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06/21/2015, 01:47 AM | #1 | ||
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★Ultimate DIY Lighting Canopy★ (T5,Kessil, T5 Dimmable, LED, LED) Combo: THE JOURNEY
My Apology for the Super Long Starter Thread.
I didn't plan on creating such a detailed thread when I started. However I take a lot of photo's during projects, and each time I dug for a photo for this thread, I kept finding more things I wanted to share. So to make reading what you want and skip the blah blah stories, I have created this Table of Contents, and put a Header on the sections. This project took approx. 6 months. Putting together this thread took me a week. The only thing after this project that I wonder about is what would have happened if I bought the Radion instead of the Kessil (I have no regrets).
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06/21/2015, 01:48 AM | #2 | ||||||||||||
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Just want to share my Ultimate Lighting Setup, that I'm now very happy with. (Wasn't happy at all at a certain stage) It all started with a desire replace my MH lighting, on my Kitchen 90 Gal Display Tank. (Many reasons) One reason was I wanted to use the MH light fixture, to also start a SPS only tank for my Basement Office. Like many folks out there, my initial direction was to go with some kind of LED lighting. Did my never ending research, and came down to two final candidates: Kessil 360W-E, or Radion XR30W G3. Maspect Razor came in 3rd. It was a tough, long decision, and a Major factor was I couldn't find a setup to see (with my own eyes) either Lights running over a tank. What made it even more difficult, is not being able to see both exact models side by side. (I was torn!!) I certainly knew, that I didn't want to spend a bundle on two of either, to be disappointed, so I decided to get one Kessil to try. Why did I choose to try the Kessil and NOT the Radion? It was cost risk, and if things didn't turn out, it could be used for a possible SPS frag tank. (Or easily Sold). ......and I thought I'd like the Shimmer of the Kessil since that is what I was used to with MH lights. (I was wrong.) The Journey doesn't end with a Kessil or two...you'll see what I mean, if you read this full post.
It all began in 2002, when I first built The Stand and Canopy. I'm not a carpenter by any degree, (Computer IT person is my trade). However I quickly learned on the job, and built it from scratch (no help). Including the staining and finish. (That took many tries, to get right). Yes, that was my very first (Easy Care) prototype fish. It came out better than I planned with these key features: - Red wood Look. Very Strong (2x4" Inner Frame) - Viewable from 3 sides (Kitchen and Partial Family Room). - Tank Black Plastic Trim hidden (top and bottom), which is also a conduit to a drain in back, for spills and leaks. - Canopy Height to Hide the Lighting Glare. - EASY TANK ACCESS for Maintenance & Fish Feeding (more on this later)[/U]. - Wooden trim on corners (last minute idea with scrap left over trim pieces). - Tank to be drilled with Overflow box at back left corner, leading to hole in floor for a basement Sump (Quiet Kitchen/Family Room tank was the goal).
The first lighting setup was VHO bulbs, running on a ICECAP BALLAST. - I likes the VHO Fluorescent lights. Even light distribution. - I played with bulbs selections for a few years. - It was a simple timer driven ON/OFF design. - I got more advanced, with a 4th Actinic bulb on a separate ballast, which was nice for Dawn, Dusk phase. (Canopy got crowded and warm).
A few years later I upgraded,to a 2x 150W MH Aquastarlight fixture (with a build in moonlight). I liked the space in the canopy since fixture was hung from the ceiling. That setup stayed with me till last year. For over a decade the tank evolved. Good times, Challenging Algae/Cyano times. All kind of inside tank adjustments (corals, fish, rock scape changes, etc). I learned a lot about this Great Hobby. THEN a disaster happened!!!
One of my clown pair fish jumped into my brine shrimp net while dipping it into tank for feeding. I never noticed. Found him next day at feeding time in the net. (He was dead). I got a replacement Clown. Then all fish got a desease (I believe it was "Velvet"), and I lost all my fish (one by one). Including my 10 years old Power Blue Tang (My Buddy). I WAS DEVASTED!!, and almost quit the Hobby, but I couldn't give up what I enjoy so much. I tore down the tank, for a 3 month Fallow period. Left rocks in, put corals in a holding tank, for a new restart later. And after some grieving, decided to restart the tank with a new lighting setup.
