CADlights 39g Pro build thread

[schnitm]

Yes, they were pricey - but IMO well worth the investment.

-NO heat transferred to the tank
-NO bulbs to replace (for about 13 years)
-Less than 1/2 the electricity (and they are PAR MONSTERS - 140 Watts of LEDS provides more PAR than 400+ watts of MH)
-A built in ramping controller that allows for custom sunrise/sunsets and mid-day PAR increases.

I'm a huge proponent of LEDS - I even run an Evil PAR 38 21W 12K LED bulb in my sump (a while back I set up a test frag tank in the center sump section - 21 watts did great job of growing SPS.)

I believe LEDS will completely replace MH as the acquisition costs fall. If your handy, there are lots of DIY options that cost a fraction of the AI's (but you lose the controller.)

Do you have the new ones with XP-Gs? I'm trying to figure out the XPG count for my build. Thinking 13 with 23 Royal Blue XR-Es at the moment. This one will have 13 degree lenses and hang 30" above the top of the tank. I suppose it's apples ot oranges then.

I've got a Reefkeeper Elite with the ALC module for the controller.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Do you have the new ones with XP-Gs? I'm trying to figure out the XPG count for my build. Thinking 13 with 23 Royal Blue XR-Es at the moment. This one will have 13 degree lenses and hang 30" above the top of the tank. I suppose it's apples ot oranges then.

I've got a Reefkeeper Elite with the ALC module for the controller.

Yes, I have the latest generation using the XPGs. I'm also beta testing the new ramping controller (it rocks.) I use 2 - 70 watt (48 3W LEDS) units over my Cad, currently elevated about 8" ATWL (still adjusting/acclimating.)

I think your white/blue ratio would yield very blue light. You may have already seen this, but the best DIY thread is Santokis's (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1761942) His build is almost identical to the AI's (sans the controller functionality) and includes PAR testing.

 

[meinestrasse]

Sicce Voyager 1

Sicce Voyager 1

Wow! Unknown package arrived today. When I opened it up, it was the Sicce Voyager 1 that reeftivo told me about only 2 days ago. I ordered it from AquaCave via Priority Mail. They shipped it the same day, and two days later I've got it. From IL to FL in two days. I am impressed.

Initial Impressions:

So I've already got this thing running in my 12G CAD. For $42, the specs seemed impressive. First disappointment, only suction cup mounts come with it. The product description led me to believe it was a magnet mount with suction cups, and after reading the instructions I learned the magnets have to be purchased separately as an upgrade. Plus the suction cups were a real pain to attach to the support brace. They should really pre-install the suction cups on the mount. Five suction cups took me 10 minutes to get on, and it was not easy. Lots of hand strength and dexterity required.

Second, the rotating head spins irregularly (not smoothly) and seems to stress out the fish. The head is not mechanical, rather some of the stream that comes out of the pump is directed into a channel in the head and propels it round and round. This is definitely not pretty enough for a refined DT. A lot of the flow seems to be lost in spinning the head. The random flow is descent. Lots of detritus kicked up right away, but I'm not sure this pump alone is enough for the 39G. Two pumps together might be adequate, but IMO would look hideous.

Third, the mounting bracket and spinning head feel flimsy and cheap. And the unit looks a bit bulky. Controlling the flow of the pump and speed of the rotating head is a matter of trial and error.

Conclusion:

This is an acceptable powerhead for a grow-out tank or a DT where looks are not important. Interesting piece of equipment for only $42. But I'm not sure how long this thing would last.

 

[schnitm]

Yes, I have the latest generation using the XPGs. I'm also beta testing the new ramping controller (it rocks.) I use 2 - 70 watt (48 3W LEDS) units over my Cad, currently elevated about 8" ATWL (still adjusting/acclimating.)

I think your white/blue ratio would yield very blue light. You may have already seen this, but the best DIY thread is Santokis's (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1761942) His build is almost identical to the AI's (sans the controller functionality) and includes PAR testing.

I built a prototype with 3 of each, white XPG and royal blue XRE, all running at 1 amp. It's not blue enough. I want to be able to have more blue. All on dimmers, my plan is to set the whites for intensity and tune the level of the blues for color.

