★Ultimate DIY Lighting Canopy★ (T5,Kessil, T5 Dimmable, LED, LED) Combo: THE JOURNEY

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

★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).
<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>My Ultimate Lighting Canopy / Overhaul.</th>
<tr>
<td>Table of Contents: 
- PART 1:
--- Introduction
--- The Beginning
------- First Lighting
------- 2nd Lighting
------- The Disaster
------- Tank Tear Down

- PART 2:
--- Lighting ProtoType & Testing
------- Deciding the MH replacement (LED Purchase).
------- (Kessil 360W-E) Trial
------- (T5 HO) Trial
------- Trial Ends (I know the Lighting I want)

- PART 3:
--- Tank Lighting Rebuild
------- Trial over Display Tank
------- Center Brace & Shadow

- PART 4:
--- Finishing the Lighting Canopy
------- Installation & Details
------- Electronics, Wiring and Controls
------- Canopy Completed & Tested

- PART 5:
--- Final Setup Details
------- The Lighting Components Canopy Layout
------- The APEX Lighting Scenes Programming (Combinations)

- PART 6:
--- The NEW Tank Lighting Scenes
------- Some Photo of the Various Scenes

- PART 7:
--- Before and After OverHaul Photo
 
</td>
</tr>
</table>

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>PART 1</th>
</table>

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>INTRODUCTION</th>
</table>

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.
<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>THE BEGINING:</th>
<tr>
<td>2002 Tank Stand & Canopy Design & Build</td>
</tr>
</table>
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).

<table border="5" style="width:50%">
<tr>
<th>FIRST LIGHTING</th>
</tr>
<td>VHO Florescent Lighting (Full Spectrum & Actnic URI Bulbs)</td>
</tr>
</table>

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).
<table border="5" style="width:50%">
<tr>
<th>2nd LIGHTING SETUP</th>
</tr>
<td>Aquastarlight 150W MH Fixture</td>
</tr>
</table>

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!!!
<table border="5" style="width:50%">
<tr>
<th>THE DISASTER (Late 2014)</th>
</tr>
<td>All Fish Died</td>
</tr>
</table>

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.
<table border="5" style="width:50%">
<tr>
<th>TANK TEAR DOWN</th>
</tr>
<td>A few months Fallow for the eventual rebuild.</td>
</tr>
</table>

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 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.

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>PART 2</th>
</table>

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<td> Lighting ProtoType & Testing (Kessil)</</td>
</tr>
<td>I loved the Kessil, especially the Shimmer under Full Spectrum.

But I couldn't stand the shimmer with Blue Lighting.</td>
</tr>
</table>

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.

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<tr>
<th>T5 HO TRIAL (Great, but no shimmer for daytime viewing.)</th>
</tr>
<td>Bought some T5 Bulbs and gave them a whirl using a spare Ballast.</td>
</tr>
</table>

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.

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>PART 3</th>
</table>

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<tr>
<th>TIME TO REBUILD the Tank with NEW LIGHTING (Kessil & T5's )</th>
</tr>
<td>-With Tank all cleaned up after 3 months.
-With Lighting Trial Done.
-It was time TRIAL the Lighting over the Kitchen Tank</td>
</tr>
</table>

- 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 !!

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>PART 4</th>
</table>

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>TIME to Finish the Lighting Canopy</th>
</tr>
<td>
- All lighting choices figured out.
- Next to finish the canopy adjustments.
- Electronics and wiring.
</td>
</tr>
</table>

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

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>PART 5</th>
</table>

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<tr>
<th>Final Setup Details (Lighting Component Placements)</th>
</tr>
<td>- Here is how the lights were placed in the Canopy.
- Notice the staggering of the 3ft T5 lights to cover the 4 ft tank.
- I didn't need coverage under the Sump Box, and other Far end as much.
- T5 Dimmables vs T5 non-Dimmable pair placements (1-4) were played with till I got a good front view and coral coverage.
- I played with the T5 Bulb combinations, till I got a look I wanted. May still change over time.
</tr>
</table>

LIGHT COMPONENTS LAYOUT in Canopy.

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<tr>
<th>Apex Programming and Number of Combinations/Scenes Possible</th>
</tr>
<td>- Below is the current Apex Programming for the Lights.
- Nothing is Finalized since I am still working on Acclimation & Scenes.
- The table below shows the number of variations each light can produce, and when combined you see how many scenes this setup can produce .
- Not all the minor level changes are visible by my eyes.
- AT THIS POINT the programming is such that pretty well every time I pass by this tank it looks different. (I love it).
</tr>
</table>

BELOW is a summary of the possible lighting combinations (Yes that many)

BELOW is the Apex Programming

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>PART 6</th>
</table>

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<tr>
<th>Tank Photo's of Lighting Scenes </th>
</TR>
<td>One comment on the Photo's Below:
- (It was tough getting good pictures of lower lighting scenes for proper colors and focus. They at least give you a rough idea of differences.)
- (Also they do not properly show actual lighting levels since the Camera would change settings to take a proper lighting photo). Learning new camera.
</td> </tr>
</table>

Here are some Front of Tank Scene Comparisons

Here are some Wider Side Shots

THAT'S IT.

Hope you enjoyed this Journey with me.

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>PART 7</th>
</table>

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<tr>
<th>Before and After Overhaul (CLOSING PHOTO)</th>
</TR>
<td>- Kind of gives you an idea of both the Tank Overhaul and Lighting Overhaul.
- Before Photo, was right in the middle of many dying. (only a few Left. Power Blue Tang Died last).
</td> </tr>
</table>

(BEFORE) Nov 2014

(AFTER) MAY 2015

THE END

kevin_e · Jun 21, 2015

Good deal. Heck of a write up. Did you do any research or seak with the manufacturer about removing the center brace?

Wally.B · Jun 21, 2015

kevin_e said:
Good deal. Heck of a write up. Did you do any research or seak with the manufacturer about removing the center brace?

FIRST, I am not recommending in any way that anyone remove their Center Brace.
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.

kevin32 · Jun 22, 2015

Amazing write up. thank you!. Sticky material!!

Wally.B · Jun 25, 2015

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?

kevin32 · Jun 26, 2015

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...

d2mini · Jun 26, 2015

kevin32 said:
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...

The reflectors get clipped on to the bulb itself. The LET Miro kit comes with the clips.

kevin32 · Jun 26, 2015

d2mini said:
The reflectors get clipped on to the bulb itself. The LET Miro kit comes with the clips.

Ahh so they clip on. The instruction are terrible. Any picture of it? Wish they had a tutorial video on their website. Sigh.,.....

Wally.B · Jun 26, 2015

kevin32 said:
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...

I'll post up how the T5's were put together. EndCaps, EndCap Mounts, Push wiring, and Reflectors (with some detailed pictures).

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.

kevin32 · Jun 27, 2015

Wally.B said:
I'll post up how the T5's were put together. EndCaps, EndCap Mounts, Push wiring, and Reflectors (with some detailed pictures).

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.

Cool. Thanks.

Do you have to screw the clip on into the reflector and then clip it to the bulb?

Wally.B · Jun 27, 2015

Here are some behind the scenes details....

<table border="5" style="width:100%">
<th>BEHIND THE SCENES (Extra)</th>
<tr>

</table>

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.

ClipOnReflector_zpsmkqpocct.jpg~original

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.

CanopyLeftHidden_zpsmn56grsq.jpg~original

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.

kevin32 · Jun 27, 2015

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!

Wally.B · Jul 4, 2015

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)

★Ultimate DIY Lighting Canopy★ (T5,Kessil, T5 Dimmable, LED, LED) Combo: THE JOURNEY

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