RedStangGA
New member
Gotcha. As to the autofeeder it'll just run on its own timer and I'll time the pumps around it. What I may do is time how long it takes to pump from the low switch to a set level and limit the ATO to that time as you did.
Biocube 29 build
- Thread starter RedStangGA
- Start date
Gotcha. As to the autofeeder it'll just run on its own timer and I'll time the pumps around it. What I may do is time how long it takes to pump from the low switch to a set level and limit the ATO to that time as you did.
What pump did you get for the ATO? I use the aqualifter... but what that forces me to do is keep my water reservoir on the shelf where I have all my apex equipment. I'd like to move the reservoir to the bottom shelf just for peace of mind, but I don't think the aqualifter will pump the water up that high into the BC. not sure if the head height to pump is relative to the aqualifter position, or the reservoir.
I have been without power since sunday (DAMN YOU IRENE!), and moving the reservoir and testing was next on my to-do list to check out.
Edit: also on that to-do list... set up a toggle switch in the stand to turn off pumps for a water change. Eventually I'll incorporate an MP10 to blast and stir things up just before doing the water change... all set up with the toggle switch. I initially thought about using a doorbell, but I think it's easier to have the toggle switch in the on/off rather than a time limit with the doorbell. I likes me my apex. It satisfies the inner nerd.
RedStangGA
New member
I hear ya! It's all about technology! I'll use one of my spare pumps. Either the original BC return pump, my hydor evo 1200, or a mj900. I have space right behind the tank to hide a reservoir and I'll be velcoring the apex equipment to the wall behind the tank as well. This will aloow for drip lines between all the wet stuff and all the electrical stuff.
So last night I was reading through the most recent issue of the Apex's Unofficial user guide... specifically the portion about the dimmable lights and hooking up the vortech.
Please, I beg of you... can you take pictures of how you installed and hooked up the RapidLED kit and the VDM. I plan on doing the exact same upgrade, and the connection part looked pretty complicated. Specifically the wiring from drivers to the VDM. I'm really curious how all that gets hooked together.
Are you planning on keeping the stock moonlights, or are you going to make a nighttime profile with the kit and apex?
Please, I beg of you... can you take pictures of how you installed and hooked up the RapidLED kit and the VDM. I plan on doing the exact same upgrade, and the connection part looked pretty complicated. Specifically the wiring from drivers to the VDM. I'm really curious how all that gets hooked together.
Are you planning on keeping the stock moonlights, or are you going to make a nighttime profile with the kit and apex?
RedStangGA
New member
I will as soon as I get everything in. Everything has shipped but I won't have the time to do the build for a couple of weeks. I will take some pics for ya though. The important part is to make sure you know which wires are where when plugging into the VDM.
DUDE just buy AI Nano or AI SOl blue 12"
Either of those fit inside a 29g BC hood? Because I don't want to remove the hood.
RedStangGA
New member
They're a tad pricier too. While anyone who saw all the equipment I'm would laugh at the mention of a budget I'm still trying to save money where I can. I did consider the new nano AI fixture but the value just isn't quite there yet. The rapidled kit is an excellent value though IMO. Still, with the VDM it would've been neat to take advantage of the AI functionality. Like Hex though I'm keeping my hoodie!
Hex, as I type this my tailspot has been swimming around for at least 15 minutes. Longest I've ever seen him away from his bolt hole! Even better, looks like he's picking algae off the back wall right now!
RedStangGA
New member
Nope. Knew I'd be going with LED's.
RedStangGA
New member
Ok, got the lights in. LED's are mounted on the heatsink and wired up. Waiting on the VDM to come in so I can set the meanwell driver pot. Unfortunately no more progress until Sunday night at the earliest as the VDM hasn't made it in yet. I'll get an update from the LFS I ordered it from tomorrow.
Redsox Nation
New member
really want to see the rapid kit, pls post some pics once everything up
Where are you installing the driver in your stand? Do you need extra wiring to reach inside the stand to install the drivers there?
I'm thinking of getting this upgrade next (might wait for a big thanksgiving sale to get the MP10).
RedStangGA
New member
Sorry guys. Just got back from a 5 day field trip with my kid's school.
Hex, my stand is not a standard stand. It's wide open underneath. So, I haven't really decided where I'm going to keep everything yet. I've thought of velcro'ing everything to the underside of the shelf but I'm not certain yet.
Endy, I can do sunrise/sunset and basic clouds based off of what I've read. Lunar cycle may take another Apex module that I'm not sure is worth it and I'm fairly certain lightning is out of the question. Sunrise/sunset is all I was really after.
My order came in and I'll pick up tomorrow so hopefully I'll be able to make some progress tomorrow afternoon/evening.
Hex, my stand is not a standard stand. It's wide open underneath. So, I haven't really decided where I'm going to keep everything yet. I've thought of velcro'ing everything to the underside of the shelf but I'm not certain yet.
