Apollo Reef LED SolarBlast Dimable Review

[hoooop54]

Need some help. I am setting up my tank and just got 3 of these and an Apex. I have the base Apex and Energy Bar 8. I am trying to figure out how to hook everything up. Since there are 9 cords and 8 slots on the energy bar, is there a way to combine plugs? What do you think I should do with the ethernet cords? I got a splitter, but I am not sure the best way to combine them. I have just started to get the Apex going and I am a little frustrated.

 

[repairman68]

Very nice I will be following this as I am looking in to getting these to go on my 110 mixed reef build.

 

[mano1192]

Looking to buy 2 for my 150g, and this thread was great help in my decision process. Thank you all for your contributions.

Quick question, is it true that these fixtures still require 3 plugs each? 2 will equal 6 plugs off of my dc8 which basically means I have to buy and extra one. Just trying to plan out my equipment purchase, thanks!

 

[milonedp]

So here is what I did for wire management, I have 4 Apollos so a lot of wires.

I got 2 power strips and put them on my EB8, one labeled "Lights - Fan" and one "Lights - Moonlights". The "Fan" is for all the whites and blues and I have that turn off power 1 minute before the profile for the whites and blues finishes (for me that is at 10%). This way I don't get that flash when they discharge. The moonlights stay on for another couple hours but don't need the fan running (according to Joe).

I got a splitter for the ethernet cables and have the dimmers for the whites and blues running off of V1/V2.

This was much less expensive than getting another EB8 just for this purpose.

Let me know if that helps or if you have more questions.

 

[mano1192]

Thanks for the idea on power management. I'm excited to get these running on my tank. To me the prices make sense unlike with other LEDs and the value is on par when comparing against MH's. being in Vegas heat is always an issue and the savings of not buying a chiller should equal out nicely.

 

[gcfiend]

Sunrise B 5 to 90
Sunset B 90-5
MiddayB 100-100

SunriseW 5- 70
Sunset W 70-5
Midday W 80-80

Times
8:00 to 12:00 Sunrise W- ramp 240
12:00 to 17:00 Midday W- ramp 0
17:00 to 19.00 Sunset W ramp 120

6:00 to 12:00 Sunrise B- ramp 240
12:00 to 18:00 Midday B - ramp 0
18:00 to 20:00 Sunset B- ramp 120

I also have a storm mode programed on this one. The model I have also was a believe a Limited addition Artic Red Solar Blast.

For those happy with your colors.. How high do you have your fixtures hung from the water?

 

[mano1192]

I had to hang mine pretty high around 8+" to get the coverage I wanted.

 

[mano1192]

I checked today, mine are hung at 12" above the water surface. I have a 5' tank and 2 2' apollos. The coverage is perfect now that I raised the lights.

 

[mano1192]

Anyone with any updates specifically with their sps colors?

 

[mano1192]

Has anyone seen growth and color with their apollos?

 

[sengson]

Yes, on both counts.

 

[mano1192]

Yes, on both counts.

Any pics

 

[sengson]

I have pics (though not current) in my tank build:

http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/22832-mitchs-90g-ver20/

 

[markak53]

Apollo LED>>> Need Replacement Bulbs

Apollo LED>>> Need Replacement Bulbs

I know this Company is no longer in business, but are parts avail? I have some led bulbs burnt out and need to get replacements. Does anyone have any idea how get them? Or maybe someone has a fixture laying around not being used.

 

[vbsaltydog]

They are just Bridgelux LEDs so either buy them on starboards and separate them from the starboards or buy them without starboards. Once you have the leds free from the starboards, just solder them onto the Apollo panel.

 

[bozoreefer]

Anyone have a user manual for the UV 6000 LB model?

I have 2 of these units and each of them only have one power socket. Do these just power the moons or everything?

Each unit also has 2 female ethernet jacks on it. I want to daisy chain them and put them into the Apex. Not sure if I can do this. Anyone know?


Thanks!

 

[troutbum24]

Anyone have a user manual for the UV 6000 LB model?

I have 2 of these units and each of them only have one power socket. Do these just power the moons or everything?

Each unit also has 2 female ethernet jacks on it. I want to daisy chain them and put them into the Apex. Not sure if I can do this. Anyone know?


Thanks!

Not sure if you found the user manual yet. but if you need one contact me.

 

[Remmers]

Is there a way of "hardwireing" these so you can run them with out a controller?

 

[vbsaltydog]

Is there a way of "hardwireing" these so you can run them with out a controller?

Use a 10v DC Wall wart to feed them a 10v signal to the controller port.

 

[vbsaltydog]

I have two of these units and IMO they are not built very well.

Its true that the components are better than the Chinese boxes but both of my units stopped working and after inspection, the cooling fans burned out (wires were melted at the fan itself). The way these units are wired, it is a huge PITA to replace the fans.

Also, there is no thermal protection to shut down the drivers when the fans fail.

I DO NOT recommend these units.