Since the tank was going to be fallow for a few months. Decided it was an opportunity to tackle it's past Algae & Cyano Problems. I first removed all the corals into a [U]Rubbermaid Bin. Then Converted the Glass Tank Sump, into a Rubbermaid Bin (Super Silenced everything) Wrapped the TANK in Garbage bags for Total Darkness, and zero Nutrients. (Sat like this for 3 months, which cleaned up the Algae & Cyano.) The Sump was converted into a Coral Holding Tank (for the 3 month wait). This bought me time to figure out Future Lighting Setup. This bought me time to figure out The Future Lighting Setup for the Tank Restore. Last edited by Wally.B; 08/29/2017 at 08:46 PM. |
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06/21/2015, 01:49 AM | #3 | |||||
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So I purchase the Single Kessil and set it up over the Holding tank. I loved the full spectrum look of the Kessil. (Shimmer and all Colors). It was the ideal replacement for my MH light, with less heat and power. Great Spectrum & Intensity control too!! Many Kessil owners will disagree with me, but I couldn't handle having shimmer during Actinic Lighting time. Sure I loved the Blue Lighting Look of the Kessil (with Florescent Coral Colors), but not with shimmer. The reason that I like evening viewing to be calm, close up viewing of coral details and colors/glow. I like to look at corals close up to notice stripes, dots and fine features. Blue Shimmer is too distracting. Sure I reduced surface water agitation by turning off pump, but that wasn't good enough to go back into the Kitchen Display Tank.
I played with different T5 Bulbs: - Giesemann PowerChrome Actnic - Korallen-Zucht Fiji Purple - Korallen-Zucht SuperBlue - ATI Blue Plus - ATI Coral Plus - ATI Purple Plus (My Favorite as a complimentary light) After trying various T5 combos over the holding tank, I knew this was the look I wanted. At that point, I knew I needed BOTH the Kessil and some T5's to make me truly happy. Last edited by Wally.B; 08/29/2017 at 08:50 PM. |
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06/21/2015, 01:49 AM | #4 | |||
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- At this point I came up with the Ideal that I might be able to use just a Single Kessil. - Since the Kessil combined with the T5's there would be plenty of PARS - Plus save some money (Avoiding a 2nd Kessil Purchase) So I try the Kessil over the tank. (Right Side only). (With a few Sample corals). Things looked very promising for the Kessil. (However, I'm convinced I don't like the Blue Kessil Shimmer, when Alone. I put more corals in and move the Kessil into the Center of Tank. Problem with a single Kessil is the Tank Centre Brace Bar Shadow. It's not bad since the Kessil WE has a wide lense. I also know the T5's will fill this in. Then came up with an idea to use some 5050 LED Strip and fill in the shadow. (IT Worked out great). Loved the filler idea at first (strictly for Blue Kessil Time). However, didn't solve the Full Spectrum Shadow, when T5's off. Did some research, Posted on forums, if Center Brace removal was safe. Got mixed opinions. However after some close inspection, noticed Trim and Bracebar wasn't even attached to the glass tank. I could slip a knife around the while tank. So I cut the brace, and shadow problem gone. Used the 5050 Blue LED strip, to make a full tank Actinic Light (for night viewing). This SOLVED my KESSIL BLUE (Shimmer) PROBLEM !! Last edited by Wally.B; 08/29/2017 at 09:00 PM. |
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06/21/2015, 01:50 AM | #5 | |||
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I improved the canopy with some Final Adjustments (as below): - 4x T5's Endcaps installed. - Used 3ft T5's on the 4ft Tank (more roomy inside, less heat) - STAGGERED the T5's for ideal coverage. (based on rock layout) - Reflective Tape on inside Panels for improved lighting efficiency, and heat refection - Clip on reflectors made focusing light ideal (Since Back of tank not coral Populated). - Installed DIY 5050 RGB Moonlight - - Ballasts wired in for each pair of T5's (Bulb [1,4], [2,3]) - Then EVERYTHING, all wired into the Neptune APEX Controller (for Complete ON/OFF, Color, and Dimming control) AND THE CANOPY WAS COMPLETED Last edited by Wally.B; 08/29/2017 at 09:18 PM. |
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06/21/2015, 01:50 AM | #6 | |||||
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LIGHT COMPONENTS LAYOUT in Canopy.
BELOW is a summary of the possible lighting combinations (Yes that many) BELOW is the Apex Programming Last edited by Wally.B; 08/29/2017 at 09:38 PM. |
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06/21/2015, 01:51 AM | #7 | |||
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Here are some Front of Tank Scene Comparisons Here are some Wider Side Shots THAT'S IT. Hope you enjoyed this Journey with me. Last edited by Wally.B; 08/29/2017 at 09:44 PM. |
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06/21/2015, 01:52 AM | #8 | |||
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(BEFORE) Nov 2014 (AFTER) MAY 2015 THE END Last edited by Wally.B; 08/29/2017 at 09:33 PM. |
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06/21/2015, 07:43 AM | #9 |
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Good deal. Heck of a write up. Did you do any research or seak with the manufacturer about removing the center brace?
