T-5 Final Lighting Questions Before The Order

[Fishel]

With help from Grim and several others I have decided to go with these lights for my 240 gallon tank (96 X 24 X 25):

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104436.html

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104070.html (upgrade reflectors)

(1072 Total Watts)

But I have a few more final questions before I order.

1) I have a wooden canopy these are going to screw into. Once in place they will be approximately 10 inches from the surface of the water. Do I need to build a lower platform in the canopy so they sit closer to the water. Keep in mind my tank is 25 inches deep and although it will be FOWLR initially I want to go reef eventually.

2) The wooden canopy is currently painted completely Satin Black. Do I need to line the underside of the canopy where the lights will be mounted with something? Or can I just paint it maybe glossy white? What's the best way?

3) Ballasts. Mount them in the canopy or in the stand?

4) Will I need canopy fans? The back side of the canopy is completely open. I may decide to close it just depends where I put the tank. Either way do I need fans and what's the quietest ones out there (the tank will be in my living room).

Please advise. I'm itchin to get this tank wet.

[Ruu]

1) I did on my 180, but it can make things a pain to access. You call - I'd try it directly on the canopy first, and then change later if you desperately need more light.

2) The reflectors are pretty good, but it wouldn't hurt to paint the canopy white. I don't think I'd bother myself, but other people may disagree.

3) Your call. The icecap ballasts barely get warm to the touch, so put them wherever you want really.

4) Yes. 8 overdriven t5's will put out some heat. I use 6 Vantec Stealth 120mm fans (fans (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811999614) ). I also have an open-backed canopy, and have a couple in the nearest two corners, and the rest blasting air in from the back. I use three variable voltage adapters from Fry's (part number 4011642) on 12V. You cannot hear the fans running unless your head is in the canopy.

How helpful am I today?

Dave

[Ruu]

Actually, I think you are planning on putting 16 of those bad boys under there aren't you?

In which case (a) you are going to be using more than 1072 watts (more like 1280), and (b) get fans. Get lots and lots of fans.

Dave

[Fishel]

16 lamps... only 8 overdriven to 80 watts with the Ice Cap 660.. the other 8 will be using the Tek ballast and be drivin at 54 watts...so a total of 1072 watts...

hmmm... guess i'll check out some fans... was looking at the icecap ones though.......

you use these?

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4011642#detailed

[Ruu]

The icecap fans are great and all, but you are going to need a few of them @ ~$45. That's why I use the Vantecs, which are only about $11 each (10 if you buy six or more). I can get more air flow for less money, basically, and I can target more hotspots. Because it is a 12V DC fan, you need the 12V adapter and some basic wiring skills though - the link you sent appears to be for the ones I use.

If you have the money, then feel free to go all Icecap, but don;t underestimate the amount of heat 16 bulbs is going to put out. I have 8 over my 180 (4 normally driven, and 4 overdriven by Icecap ballasts), and the heat isn't unmanageable by any means, but you do have to plan for it.

Dave

[horkn]

yes run fans for the bulbs. when IC od'd you need them.

try to get the lights a bit closer than 10" to the surface. try like 4-6"


and for the insode of the canopy, get mildew/ mold resistant primer in white. that will really help.

the white will also help reflectt light, and the mildew resistant primer will keep the wood nice. I used a Zinsser (sp) product at home depot for my canopy. it was pretty cheap.

[BrentN]

fft- I painted the inside of mine with white Killz primer, better for durability and light reflection than what you have now.
I would avoid mounting ballasts INSIDE the canopy (heat, humid, more likely to get splashed, etc), I mounted mine on the back of the canopy.
Yes on the fans. I used the cheapo 12v with a variable power supply- I don't need mine running full blast so I'm able to turn them down and keep the noise to a minimum. Good luck.

[Fishel]

Hmmmmm....

One Of These (Fan Controller):
http://www.monster-hardware.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=69

One Of These (Fan Controller Power Supply):
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556029977.html

Some Of These (Fans):
http://www.casecooler.com/12vanstealfa.html

One Or More Of These If You Want To Run More Than 4 Fans To A Maximum Of 20 Fans (Splitter):
http://www.sunbeamtech.com/PRODUCTS/accessories/multi-fan-power-port/mfpp.htm

Each Fan Draws .96 Watts. The Controller Can Handle 20 Watts Total So Using The Splitter You Could Hang 5 Fans Off Of Each Controller Channel.