MH Shimmer

[cwfish]

I have a FOWLR system so lighting is not a huge concern for me, but I still would like the shimmer effect of MH. I have 4x40watt (4 foot) flourescent bulbs currently in the hood. If I add a single 250watt MH in the center do you think it would still give me that shimmer effect? Looking for the lowest cost for this, so one bulb is better than 2 if possible since I don't need the extra wattage. Thanks.

 

[mini-reefer]

You could put a fan above the tank. I dont have halides on my 34 but with the fan blowing(fan is 7" diameter)There is enough surface movement to give the shimmer effect even with only pc's and no's. Plus you get the added cooling for the tank which is starting to be more of a concern this time of year. The shimmer isnt as noticable as on my 72 with halides but its there none-the-less. You might give it a try instead of spending the money on halides if thats all your looking for. HTH
Mini-Reefer

 

[cwfish]

Great Idea, I will give it a shot....

 

[mini-reefer]

As far as the fan goes, I bought a small desktop size oscillating fan and removed the base and switch. I wired the switch into the canopy and put the fan to where it blows straight down in the center of the tank. My 96 watt reflector even stays cool in comparison to no fan at all. This all worked for me. Let us know how it goes.
Mini-Reefer

 

[mr . salty]

Surface aggitation is key to the Shimmer effect,but instead of a fan,a good powerhead aimed across the top will work much better..Also,MH is best at producing this shimmer because all of it's light comes from a very small
spot in the center of the bulb.PC,and VHO's light is evenly spresd across the entire length of the bulb thus canceling out the shadows that actually make the shimmer as the light passes through the surface aggitation...Nothing else will produce the shimmer as well as MH...

 

[byrself]

also, a regular incandescent bulb makes the shimmering effect. whenever my tank lights are off and my room light is on, the light shines through the top and looks cool. you could maybe rig something up that way.