BC29 Retro 150MH DE

[marioensf]

I'm about to install a single HQI in the stock hood without much mods but need to know how apart must the brackets for the bulb must be placed.
I want to keep the stock wiring even it will not be in use in case I want to go back to PC lighting.

Thanks

[Reef Newb11]

I can measure when I get home. I did the same thing for my biocube, I also have the two CF as actinic supplementation as well. I worked out well. I cute the stock reflector and put a Icecap retro HQI reflector in the middle and pushed the compact flor. bulbs further apart so it would fit. I think it turned out ok.

[marioensf]

Thanks !

It helps a lot when there's someone with the same sort of idea.
I was thinking of keeping both PC's with actinics and place some DIY moon lights by drilling the vented reflector part just enough for the LED's to squeeze in and hold place.

I got a ballast from a JBJ Nano 28HQI and has double voltage; 12V for moon and fans and the 150W bulb.

So far I installed today the parabolic reflector securing it by the removed moon light screw holes as shown in the image; I bought a piece of stainless steel polished at a hardware shop near 16Th St. and Hwy. 280 in San Francisco, Aluminum was dull and have no buffing kit so went for the steel plate.
The PC sockets are in the same place but I might not use them if I go with a 20K bulb.

I need to get some UV glass now for the splash guard, will cut most of it to fit the glass 8.5"X17", having the plastic as a frame to hold the glass; will use some clear silicon to hold it in place and form a seal for the moisture. Later I will look for some silent PC fans to replace the stock noisy ones.
Thiesen Glass were a little expensive, $35 for a piece of glass...

I'm keeping the hood wiring/reflector assembly as stock as possible



http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg197/marioensf/P1020484.jpg

[mojo~]

I did one of these a while back here is how mone turned out
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/jlwright75/DSCF0307-1.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/jlwright75/DSCF0308.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/jlwright75/DSCF0310.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/jlwright75/DSCF0314-1.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u75/jlwright75/DSCF0317-1.jpg

[jwilliams229]

Mojo, how did this affect water temp? Did the added fans take care of it?

[marioensf]

That's my concern too but I'll try to install better and bigger fans, widen the grills and drilled holes like the JBJ, on top if needed.
I still need to know if regular glass will be ok on the UV protection part

[marioensf]

About done with the mod of the hood but still need advise on the kind of glass to be placed, does it have to be a specific kind?
A glass shop said has to be "Low E" like the new windows use, another said plated, like the cars have and another said tempered
Little advise needed please. Tomorrow I plan on cutting out most of the clear plastic covering the lighting area.
Where the red line is shown in the picture is what I plan to cut off to fit most of the hood with glass, the current plastic is dull and yellowish.

Some spare LED's donated from a cheap light-saber were used in a row for moon lights; first attempt failed but learned from mistake so here's the second and LED it be light; moon light that is

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg197/marioensf/DSCF3261.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg197/marioensf/DSCF3262.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg197/marioensf/DSCF3264.jpg