The thing that gets me is you have 24 XPGs running! Are you running them at 1 amp? Seems like a lot!! Can you tell what your max amp setting is on the whites with the AI controller?

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I built a prototype with 3 of each, white XPG and royal blue XRE, all running at 1 amp. It's not blue enough. I want to be able to have more blue. All on dimmers, my plan is to set the whites for intensity and tune the level of the blues for color.

The thing that gets me is you have 24 XPGs running! Are you running them at 1 amp? Seems like a lot!! Can you tell what your max amp setting is on the whites with the AI controller?

It's actually 32 XPGs (3:1 white/blue) I *think* they are running at 750ma with 40 degree optics, but I'm not sure. With everything at 100%, each unit pulls 74 watts at the plug.

At mid-day settings (100% white and blue) I'd estimate the color at 10K-12K, but it's only there for a few hours, as it ramps down, duplicating morning and afternoon/eve sun its much bluer. Mid day is not as blue in appearance as I'd prefer, but I'm rarely there to see it and I believe it more accurately simulates what occurs in nature with sun zenith changes.

Early mornings and evenings (when most are enjoying the tank) are radioactive Windex blue and the colors literally explode. :lol2:

 

[reeftivo]

Wow! Unknown package arrived today. When I opened it up, it was the Sicce Voyager 1 that reeftivo told me about only 2 days ago. I ordered it from AquaCave via Priority Mail. They shipped it the same day, and two days later I've got it. From IL to FL in two days. I am impressed.

Initial Impressions:

So I've already got this thing running in my 12G CAD. For $42, the specs seemed impressive. First disappointment, only suction cup mounts come with it. The product description led me to believe it was a magnet mount with suction cups, and after reading the instructions I learned the magnets have to be purchased separately as an upgrade. Plus the suction cups were a real pain to attach to the support brace. They should really pre-install the suction cups on the mount. Five suction cups took me 10 minutes to get on, and it was not easy. Lots of hand strength and dexterity required.

Second, the rotating head spins irregularly (not smoothly) and seems to stress out the fish. The head is not mechanical, rather some of the stream that comes out of the pump is directed into a channel in the head and propels it round and round. This is definitely not pretty enough for a refined DT. A lot of the flow seems to be lost in spinning the head. The random flow is descent. Lots of detritus kicked up right away, but I'm not sure this pump alone is enough for the 39G. Two pumps together might be adequate, but IMO would look hideous.

Third, the mounting bracket and spinning head feel flimsy and cheap. And the unit looks a bit bulky. Controlling the flow of the pump and speed of the rotating head is a matter of trial and error.

Conclusion:

This is an acceptable powerhead for a grow-out tank or a DT where looks are not important. Interesting piece of equipment for only $42. But I'm not sure how long this thing would last.

Wow! Sorry to read that the unit is not quite as nice as advertised. I ordered one myself to use on a 28 gal grow out in my garage. Asthetics aren't a big issue there but I'm a bit disappointed they seem so ugly and bulky.

Sorry for the bad lead!

tivo

 

[meinestrasse]

Wow! Sorry to read that the unit is not quite as nice as advertised. I ordered one myself to use on a 28 gal grow out in my garage. Asthetics aren't a big issue there but I'm a bit disappointed they seem so ugly and bulky.

Sorry for the bad lead!

tivo

No problem. I can use this pump. It is useful, just not in the DT. Already noticed some improvement in my tank from this.

Still waiting for my new CAD 39G Pro replacement to arrive.

 

[reeftivo]

When did Eddie say the tank was shipping?

I've been meaning to stop by and see him but have been too busy. He asked me to come by and see something they have developed for the aquariums but he wouldn't tell me what it was. He said it may be coming out next month. He said it is not an aquarium but definately aquarium related so I'm anxious to see what it is and just have to get over there.

If you've been waiting a bit too long for the replacement, I will mention it to him.

Tivo

 

[meinestrasse]

Eddie told me it was ready to ship on Monday, March 29th. Today is April 6th. I will post photos of the new design when it arrives (hopefully in one piece).