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06/21/2015, 12:48 PM | #10 | |
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Quote:
Every tank, size, glass thickness, manufacturer is different. I did my research. Posted on Forums. Don't know manufacturer since sticker is gone. But the space in the trim is so much that if the glass actually move out that much, it would crack the tank. So risk is low. My other 65 Gallon tank had it brace removed for last 6 year, and never broke. AGAIN, I AM NOT RECOMMENDING ANYONE REMOVE THEIR CENTER BRACE. Last edited by Wally.B; 06/21/2015 at 12:58 PM. |
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06/22/2015, 01:00 AM | #11 |
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Amazing write up. thank you!. Sticky material!!
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Tank: 40 gallon Breeder w/ Overflow. 30lb of Liverock. 40lb of live sand. Light: Aquaticlife T5 Fixture Fish: False Percula pair, royal gramma |
06/25/2015, 12:23 AM | #12 |
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Question about the Korallen-Zucht Fiji Purple, and ATI Purple Plus T5 Bulbs:
So now that I've been running on this Full Blown setup for a bit. I'm working on programming for optimal coral lighting, and bulb selection. I have a question about two particular bulbs. The Fuji Purple and the ATI Purple Plus. These have a bit more red spectrum in them, and I have been playing between the two on the dimmable pair (only 1 at a time, with the others) Perhaps my suspicion is incorrect, but I've noticed that with these bulbs running, I'm getting a increase in Algae. I really want one Purple bulb running since I love the color enhancement they provide to the corals. They do contain more Red Spectrum the my other bulbs, and could that be a factor in Algae increase? Anyone experience this? |
06/26/2015, 07:25 AM | #13 |
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Are those T5 retro the LET miro t5 retro? How do you mount the reflector? I have no idea how to mount it like you did...
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Tank: 40 gallon Breeder w/ Overflow. 30lb of Liverock. 40lb of live sand. Light: Aquaticlife T5 Fixture Fish: False Percula pair, royal gramma |
06/26/2015, 08:04 AM | #14 | |
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Quote:
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-dennis Elos Diamond 120xl | Elos Stand | Radion G4 Pros | GHL Profilux Controller | LifeReef Skimmer | LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M. |
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06/26/2015, 08:13 AM | #15 | |
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Quote:
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Tank: 40 gallon Breeder w/ Overflow. 30lb of Liverock. 40lb of live sand. Light: Aquaticlife T5 Fixture Fish: False Percula pair, royal gramma |
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06/26/2015, 09:10 AM | #16 | |
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Quote:
Yes the reflectors are clip on, and that's why I like them. Your can rotate the reflector on the bulb, to focus light where you want. Stay tuned. |
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06/26/2015, 05:46 PM | #17 | |
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Quote:
Cool. Thanks. Do you have to screw the clip on into the reflector and then clip it to the bulb?
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Tank: 40 gallon Breeder w/ Overflow. 30lb of Liverock. 40lb of live sand. Light: Aquaticlife T5 Fixture Fish: False Percula pair, royal gramma |
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06/26/2015, 07:06 PM | #18 | |
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Here are some behind the scenes details....
