the MH. I like the color that it put out. The coral look alot nicer now and it more blue now. Here are some picture of the light.

<center>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0723.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0723.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0721.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0721.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0715.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0715.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0711.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0711.jpg"></a>
<br><br>
</center>

how did u make/buy those reflectors? these bulbs are T5 normal output rite?

[reef211]

the reflectors are just chrome vinyl that i got from my work place. and the T5 are high output.

[Slakker]

I'm not convinced that the 18" t5's are actually HO...I haven't been able to find replacement bulbs that are listed as HO anywhere.

[reef211]

Hey you know what, you are right, these bulbs are NO and not HO. but they work pretty work. I just order two more bulbs from them, the 10 k one. I'm planning on switching out my MH for these. Do you think 4 of these will be good for my 24 gallon nano. that is only 40 watts of light. What do you think?

[reef211]

Here is how my tank look with the T5.

<center>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0186.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0186.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0183.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0183.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0182.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0182.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0181.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0181.jpg"></a>
<br><br>
<a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/IMG_0177.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/mikeaphan/nano%20tank/th_IMG_0177.jpg"></a>
</center>