Endy, I can do sunrise/sunset and basic clouds based off of what I've read. Lunar cycle may take another Apex module that I'm not sure is worth it and I'm fairly certain lightning is out of the question. Sunrise/sunset is all I was really after.
My order came in and I'll pick up tomorrow so hopefully I'll be able to make some progress tomorrow afternoon/evening.
RedStangGA
New member
So I finally got my Apex VDM and finished up my LED build! These things lit the tank better laying on the floor 4 feet away from the tank than the stock PC lights! Once installed in the hood they're crazy bright. At this point I'm running them at 25-35% because of how bright they are. I may also need to move my hammer lower to get it acclimated. I'll try to get pics tonight as my iPhone just showed a blue haze coming from the tank.
I must say the RB brings out some crazy cool colors from the corals. I'm going to end up spending an insane amount of time getting the colored dialed in where I like it though.
Wiring up the VDM was not difficult at all once I confirmed the pins. Adjusting the SVR2 on the meanwell was a bit of a pain as I have limited, as in none, experience in using an amp meter. I'm kinda shocked that I didn't fry anything. Programing the ports for controlling the lights ended up being fairly simple, at least for now. The instructions that came with the VDM were more than adequate. I really do wish that the Apex/VDM combo would just let me dial up a specific brightness though from a web page. If anyone knows how please share!
I also added an EB8 to ensure that I'll never run out of controllable outlets. I was tempted to just get the EB4 but at 8 ports total that might have limited me down the road. So I currently have a return pump, MP10, LED cooling fans, white lights, blue lights, and heater plugged in for now.
So, hopefully some better pics tonight!
I must say the RB brings out some crazy cool colors from the corals. I'm going to end up spending an insane amount of time getting the colored dialed in where I like it though.
Wiring up the VDM was not difficult at all once I confirmed the pins. Adjusting the SVR2 on the meanwell was a bit of a pain as I have limited, as in none, experience in using an amp meter. I'm kinda shocked that I didn't fry anything. Programing the ports for controlling the lights ended up being fairly simple, at least for now. The instructions that came with the VDM were more than adequate. I really do wish that the Apex/VDM combo would just let me dial up a specific brightness though from a web page. If anyone knows how please share!
I also added an EB8 to ensure that I'll never run out of controllable outlets. I was tempted to just get the EB4 but at 8 ports total that might have limited me down the road. So I currently have a return pump, MP10, LED cooling fans, white lights, blue lights, and heater plugged in for now.
So, hopefully some better pics tonight!
Nice... I was going to buy the kit yesterday... but rapid LED is out of stock. My wallet thanks them.
But, being an over researching worrywort... I saw some stuff that the apex can put out more than 10v, and potentially fry the LEDs. but if you're only running at 25-35%, I'd assume the apex is no where near that 10v, right? did you test the voltage output of the apex (I'd have no idea how). Is that what you mean by "adjusting the SVR2"?
Someone posted a how-to-build a voltage regulator so you can intercept any +10v output from the apex. I found it searching "voltage regulator" in the neptune forum. I might incorporate that in my build.
Looking forward to pictures.
aside: my LFS is ordering me a tailspot blenny. seriously, I'm not trying to copy/reef-stalk you. Honest. ha ha.
But, being an over researching worrywort... I saw some stuff that the apex can put out more than 10v, and potentially fry the LEDs. but if you're only running at 25-35%, I'd assume the apex is no where near that 10v, right? did you test the voltage output of the apex (I'd have no idea how). Is that what you mean by "adjusting the SVR2"?
Someone posted a how-to-build a voltage regulator so you can intercept any +10v output from the apex. I found it searching "voltage regulator" in the neptune forum. I might incorporate that in my build.
Looking forward to pictures.
aside: my LFS is ordering me a tailspot blenny. seriously, I'm not trying to copy/reef-stalk you. Honest. ha ha.
RedStangGA
New member
Sucks about the LED kit! Worth waiting for though IMO.
I actually did check the voltage out of the VDM and was getting ~10.6. Honestly I figured it was close enough. SVR2 is a pot(I think) inside the meanwell that you have to adjust to control the mA that gets fed to the LED's. Wish the RB's would take a higher mA. The whites don't need to be adjusted as they take up to 1500mA.
Our tailspot has become the family favorite. And no worries! There's only so many reasonable options us nano-reefers have! Plus, the tailspot is a beautiful fish!
This was at 100% intensity, right? so you could never dial it up to 100% and still be well below the 10v (unless it spikes I guess.... or I completely misunderstand how voltage ramping relates to intensity).
I emailed RapidLED and they said they'll have the kit in within a week or so.
Did you build your own connection wire to the VDM, or buy the neptune one?
