Epic Gold/Yellow/Orange Hammer

[Dartolution]

No I haven't removed the lens from my fixture in the year that I have had it, but I may experiment with doing so when the diodes arrive and I start messing with its layout.

You need to do your research for the upgrades you desire.
And Im sorry but I am not in the business of modifying and reselling and/or providing services to fellow hobbyists.

The lens are either glued on, or "clipped" in place.

 

[Tweaked]

Nothing wrong with experimenting. Just because your eyes aren't seeing that deep blue doesn't mean the corals don't like it. Especially LPS! The actinic has been found to be very beneficial to coral despite what you may want.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I read somewhere that ATI actually recommends to have 50% of your lights be actinic for coral growth

 

[Tweaked]

It is the spectrum LPS enjoys for sure.

 

[organism]

Do you also remove the lenses? I heard that increases the coverage area. If so by how much dose it increase. I've got one over my 40b and about 6" on each side are shaded which isn't bad but might be nice to have more coverage to the sides. I also noticed yesterday the green and red lights reflecting on the sand. I never noticed it before hearing about it here.

What would the cost be to do the upgrade in parts and labor? I it easy to remove the lenses and if I don't like it can they be put back on.

Removing lenses increases coverage area by dramatically decreasing the output since the lenses focus the light to give it more strength. Basically even though you can water an entire lawn with a dixie cup it's probably not going to be enough water.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Removing lenses increases coverage area by dramatically decreasing the output since the lenses focus the light to give it more strength. Basically even though you can water an entire lawn with a dixie cup it's probably not going to be enough water.

Thanks, I guess I'll just leave them alone then.

 

[Dartolution]

Ordered the Diodes but haven't received the replacements yet. I think they are due in some time between December 17th to January 1st.

I did however replace the two 39W ATI BLUE+ with two ATI actinics.

I don't really see much of a major difference with brightness except the obvious.
However I do see a little bit of a difference in color.
With just the Actinic T5's on theres a big difference in the appearance of several corals. The actinic and blue channel (450 / 460nm) is quite interesting but I look forward to replacing several of the diodes with the Violet and UV leds that I have on order.

Heres a few pics from tonight:

 

[Ocean envy]

Very nice hammer. Those golden ones can get a bit spendy. That being said, I agree that wall hammers enjoy the actinic spectrum quite a bit. I have a wall hammer that is about a foot across that sits under a super actinic bulb 12hrs a day with 4 hrs of mh 14k for good measure. It has low /medium flow and is quite happy. It definitely likes to eat and prefers fauna marnia lps pellets and finely ground meaty foods. It is also not shy about kicking out pellets and foods it doesn't like. The gentle cascading motion of it, is really quite nice. Good luck with yours' it's a beauty.

 

[Dartolution]

Thank you! Is your Wall hammer and orange/gold?

 

[Ocean envy]

You're welcome. Mine is green with black edges, which looks pretty sharp. But glowing
yellow is in a whole other league. Enjoy it!

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I'll be adding a gold torch to match my gold hammer sometime this week. Today I'm getting a very nice large Elegance and I can't wait :dance:

Your gold wall hammer looks amazing I wish I could take pictures to decently show the color of my corals. Going to have to play with both of my cameras. One in phone and the other is a digital that takes great pictures accept for under the lights with the blues on. :hammer:

 

[kjay88]

What on earth are those beautiful blue ones bottom left in original picture

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I got my gold torch and my Elegance today, will post pictures tomorrow when they're opened up all the way.

 

[Dartolution]

What on earth are those beautiful blue ones bottom left in original picture

What original picture?

The only "blue ones" I can see in any of the pictures is the colony of blue palythoa. Pretty nice palys if you like soft corals.


Ive been trying to find an Orange/Gold wall hammer for some time. When I saw this one I had to have it, no matter the cost.
It is the most expensive coral I have ever purchased to date in 16 years in this hobby.

I can't wait for my replacement LED's to arrive.