-
Folks, if you've recently upgraded or renewed your annual club membership but it's still not active, please reach out to the BOD or a moderator. The PayPal system has a slight bug which it doesn't allow it to activate the account on it's own.
Marks...Back to the Future..Reef Aquarium
- Thread starter Mark...
- Start date
- Status
I'd almost think that that would be too much. Are you sure the LED's are running at 3 watts. So many 55 LED units with 3 watt LEDs are actually running at 2.1 to 2.2 watts (120 watt units). I would also think that that would be enough light as well. JMTC
the ebay ad says it has 55 3W bridgelux LEDs...
These normally have LEDs that can handle a full three watts, however they are driven at a lower current like 600 ma so they run cooler and use less power. But if they are 3 watt or 2.1 watts it does not really matter, either way they will be more than enough. Go with 120 degree optics and it will need to be hung around 15 inches for full coverage.
I’m not sure how you came up with 15 inches. If I look at simply trig with the known information, a height of 15 inches with 120 degree optics is spreading that light to approximately 52 inches. That is a whole bunch of light spillage. That is, a single LED bulb is emitting a cone of light with a radius of approximately 26 inches at the surface..
However, I do believe this fixture has 90 degree optics. Using similar trig calculations:
15 Tan (45) = 15
At 15 inches above the water, this calculates to a spread of 30 inches.
So I’d actually suggest the light be closer to the water then 15 inches. And since it’s 90 degree optics (Tan 45 equals 1), the spread is twice the height. So if you mount the light at 12 inches, the total spread is 24 inches.
Now that’s the mathematical theory…..practice might be different.
I’m not sure how you came up with 15 inches. If I look at simply trig with the known information, a height of 15 inches with 120 degree optics is spreading that light to approximately 52 inches. That is a whole bunch of light spillage. That is, a single LED bulb is emitting a cone of light with a radius of approximately 26 inches at the surface..
However, I do believe this fixture has 90 degree optics. Using similar trig calculations:
15 Tan (45) = 15
At 15 inches above the water, this calculates to a spread of 30 inches.
So I’d actually suggest the light be closer to the water then 15 inches. And since it’s 90 degree optics (Tan 45 equals 1), the spread is twice the height. So if you mount the light at 12 inches, the total spread is 24 inches.
Now that’s the mathematical theory…..practice might be different.
The light arrived today. It has two channels with one all blue. Can I get away with one channel at 12 inches? Or do I need both running. Hate to use up two plug spots for one light.
As a temporary frag tank, what would be the easiest way to have a bio filter. The tank has a hang on filter with filter pads.
Guess my around 15 was not bad haha. What kind of coral are you planning on?
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk
lol...I was planning on 12 inches and thought I'd need additional cable, but after I mounted the board and the hook, it ended up 13 inches, so I said "works for me!"
I hope to go mixed reef. I have a while till the DT is up and running and I thought I'd try to grow out some frags for the DT. This tank will become a QT when the DT is up and running.
Started to cure some BRS reef saver and figi rock after treating it in vinegar for a week. About 50-60 lbs. Salt water, heater and mag 7. I assume keep it at normal aquarium temps 76-80.
How long do you think this process will take? I will do water changes every few days. Any other helpful hints?
When its done, what is the best way to store since it wont go in the DT right away.
How long do you think this process will take? I will do water changes every few days. Any other helpful hints?
When its done, what is the best way to store since it wont go in the DT right away.
Man, super envious of rob haveing that set up in the garage. I'd love a lathe, table saw and band store.
Its also his man cave with refrig, freezer, music, wood stove for heat and cooking. We ate venison and drank beer building it...Dance
And we still have more work to do on it...Dance
PS:....one of these days we need to get together, I'd love to see your tank and talk shop.
I have some crab meat I can use, but haven't added a bacteria source yet. Just was wondering if the natural background bacteria would start the cycle.
Anyone know? Can I start the cycle without spiking the tank with bacteria?
- Status