THE T5 Build As show below, each T5 Bulb was mounted on a single wooden strip, then attached into Canopy after figuring out position. - T5 Endcaps - Snap in kind, got End Cap Standoffs (I learned these don't come with EndCaps), so had to order them after learning. - The stand off have to be screwed into something. (in my case the wood strip). - Wire just pushes into EndCap. No screws or soldering needed. - Reflectors are individual Clip-ON type. Advantage of Clip on Individual reflectors compare to a fixture, or Single reflector is: - Spacing between bulbs allow for natural ventilation. - In my case, plenty of open space for the Kessil. Another advantage of the Individual Clip on Type reflector is ability to point light where you want it. THE LED Strip Builds - The LED strips were build from Cut Rolls of 5050 Lighting. - Both the BLUE and the RGB Moonlight run on 12 V adapters. - Placed LED strips in Acrylic Tubes for firmness and waterproofing. - Strip were floppy, crinkled in the tube. Some Syrofoam packing bead packed into the tube straightened up the strip. Left Side of Canopy where things are hidden from view. Left side of Canopy is where everything runs to. Wiring & Plumbing. Still working on cleaning this, up. For now it's in flexible stage for adjustments. What's under the TANK in the Cabinet: -Not much in the Cabinet (Storage). Just some fish food and supplies. - A feed button for the Apex Controller. -Was designed for a In Cabinet Sump, but never happened. -Everything pretty well goes into the basement sump room. Directly below. Directly Below is the SUMP room, where this Tank and a Basement Office (in Wall) tank runs. PROJECT IN THE WORKS. (UPS) This is UPS sytem. Just a single Boat battery. Plan to add another bigger battery and program Apex to do some intelligent power distribution via Grid EB8's and UPS EB8's with shutdown intelligence.. Taking my time on this one. However, each power failure, reminds me to get on it. Last edited by Wally.B; 01/05/2018 at 01:11 AM. |
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06/26/2015, 08:22 PM | #19 |
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Awesome Wally! You provided more help then the customer service themselves lol...thanks
Info you provided are hard to come by, thanks for taking ur time to help me and other who are not to crafty with DIY retro t5s. Keep up the great work!
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Tank: 40 gallon Breeder w/ Overflow. 30lb of Liverock. 40lb of live sand. Light: Aquaticlife T5 Fixture Fish: False Percula pair, royal gramma |
07/04/2015, 03:37 PM | #20 |
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GYRE Controller (MOD) Project (Via ARUINO/Relay Interface):
If you like this project, here is another one I just completed. (This one only took a couple of days) Last edited by Wally.B; 01/05/2018 at 01:08 AM. |
07/04/2015, 04:36 PM | #21 |
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This should be sticky!! Great info Wally. My LET miro t5s are up and running. Thanks for ur help.
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Tank: 40 gallon Breeder w/ Overflow. 30lb of Liverock. 40lb of live sand. Light: Aquaticlife T5 Fixture Fish: False Percula pair, royal gramma |
07/04/2015, 05:36 PM | #22 |
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Oops.
Noticed I didn't put the URL to the GYRE Controller (MOD) project in post above. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2513254 |
09/29/2015, 07:59 AM | #23 |
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Extended T5 Life, since Kessil is doing most of the DISPLAY Lighting work.
I didn't plan this when building the lighting setup. I was starting to think about when I need to replace the T5's. Normally to be safe I'd replace every 6 months, not when they burn out. But when I did the calculations on the fact that Full T5's run only a couple of hours a day, and the T5 Dimmables are even used less (since running at various dim levels). I only really need to replace my T5's once a year!! (since the Kessil does most of the lighting work). Cool! [I Hate keeping track of T5 expiry dates] Also. I'm saving on Electricity Costs, with Efficient LED Kessil. Last edited by Wally.B; 09/29/2015 at 08:34 AM. |
09/29/2015, 08:14 AM | #24 |
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TANK Photo Update (After 4 months with new Lighting)
The tank is doing really well, under the New Lighting setup. (Don't miss the MH lights at all). I had a bit of an Algae cycle for a few weeks, but it stabilized. Near Zero Algae at this point, and hardly any snails or CUC. It took me a while to figure out lighting Intensities, and Photo Periods, but I'm getting close. (The most I can Set the Kessil at this point is 40% intensity, to have the Acans open up.) - Frogspawns & Torches took a while to adjust but love they the lighting now. - The Finger Leather doing is ok but is giving me hints it wants more light to polyp up (That why it's at the top). - Acans and Ricordias were most sensitive and I'm still adjusting their placements. - Zoa's are still baffling me (Why some grow, and other just fade away), might not be lighting related (Not sure what is). What also helped in general was getting rid of the Gyre, and running the tank at much lower Circulation with 3 cycling power heads. Figured out how to get a Actinic shot with my Camera. (White Balance reference works great) Full Spectrum (All lighting on @ 100%) Last edited by Wally.B; 01/05/2018 at 01:08 AM. |
01/25/2016, 09:50 PM | #25 |
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love the build, think its a spot on idea to mix t5 and LED, awesome work and thanks for sharing. So i looked at those kits for the T5, i liked them then saw these also on brs. Not dimmable but may do the trick also. I was thinking same thing for my new build, LED in middle, and two sets of T5 on outside. I would use different cheaper LED, and maybe these t5. Thoughts?
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-sun...ht-supply.html |
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light combination, light configuration, lighting fixture, overhaul |
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