Lighting Q for Mini-Bow 5g

[LTJGAlex]

Hey everyone...

I have a Mini-Bow 5g that started as FO, but is gradually becoming more of a nano (esp. since my fish keep dying of a really pesky ick...that's another story).

The bulb it comes with is the regular top with a 25w. I have some shrooms, a fingered leather and some zoos, but I'd like to upgrade so I can not only add maybe a hard coral or two, but also let my softies have some nicer light.

Does anyone know of any way to get some kind of better light for that system? A few local hobbyists have said I can jury-rig it...riiiiight...I'm not electronically inclined.

Thanks for any advice you can give guys!
Alex

[LTJGAlex]

I take it either no one knows or there is really no way. :(

[Sugar Magnolia]

If you can find a 32 watt PC retro kit, that would allow you to keep some montipora caps or digis and LPS corals.

[bennerkla]

The problem with the mini bow's is that if you put in a screw in bulb, half the tank is more "shadow-ey" than the other half.

[coker98]

just rip the top off and go 70 watt mh

[banditfl]

I had a 5 gal minbow setup and used this lamp:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/coralife%2ccompact/Class//T1/F55+0047+0868/EDP/39450/Itemdy00.aspx you may want to center the lamp but moving the socket over.

Or try 2 of these and center the socket.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/10%2cmini%2ccompact/Class//T1/F55+0047+0841/EDP/35348/Itemdy00.aspx

You will want to cover the lamp area to keep out the salt. I cut and fitted a piece of acrylic to cover the complete bottom of the hood and siliconed it in. Worked perfect


Good Luck

[LTJGAlex]

Some great help there, I think I'll order one of those bulbs.

[banditfl]

Originally posted by Sugar Magnolia
If you can find a 32 watt PC retro kit, that would allow you to keep some montipora caps or digis and LPS corals.

The 28/32 watt in same length as the tank is wide, but longer than factory hood. I looked into that with my daughters Mini. But I would have need to build a custom hood and she did not want that. an 18w retro would fit. Check out Nanocustoms for an 18w Retro (http://nanotuners.nanocustoms.com/nanotuners/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=33). (will fit in stock hood with some work) or a 2 X 18w retro (http://nanotuners.nanocustoms.com/nanotuners/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=34). and build a custom canopy
Happy Reefing

[Codeman00]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=5370850#post5370850 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LTJGAlex
Some great help there, I think I'll order one of those bulbs.

How did the bulbe work out for you? I assumed you used the 20W version?

[Pillz]

You could gut out the hood and install this...

http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=28w_diy_retro&Category_Code=d9&Product_Count=0

the mini bow 5 is about 14.75in long so you could get some legs and just toss this up there

http://www.hellolights.com/12aq2.html

and thats 36 watts.

[sullyfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6855899#post6855899 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pillz
You could gut out the hood and install this...

http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=28w_diy_retro&Category_Code=d9&Product_Count=0

the mini bow 5 is about 14.75in long so you could get some legs and just toss this up there

http://www.hellolights.com/12aq2.html

and thats 36 watts.


I was watching this thread since I have a 5g bow and want more lights. That 36w fixture from HELLOLIGHTS was just what I was looking for. That will double my wattage. Thanks !!

Mark

[Codeman00]

All my nano is going to be used for is for a mantis shrimp and maybe some zoos / mushrooms. I definitely want a 50/50 bulb, but don't want to worry about heat, etc. I think 36W is a bit of overkill..a good 15-20W'r will do. Are those my only options listed above? (the 15W or 20W and to move the socket over? Can I then put a piece of acrylic over it and still be safe? Any pictures would be appreciated.