Looking forward to seeing what Eddie has developed. Hopefully LED lights to compete with Aqua Illuminations.

 

[reeftivo]

bump

 

[meinestrasse]

bump

Maxspect G2 160s for $565 shipped from Hong Kong or Aqua Illuminations for $1169?

Thanks for the lead, tivo!

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Do lots of research if you're considering Maxspect. There are significant differences from the AIs (Chinese made, Not Crees, and not licensed under the Orbitek patent.) As they are not licensed, there will likely never be US service or support. I don't think they are UL listed either, and it seems they ship only with a 220V power cord which can easily be replaced, but all in all, it made me nervous.

Although they were cheaper - I decided on the AIs (US made and supported.) I'm REALLY glad I did as I accidentally dropped one of my AIs.
Chris had it repaired and FedExed back to me in ONE day. Not sure you'd get the same from China.

 

[meinestrasse]

Do lots of research if you're considering Maxspect. There are significant differences from the AIs (Chinese made, Not Crees, and not licensed under the Orbitek patent.) As they are not licensed, there will likely never be US service or support. I don't think they are UL listed either, and it seems they ship only with a 220V power cord which can easily be replaced, but all in all, it made me nervous.

Although they were cheaper - I decided on the AIs (US made and supported.) I'm REALLY glad I did as I accidentally dropped one of my AIs.
Chris had it repaired and FedExed back to me in ONE day. Not sure you'd get the same from China.

I think they are using Crees (optional) in the Maxspect G2 now. They do have a 110V option (U.S. power cord) from what I can see. And they have an 18-month warranty, based on what I've read. I think they have 2 U.S. distributors now (maybe Eddie is one of them). These would look real nice over the 39G Pro.

http://glassbox-design.com/2010/maxspect-led-light-cree-xp-g/

 

[reeftivo]

They do use Crees as an optional upgrade. I've read that the previous G1 versions had heat degredation issues but they have opted for new fans (with a heat sink I believe) and may have solved the issue. They have a pseudo controller unlike the Ecoxotix lights, but AI is still the benchmark with their ramping controller.

Although looking at the Maxspect controller, it seems they do have adjustable white/blue intensity knobs on the controller rather than just an on/off switch which is pretty cool.

It looks like the dimensions are good size and possibly 1 x G2 unit would cover nicely at around 15 x 7 but two may be necessary.

http://www.aquashoponline.com/product.php?id_product=28

 

[reeftivo]

Sorry, the crees are standard on the G2's.

 

[reeftivo]

Check out post 233 on the RC maxspect LED owners thread

It's with one 160 G2-very nice!

One would be perfect for my 39!

 

[meinestrasse]

The newly re-designed 39G arrived in one piece! It looks great. I will post more details and photos this evening. Looks like it has a larger overflow box with only one return hole, to allow room for a full-size durso to eliminate the Niagara Falls sound effect. Plus an upper and lower intake into the overflow.

I also ordered a CAD 22G tank that arrived with this one but it was shattered!

 

[meinestrasse]

CAD 39G Pro re-designed April 2010

CAD 39G Pro re-designed April 2010

 

[reeftivo]

Thats awsome!

Even re-enforced with glass in the overflow?

Nice improvemnets.

Great Pics! Keep'em comin'.

BTW, Love the cherry cabinet! I wanted the cherry but had to compramise with the other half since she hates this hobby.

I think all of us 2009'rs and earlier are a bit jealous of the new set up.

 

[timdanger]

So, I'm thinking about replacing the 14k Prism bulb that comes stock with the Cad fixture. Remembering that we recently had done some photo testing, I went scrolling back through "the archives" of this thread to see what people ended up with.

i was kind of surprised to see that no one tested out the radium 20k or phoenix 14k -- anyone have thoughts on the colors these bulbs produce on the cad fixture? or, alternative suggestions? or, have input on good T5s to pair with these bulbs?

i love the radium color, but i can't afford to give up too much in the way of growth (i have small frags; i want big colonies -- but, i don't want yellow lights). i've heard that the phoenix gives good color and better growth than the radium (though i've also heard that the radium gives better par than the phoenix, so i'm not really sure what to make of that whole situation).