Please shed some light

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bellaroxio

Guest
With my 200 gal acrylic tank, due to weird lips on top of the tank and due to no canopy, I spent the whole day searching for lights.
My tank is not as deep as normal. Has soft corals and 6 tangs. NOT INTERESTED IN HAVING HARD CORALS.
Down to (2) choices:
1) I can invert the clip-part and would fit my tank. I will need (3) of these. {EDIT LINK}
2) (2) of these hanging from the ceilings. However, would this be overkill? {EDIT LINK}
Actinic and Blue Moon Glow necessary? Why?
I went to (4) stores. one recommend T-5, (2) recommended the Pro and (1) recommended the hang-on ones. Problem is each store does not have the other.
Thanks so much
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
maybe build a cap to top the circumference of the tank with a bridge in the center to support 2 48" fixtures.
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
Tank is on Metal stand covered with artsy material. Cannot make canopy. IF tank is unsightly, either I or tank will have to go.
WAF - Wife Acceptance Factor.
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
If it's near a wall use ornate wrought iron brackets and hang 2 48" CF fixtures from the wall. Can do same from ceiling if not too unsightly.
 
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bellaroxio

Guest
I am new to this. So I should go with the Aqualight pro or substitute? I saw several other suggestions however, foreign language to me. I am dumb!
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
I just bought a new Current Dual Satellite 260w fixture with bulbs for $140 at my LFS. That would be plenty for the softies you want. You just need 2 of them.
 
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bellaroxio

Guest
Originally Posted by socal57che
I just bought a new Current Dual Satellite 260w fixture with bulbs for $140 at my LFS. That would be plenty for the softies you want. You just need 2 of them.
you mean this one? If it is, I was told at the local store that since my tank is acrylic, I cannot put it directly on top. Am I wrong?
Thanks so much
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
can't get the link to work.
It is the Current USA 48" 260w Dual Satellite 4 Spectrum Strip. Goes for $180.
Thanks so much
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
Where do you live? Ask your LFS what they can sell them to you for. I was about to pay $180, but deciced to check LFS first. Glad I did.
ps......no links to big fat auction sites allowed here.
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
But it is safe to have it directly on top of the acrylic tank? Or should I still do the hanging....?
BTW, if I had known this, I would have not waste the whole day going to LFS.
Why do they all tell me to get Coralife Metal Halides?
Thanks so much
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
I would still hang them. I would have hanged/hung mine, but it doesn't run parallel to the wall and I have 14' slanted ceiling. During an earthquake (or if bumped) it could fall into the tank if it's just sitting on top. If you don't have the feet that hold it in place.
Did you mention that you just had a few softies?
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
There are no way the 48"s would fall into the tank. On top, I have (3) rectangular openings. These are 36x16s.
My only concern having it resting on top is the melting of the acrylic. At least that is what I was told at the LFS with Metal Halides.
Yes I have about 23 softies. These were transplant from my 125 oceanic tank. This tank has a canopy with VHOs. The tank with Oak stand and top was not artsy enough for my wife!
May I ask why everyone is recommending Metal Halies? Hype?
 
sleasia

sleasia

Active Member
Ok, I had a similar problem...I'm getting the "constellation" 72" aquatinics t5 fixture. its only 3"high and will sit concealed inside a canopy which I made from wood...just planks. I use small brackets inside the wood canopy to provide support .
 
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