BigJoe

ok I was told that the 4 x 24 t5-HO shoplight is not good by others on another forum... but I still do not understand why it may not be.. it is a major brand ballast and it has individual reflectors... I don't see how it is so much different than the 300 dollar models other than aesthetics...I was thinking about backing down to a 2 bulb system but i realy like the option of having more coral eventually...

ok as that is what I have seen and all... the 4x24 shoplight is $100 it seems to fit my needs... can anyone tell me an intelligent reason this light would not work... i'm tired of hearing it doesn't have individual light timers and its not designed for aquariums...from all the research i've been doing till this point both are things that can be options and certainly not required...

If it will not work can you point me in the direction of something that would offer me nearly the same range of corals I was hoping to keep a clam closer to the top and a frogspawn probably along with zoas and zenia if i had room... i don't think PC would work... the dimensions of the tank are 24x12x18


oh and if this needs to be in light forum then please move it thats where I thought I was

cerianthus

I dont see a problem with fixture at all as I have buit DIY light for specific appilcation including MH. All youmay have to do is replace common household/office bulbs with more specifically engineered tank bulbs such as 10Kday, 12K day, act 03 7100K or 50/50 combo (if avail), etc thru online hobby store. Wether these specific bulbs for reef tank are avail at HD, I am not sure but I am sure you can find specific onlight light bulb site where you may find exact same bulbs (even if different mfr, it's ok when wattage, style and color temp are the same, KELVIN)) as ones sold at online hobbystore/LFS for less money.

I dont see a problem with 4 x 24W=96W total output with proper bulbs for most corals (soft, LPS, mush, polyps) in 20G tank but probably not enough for Tridacna Clams though.

If your Shoplight can be wired to 2 or 4 different switches, it is even better (can at least put bulbs on timer to simulate the sun. I think timer system is better for all the inhabitants rather than expose them to 96W or whatever it maybe in the matter of click of a switch.
I have had certtain fishes die of heart attack when exposed to sudden bright light after being shipped for day or two in the total darkness.

Hope this helped a bit.

BigJoe

well the light i am looking at has no bulbs... i might be able to wire in a delay but i doubt a whole extra switch... you think the clam would be ok near the top of the tank?

as for bulbs i am def. getting aquarium bulbs. i am thinking 2 blue plus, 1 10kday, 1 960nm

all together it will cost about 180 with bulbs... unless someone knows something cheaper or around the same price that is better... say under 200 with bulbs... i can switch bulbs later as it will probably be a FOWLR till I move next may... basiccally i want to cure the rock and still have fish to look at when thats done...

also has anyone had any experience with marco rox or eco rocks it sounds like a good idea but then i need to seed it with more... but at 2 dollars a pound dry... its a heck of a deal...

cerianthus

I think any one of t5 HO bulbs should be less than $20. Try to use as many diiferent bulbs as possible. For example, 1 x 10K, 1 x 18K,1x Act 03, 1 x white act. etc.
If could have two different switches, can have 1 x day + 1 x act per switch.
I dont think bulb will add up to $200. I still suggest not enough power for clams although I have tried few Tridacna (maxima, deresa, crocea) under 80W of lighting (tiny to small) for a while until relocated to better lighting (couple of month but on top, maybe 2-3" to light source)

As far as Macro/Eco Rock, I am not familiar other then what I read on EcoRock.

BigJoe

ok other question... if i don't go with a clam... in other words zoas, mushrooms, xenia, and maybe a frogspawn... can a 2 bulb system handle those? 48w of t5-HO i might still be able to save this project if so... there is a lot of things that keep putting it further and further back to where i am about to day darnit and switch to building it as another SW...

cerianthus

I think so but would prefer 4 bulbs with 2 switches (timers) One pair ob ublb for 8-10 and second pair for about 4-6 hrs in the middle (mid afternoon). But thise coral should do ok as we have done under 2 flo bulbs.