Just showing off the tank and chatting it up!

[NanoJoe]

I installed a used ATI fixture I traded for a couple Radions yesterday. My torch coral is loving life under it so far. Only running the blue plus bulbs for now (4) of them and ill slowly add the coral plus bulbs in time. Don't want to shock the tank too much with all this light. I do have to say this thing is REALLY bright. I am thinking of building a floating canopy, but maybe I'll start a new thread about doing that.

And ill attach a new Montipora Digitata that i picked up from ReefCo. In north jersey. Their shop is fantastic. I can't wait to go back. I live 2 hours south though
May be a good thing though because i could spend lots of $$$ on coral there. There are not many spots near me that sell quality livestock...

 

[NanoJoe]

Also, I converted the apex to a hydros setup. I do like it so far. Maybe only have had in running for about a week. I tried going controller-less but, i did not like knowing my pH 24/7

 

[horseplay]

Nice clean setup. I have T5 + Radions. All my corals open bigger after the T5's come on.

 

[NanoJoe]

Nice clean setup. I have T5 + Radions. All my corals open bigger after the T5's come on.

Thanks! T5s are magical. Running the Aquatic life hybrid?

 

[MadReefer]

Looks good.
Saw someone selling a 4 bulb four foot T5 fixture cheap.
I am tempted but tank is 2 foot deep.

 

[NanoJoe]

Looks good.
Saw someone selling a 4 bulb four foot T5 fixture cheap.
I am tempted but tank is 2 foot deep.

Thanks! I think you should pick it up

 

[horseplay]

Thanks! T5s are magical. Running the Aquatic life hybrid?

Yeah. I had a full radion setup but the shading just unbearable so had to switch.

 

[MadReefer]

Thanks! I think you should pick it up

I used to run T5 and when I came back to the hobby opted for LED.

 

[NJTaxMan]

I am jealous of your clean set up. Mine is a freaking birds nest!!

 

[Rjmul]

Big fan of t5

 

[horseplay]

Also, I converted the apex to a hydros setup. I do like it so far. Maybe only have had in running for about a week. I tried going controller-less but, i did not like knowing my pH 24/7

Looked this up and it's interesting. I use an apex JR to monitor temp and PH but use smart outlets extensively for everything else. These outlets are so cheap now and I enjoy the ability to ask alexa to turn them on and off. One day someone will come up with standalone sensors and an app to integrate them together.

 

[NanoJoe]

Yeah. I had a full radion setup but the shading just unbearable so had to switch.

The radions on are nice lights. I did enjoy some aspects to them. But, i do agree about the shading... even with diffusers it was pretty bad. Then again i had XR15s maybe the XR30s would have been better... but that woulda been $1800 new... sheesh.

 

[NanoJoe]

Looked this up and it's interesting. I use an apex JR to monitor temp and PH but use smart outlets extensively for everything else. These outlets are so cheap now and I enjoy the ability to ask alexa to turn them on and off. One day someone will come up with standalone sensors and an app to integrate them together.

Although i did like the apex, the modules were just outta touch of price range for me.. for instance the apex LDK was around $150 whereas the rope leak detection kit was $40. Now, you could get into the quality of things. I've dealt with both now and feel more confident in a rope rather than small sensors.
Overall the hydros has been wonderful for me. I am happy with it. Picture Is from a few months ago.

 

[DanM1029]

Is there anything you could do with the Apex that you can’t do with the Hydros?

 

[NanoJoe]

Is there anything you could do with the Apex that you can’t do with the Hydros?

Doesn’t seem you can do if/then coding anywhere, but a lot of the basic setup is already done for each piece of equipment.

 

[horseplay]

The radions on are nice lights. I did enjoy some aspects to them. But, i do agree about the shading... even with diffusers it was pretty bad. Then again i had XR15s maybe the XR30s would have been better... but that woulda been $1800 new... sheesh.

I had two XR15's and one XR30. It's physics, pointed light source will produce shade. The old school metal halides are also pointed source but usually have a big reflector covering the tank. Unfortunately this cannot be done with LED's.