need input on lighting DIY project

[33w_fish_guy]

Ok, let me begin by asking what is the recommended lenght of time for light to be on? I am working on a DIY light fixture, unfortunatly I do not had the funding to either go MH or PC. It contains 3 24" fourecent bulbsm 20w a piece (1x50/50, 1x03, 1x10000k), plus 2 pr. of blue LEDs for moonlight. Should I purchase HO/VHO bulbs or would the equipment I have work? Also for I'm looking for some DIY to help me with some information regarding the use of standards ballast from home depot ot lowes for HO/VHO? My intentions for this light fixture is to completely automate it. I have found a timer circuits that will turn on/off the daylight, antic, and LEDs.

My other question is about oxygen transfer. I have a sheet if 1/4 plexi a lid with cutouts for equipment that is in the tanks, my intention was to minimize evaporation, should I make additional holes or what?

 

[malkore]

Well, you can't just pop VHO bulbs in a NO fixture...they won't fire up. Also, VHO is about the same price as PC...

You want lights to be on about 12 hours a day. Since LED's last forever you can technically run them 24/7...their power consumption is so minimal, and they give off no heat.
For the DIY info, you might post down in the DIY/Hardware section...might get a few more hits there since both salt and freshwater people read those posts.

Additional holes may help, especially since using a cover will create a greenhouse effect, heating hte water up more than going open top. Also, even 1/4 inch plexiglass will quickly warp when spanning a tank, under the heat of the bulbs.

 

[33w_fish_guy]

thanks for the info

 

[revhtree]

I deleted your new thread in the diy section since it was a duplicate of this one, and I changed the thread title to the new one you posted. Hopefully you'll get more info this way.

 

[33w_fish_guy]

thanks, i am still learning

 

[revhtree]

No Problem at all!! Glad we can be of some help to you.

 

[jsoong]

A while back, we had a big discussion on overdriving a normal output flourescent ... If you search this forum with "overdrive" you should be able to find the threads. Here's one example:
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=9129

The concept is to use a 4 tube ballest & wire it to 2 flourescent tubes, thus increasing the light output (without the $$ of HO/VHO lights).

I personally did not went that route (after all the talk). With the T8 fixture prices falling, that is the best bang for the buck for me. <A T8 will put out 30% more light than NO T12, and the price had dropped to the point that it is cheaper to do that than to buy the T12 ballast & overdriving it .... plus I am still a bit uncomfortable with non-standard wiring...>