Lighting Project ... Need Help!

temple2101

temple2101

Member
I'm a newbie to the saltwater fish hobby (as some of you may already know), but I have been looking into upgrading my standard lights that came with the tank to something better, because I am going to do a FOWLR and possibly (in the distant future) try some soft corals. I have seen a customsealife PC (smartlite series) for $124.99 which is awesome for my budget. It has 2 65W bulbs ... I'm sure yo u know the details. However, I was talking to my LFS and looking on here and everyone seems to recommend VHO. I really don't know a lot about lighting ... so my question is, if I want to build a canopy, with VHO lighting, what should I look for as far as ballasts, and bulbs? Anyone have instructions or plans? I have a 55 gal tank and I cannot hang lighting from the ceiling, so I was looking into building a full canopy that covers the top of the tank. Any help is great, thanks!!
Heres the PC by customsealife:
 
bullshark

bullshark

Member
I have just the regular lights that came from all glass. I added a better white bulb(the one that comes with it is just a shop light) and a blue actinic bulb. My live rock and fish are doing well. Purple growth and not really any other algea(I use RO water)
 
hondo

hondo

Member
Can't help with building the canopy part as I am woodworking challenged:)
but the DIY VHO set up I have done and it's cheap and easy.
Start with a Workhorse 7 ballast ($45-$50 at most electrical warehouse's). some VHO end Caps ($6 - $10 pretty much anywhere on the internet). 2 110w VHO bulbs ($24-$29 ea anywhere on the net). Wiring is easy and you can do a search here for the diagram. You can either make a DIY reflector or go without since the VHO bulbs have built in reflectors.
 
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