Tank is 36"x18" in wall leaving the front 4" blocked by the wall itself. Currently have a Orbit Marine led which provides good coverage but isn't bright enough to support much. Would a black box type light provide enough spread up front with it having to be up higher? How low can it go? Or is there a better inexpensive option for my situation?
Black box or something else?
- Thread starter otrips
- Start date
I guess I should ask if you placed something 4-5" wide on the top/lid of the tank blocking the light would it look really weird under that? Or would the individual less not under that part have enough spread to make it look ok? Not planing on growing anything right up front just don't want it to look weird knowing how directional leds can be.
Ok great that was my biggest concern. I think I'll start off with one and see how that goes. Worst case I buy a second. Now with so many out there by the time I find one I like with a good spectrum a new ones will come out and I'll have to start my search all over again. lol
Another question, I'm using egg crate to keep my snails from going overboard. Can I keep it or should I look into something else?
Thanks!
Another question, I'm using egg crate to keep my snails from going overboard. Can I keep it or should I look into something else?
Thanks!
mcgyvr
New member
egg crate is "ok" but it does block quite a bit light and will cause the LED spread to be even worse..
I'd make a screen top from here..
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sumps-tanks-refugiums/diy-screen-tops.html
I'd make a screen top from here..
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/sumps-tanks-refugiums/diy-screen-tops.html
ericarenee
New member
There are a few different configurations and some are better then others..
I have 5 of these and are nearing two years . many others have them as well.
https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA...4862605&sr=8-1&keywords=viparspectra+aquarium
Even some of the newer mars aqua lights are better then the original ones..
The thing to remember its the internet People usually flock to forums to complain about issues they have with a product more then brag about what they bought. Especially on here where there are so many who believe that if you do not buy the TOP Price product your buying junk.
With that said yes there are some of the so called black boxes that can even be dangerous.. i would say get them from amazon or somewhere you trust.
Do these ramp up and down or does it just have a timer?
Ron Reefman
Active member
Like the OceanRevive and one Reef Breeders fixture, they have built-in timers that will turn each channel (white or blue) on and off. They do not ramp to do sunrise or sunset. They do, however, have digital dimmers with 1% increments. So it's better than dimmer knobs and add on timers, but no, it's not a controller fixture.
OMG! Why didn't I think of that. One of my contractor suppliers sells the exact same netting. I don't quite need an 1/4 mile of it though. lol
36-48" or 48-60"?
Fish_Lover99
New member
48-60inch
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I guess that's where I'm at. A ramp timer would be awesome, it's more natural & doesn't startle the fish. But he price for a decent light that can ramp is way beyond my budget.
Wifi sounds nice but how often would I really use it once it's set up?
A built in timer isn't a requirement but would be nice, I'd pay $20 for that feature instead of a 2 plug light & 2 $10 digital timers.
One thing most seem to be lacking is UV light. I suppose I could swap out a couple diodes if I wanted.
Wifi sounds nice but how often would I really use it once it's set up?
A built in timer isn't a requirement but would be nice, I'd pay $20 for that feature instead of a 2 plug light & 2 $10 digital timers.
One thing most seem to be lacking is UV light. I suppose I could swap out a couple diodes if I wanted.
Fish_Lover99
New member
The light has all the things but I don't know about UV but I'm selling it for $275 they retail for $330
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I believe that some of the wifi models do simulate sunrise and sunset and you can set moonlighting as well.
From what I understand the sunrise/sunset feature on the black boxes simply means you can set individual times for each channel. Meaning blue on before white, white off before blue. Not actual ramping.
If you come across something different please let me know.
That's good to know. I'll look into it more.
Similar threads
