[Sir_BlackhOle]

Just thought I'd share some photos from my 55 watt install. Here we go

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

This was for my girlfriends 29 gallon mbuna tank. It looks awesome now!

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

Sorry couldnt get the pics to show correctly so I just linked the last three.

 

[JanS]

Your pics showed up just fine.

I've been thinking of upgrading the rest of my tanks that don't already have CF's.
Is this something a gal like me with some limited wiring experience could easily do, or will I need to ask the Mr. who has a bunch of experience? Or could I try it myself, and ask him if I have questions?

Also, will they fit into most any strip (like a standard Perfecto), or do they need to be wider?

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

You should be able to handle the install all by your lonesome Everything is color coded and goes together very easily. I have no electrical experience at all, and the whole project took about an hour and a half. All you need is a few drill bits, measuring tape, and a philips screwdriver. I believe that they will fit into most any standard hood, although you can measure your hood and compare it to the specs on ahsupply.com to make sure. If you have any other questions, let me know, I'll be glad to help any way I can.

 

[mm12463]

Jan the AH kits are super easy to put together. And if you ever need to signal the aliens the light from the reflector should make it to Pluto or so. It's that good. :lol:

 

[JanS]

Thanks! That sounds like something I can do, especially if they have decent instructions with it.

LOL about the reflector... :lol:

 

[Daemonfly]

Looks pretty good!

I did mine in a custom oak hood instead of retrofitting the stock light boxes. Just for an alternate style, I'll post one pic of my setup.

http://www.daemonfly.com/images/20g/20preview1.jpg

Boxed in as I planned on putting a plexi cover and adding some fans for heat removal. With the warmer temps, light is already warming up the tank a bit too much, so will have to finish that part of the project soon.

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

Looks very nice!!

 

[iris600]

Blackhole- You should polish off this thread with a picture of the now-incredible mbuna tank!

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

Will do...look for one tomorrow

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

http://www.geocities.com/sirblackhole/55wattinstall/Complete1.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/sirblackhole/55wattinstall/Complete2.jpg

 

[JanS]

Darn, can't see your last pics at all Sir... I really wanted to see the Mbuna tank too, since that's one I'll be upgrading. Being that they say Mbuna's like subdued lighting, do you find this kit to be too much for them? Or do they do okay with plenty of rocks and stuff to hide in?

While I'm at it; which bulbs do you recommend to go with the kit for plants? I'm not sure which one most closely resembles the GE Aqua Ray color that I'm so used to.

 

[Magnus]

Jans, I've kept some Yellow Lab with the 55w AHSupply kit before and they were just fine. For the bulb, look for full spectrum bulbs and your plants'll do great. I don't have any experience with AquaRay so I can't help you there.

 

[JanS]

Thanks Magnus.

Which one would the full spectrum be from this list? :? http://ahsupply.com/bulbs.htm

 

[mm12463]

Get one of the 5k or the 6.7k or 6.4K bulbs. Don't buy a 10K or anything else. Or depending on your options you could mix a 5k and say a 6.7K or 6.4K.

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

I like 6700. Im working on the pic problem at the moment...check back

 

[JanS]

Thanks to both of you for the help.
I'll go ahead and place the order now.

I'm ordering a total of 4 kits (1 - 55 watt, and 3 - 96 watt), but I'm just going to get one of them right now so I can get a feel for what works for me.

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

go here http://www.geocities.com/sirblackhole/ to look at the pics for now, untill i can figure out what the deal is with the ftp...

 

[Steve Pituch]

Kevin,

Very nice set-up. Makes me wish I could switch over to PC. Did you get a 50% actinic bulb? How do you like it?

Steve