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o.c.d.
11/09/2007, 11:35 AM
Has anyone used a light mover and knows it's limitations?
I'm planning a prop tank and want to go long with one 150w halide on a rail theoreticly it would
simulate sun movement ,clowds .In plant horticulture It helps plants grow straight not towards the light, my guess would be coral would do the same.Less power more tank,almost sounds to good to be true. I am ready to experement anyone?

wjhuie
11/09/2007, 12:36 PM
I would go with 1 400 watt 20k for the intensity

o.c.d.
11/09/2007, 12:43 PM
lighting is already purchased.The light mover it what I'm wondering about.The wife has me on a wattage budget.Question is more how long a tank can I build before corals pay from not enough light.

szwab
11/13/2007, 12:35 AM
i run one on my display 200 gallon 4 foot length 1 400 watt. It goes back and forth every 5 minutes. have toyed around with timing it out to go across the length of the photo period but haven't yet.

JaredWaites
11/13/2007, 07:01 PM
I think light rails only go for 6 feet.

szwab
11/13/2007, 07:38 PM
they can go for whatever length needed. 3' extensions can be added. mover travels from stop to stop.

paulyl61
11/13/2007, 09:46 PM
I am planning a 400w over my 75 with a light mover, glad to see others with the same plans. I think light movers have a "cool" factor above and beyond their utility.

szwab
11/14/2007, 12:28 AM
I get comments whenever anyone comes over to check out the tank :)

JaredWaites
11/14/2007, 08:27 AM
Yeah but when you buy a light rail, don't they come as a 6' foot rail that you can add on to? That's what I meant by saying they come in 6 feet :)

redox
11/14/2007, 04:15 PM
It depends on what mover you buy. The movers I have run on stadard strut that can be bought in any lowes hd or electrical supply. I run back and forth on a 8' rail but have the stops around 6'. Since its winter I am running two 400wDE hamilton 14ks.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/ghgrown/spsfvs.jpg

o.c.d.
11/14/2007, 09:32 PM
I've been searching for the proper setup and have found some interesting things.The light mover I have is a start stop on length adjusters. Now I'm looking for a newer gualala model with intelli Drive .It alows the start and stop point to have a adjustible delay .That means the center of the tank will no longer get twice the light sounds perfect.
Redox do you have any problems with the lights swinging or swaying when in motion?

JCTewks
11/14/2007, 11:56 PM
seek out Hahnmeister...He'll have some advice on them :)

redox
11/15/2007, 03:11 PM
yes they sway a little but that is due to the way the lead wire from the ballast is placed. I work on them often so I dont bother to tie up the lead like I should. If you have room wats wrong with the sway, it will cast light in shadow areas;)