Lighting setup............HELP

[jetor]

Ok so I just started setting up my 400 dual MH's over my 125 reef and am concerned that I will not have enough light while my corals are getting used to the MH's (figured I would increase duration 1 1/2 hours each week till my goal of 10 hours +/- is met). My old setup consisted of 2 96 watt PC's and 4 40 watt NO's. I am trying to squeeze all 4 NO's next to the MH's but the parabolic reflectors are too wide and hogging up real estate in my enclosed hood. Should I cut the reflector to fit they all in??? I know I need two 60" VHO's and all would be good but right now if I drop $250 more my wife will kill me or at least divorce me. Please help!!!

Jasen
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[olgakurt]

I wouldn't sacrifice the reflector for the 40 watters. What did you start your photo period out with and how have the corals responded?
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[LFS42]

The reflectors are neccesary to protect your canopy from heat.
I have VHO bulbs and after 1 year, I added a reflector on the top because the bulbs were burning the canopy slowly.
I also lowered them about 1-1/2".

IMO, I would
(1)make end cap brackets to lower the NO tubes past the reflector.
-or-
(2)modify the reflectors to allow for the NO tubes to fit flush on the hood.


I saw somebody on the forum made end cap brackets out of acrylic.

 

[jetor]

Ok so I got everything to fit with some creativity but I am concerned with how long I should start the 2 400 watt MH's out? What would a good starting point be 2-3 hrs increasing 1 hr every week?? Help me out as I do not want to burn any softies or bleach my couple of SPS.