Lighting Dilemma

[TimberTDI]

Hey all,

As I inch closer and closer to setting up the 180:snail:I'm running into a lighting dilemma. I have a 72" Odyssea light (3-250w 2-96w PC and 10 LEDs)

So here is the problem:

If I decide to go with this fixture, I need to replace all three electronic 250w ballast (cause the OEM ones are garbage + one is fried) and perhaps change the PC ballast also. I will also need to change all the bulbs. If I go this route it will cost me around $675-$700.

Do I just try and sell this one for what I can and buy a different 72" light, which is going to run between $1200-$1500.

Thanks,

Steven

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

Why dont you buy my 3 lumenbright pendants with eballasts and reeflux 12k's and save some dollars. You will not be disapointed....:splitspin

 

[steveo32]

Yeah why not get three pendents and retro for atinics if you need/want them.

 

[TimberTDI]

I'm running an open top tank. I won't be using a hood.

 

[House of Laughter]

3 pendants on a 180 is going to be disappointing - you'll want to use 4 for maximum coverage. 3 will leave gaps in coverage in my opinion.

Check out this article where I have 2 lights lit and you'll see how far it's missing coverage.

House

 

[TimberTDI]

Jim,

I see what you mean. The corners of the tank are in the dark. What I'm hoping to do is create two large rock structures on one smaller one. I want to achieve a very minimalist approach with the three islands. I figured I could place the rock islands under the lighting.

Steven

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

3 pendants on a 180 is going to be disappointing - you'll want to use 4 for maximum coverage. 3 will leave gaps in coverage in my opinion.

Check out this article where I have 2 lights lit and you'll see how far it's missing coverage.

House

Look at my tank build.....I had a 210 with 3 lumenbright min pendants on an open top tank. There was absolutely no "non-coverage".....my tank dimensions were 72 x 24 x 30. Please read this thread...http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1531096

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

I'm running an open top tank. I won't be using a hood.

This is even a better scenario for these lights.....:splitspin

 

[TimberTDI]

Look at my tank build.....I had a 210 with 3 lumenbright min pendants on an open top tank. There was absolutely no "non-coverage".....my tank dimensions were 72 x 24 x 30. Please read this thread...http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1531096

137 page thread... typical RC thread:splitspin

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

137 page thread... typical RC thread:splitspin

True....but it goes into detail about the light, spreads, and pars....This is truly a great light if you have the room(height) to hang them.

 

[TimberTDI]

bump

 

[jackson6745]

I would just get a new light. I am sick of DIY. When I do things myself they never come out how I want

 

[TimberTDI]

I would just get a new light. I am sick of DIY. When I do things myself they never come out how I want

Rich,

That just means you're getting old.:lol: Me too. DIY isn't as fun as when I was younger. Just easier to spend the extra money and be done with it.

 

[D1J8Z]

I have the coralife pro I am happy with it on my 180

3x250 HQI 4x96 pc and 4 LED and I have good coral growth sps lps and zoas

 

[noelskii]

Rich,

That just means you're getting old.:lol: Me too. DIY isn't as fun as when I was younger. Just easier to spend the extra money and be done with it.

there's your answer...

 

[TimberTDI]

there's your answer...

but this isn't really DIY. It's buying new ballast and plugging them in. No wiring involved.

Steven

 

[tomtoothdoc]

i say get closetfishgeek's 3 pendants and one new bulb for $425. two more bulbs are only about 70-100 a piece. use the money you save on some sick le corals or something. i would have gotten that if i wasn't upgrading to 400 mh.

 

[mstrpln03]

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