Question about AH Supply

2104 Views 16 Replies 11 Participants Last post by mrk442, Jun 13, 2007

coolblureason

Discussion Starter · Jun 3, 2007

I am upgrading from a 15 gallon (High) to a 45 gallon (High). When I bought the new tank, it came with a hood from All Glass Aquarium. When I looked at the hood, it had a 17W florescent (single) inside and the Hood itself is a 20W. So I obviously need a new hood or retro fit this one, which is fine cause it was free for a reason.

Everyone seems to agree on here that AH Supply is the way to go. However, I measured the hood I have and it is 36 inches(long) by 4(wide) inches by 3 inches (high). I would need to get the 2 x55W kit to get the right wattage, however how can I install it if each of the reflectors are 4 inches wide? I cant fit them end to end and I cant fit them side by side. Am I missing something? Or is my hood unusually small?

My other option is I could go for this if I new what the maximum wattage was:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3817&N=2004+113349

I just don't want to be stuck with another hood that cant handle more wattage.

This is driving me crazy! Any help???

PS: The new setup will have a variety of plants and fish (freshwater of course). We are also planning CO2, if it makes any difference. We are slowing aquiring pieces so right now all we have is the tank.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

JFouts

· #2 · Jun 3, 2007

There are a couple of options here...

I have a 36" long 46 gallon tank. I purchased a 2x55W light bar made by All-Glass and it works fine.

I purchased this before I knew about AH Supply and have since used AH Supply for my 75G setup.

The 2x55W All-Glass setup works fine, but the reflector isn't the greatest(It's just a U type reflector. I would call the guys at AH Supply and see what they might be able to do for you with your current setup.

Good Luck! Either way, the 2X55W will make a world of difference for you!

BlueRam

· #3 · Jun 3, 2007

coolblureason said:
Everyone seems to agree on here that AH Supply is the way to go. However, I measured the hood I have and it is 36 inches(long) by 4(wide) inches by 3 inches (high). I would need to get the 2 x55W kit to get the right wattage, however how can I install it if each of the reflectors are 4 inches wide? I cant fit them end to end and I cant fit them side by side. Am I missing something? Or is my hood unusually small?

Use the 96 watt kit (34.5"L x 4"W x 2"H). Keep in mind that your high tank still has the same footprint as "smaller" tanks.

Welcome to Seattle!

JFouts

· #4 · Jun 3, 2007

OMG... Great catch BlueRam!

I was in the mindset of the 2x55W setup due to my setup... Totally forgot about the 1x96W!

coolblureason

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 3, 2007

Thats a great idea. I didnt even think of think of the 96W.

How easy is it to install? I dismanted what I have already so basically all thats left is the on/off switch. I am not very mechanically inclined, but if there are detailed instructions I should be able to figure it out, right?

Should I purchase their lights or go for a Coralife light?

LS6 Tommy

· #6 · Jun 3, 2007

BlueRam said:
Use the 96 watt kit (34.5"L x 4"W x 2"H). Keep in mind that your high tank still has the same footprint as "smaller" tanks.

Ya beat me to it, BlueRam!

Tommy <9))>>{

coolblureason

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 3, 2007

BlueRam said:
Use the 96 watt kit (34.5"L x 4"W x 2"H). Keep in mind that your high tank still has the same footprint as "smaller" tanks.

I have been keeping that in mind, however in regards to lighting what else should I be doing to help the plants out with that? They will also be getting some direct sunlight in the early afternoon, and in my 15G that is working great. I thought that as long as I was in the realm of 2WPG I would be okay, whatever the deapth and footprint were.

BlueRam

· #8 · Jun 3, 2007

coolblureason said:
How easy is it to install? I dismantled what I have already so basically all thats left is the on/off switch. I am not very mechanically inclined, but if there are detailed instructions I should be able to figure it out, right?

Fairly easy install considering that you have a remote ballast. Basically you may need to drill the reflector to use the original screws.

On/off switch? Just use a timer.

epicfish

· #9 · Jun 3, 2007

So uh...how much was your 15 gallon high tank anyways? LFS here want $45 for it! Holy moly.

evitagen22

· #10 · Jun 4, 2007

I'm in the exact same position: Looking to convert my 45 Gallon tall to a planted tank. I was planning on retrofitting the hood without spending too much money (aka going the ahsupply route)

Question: What lighting catagory does the 96 W AHsupply fixture put me in? Its only 2 wpg, but I imagine that with the reflector it would be equivalent to higher wpg. On the other hand, the 45 gallon tall is a deep tank.

Rex Grigg

· #11 · Jun 5, 2007

The reflector is not magic. It can't create more light.

And the 45 is NOT a deep tank. It's only a couple of inches deeper than the industry standard large tank the 55.

tusk

· #12 · Jun 5, 2007

No lux meter here, but I sure like my 96w AH better than my 110w AllGlass

LS6 Tommy

· #13 · Jun 5, 2007

Rex Grigg said:
The reflector is not magic. It can't create more light.

Very true, but it can direct the light more efficiently. That's where the AH reflectors shine (pun intended).:icon_wink

Tommy

Khandurian

· #14 · Jun 5, 2007

I just recently bought the 2x55 bright kit and installed it on a 55. Very bright.

Now all I need to do is add plants!

See less See more

dwstonebraker

· #15 · Jun 6, 2007

Call Kin at AHSupply and talk with him. He will only sell you what you need, not what is the most expensive. He is a great guy.

Tell him I recommended him.

I have been buying from him since 2003 - he never has done me wrong. A couple of times the bulbs broke in transit and he replaced them without charge!

coolblureason

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 13, 2007

I want to thank everyone for your responses, very helpful. I went with the 96W from AH Supply and it should be here this Friday. I will be sure to post again if I have any questions.

Thanks again!

mrk442

· #17 · Jun 13, 2007

Good Choice I have one of those on my 40 Breeder and man its intense.. Especially when the bulbs are new... you will see why the call it "the beast!"

on a side note I am still using the same bulb i got from them in 2001 or 2002 at least 5+ years of 8-12 hours a day and still looks great the color did shift as it aged "warmer" but heck it grows plants fine and everything is healthy so my replacement just sits in the stand waiting for the day it finally fizzles out.. lol

although i hear they don't use the same brand anymore so no comment

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

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