Giesemann Lighting Club.

[moondoggy4]

^^^ Yes either check this thread or google search there was a member that rewired the light so the T-5 would come on one side then the other.

 

[cpllongjk]

Joined the club today. I picked up a new 24" spectra from BRS. My tank is 32 x 24 x20. I decided to use a 250w Radium driven by a PFO HQI ballast. For the T5's I decided to go with 3 ATI Blue+ and one KZ Fiji Purple. Setup and installation of this light was really a breeze. I used the included adapter to wire up my ballast to the Giesemann plug. The included hanging kit is also very nice.

This is my third lighting setup so far and hopefully my last. I started out with two of the original AI Hydras (not 26 or 52). I was able to get some decent growth but the colors on the SPS were not all that great. The shadowing was also very irritating. So I decided after about 2 years of that I would try a MH LED combo. I picked up a PFO mini pendant and used a 14k Phoenix bulb driven by a HQI ballast. On either side of the MH I had my Hydra LED's. This setup still left me with some shadowing but the colors were much improved. One day I stumbled across the Giesemann Spectra on the interwebs and thought I'd have to give it a try. So here I am.

My only question is, BRS says each group of two T5's is controllable. My unit only has two cords coming out. One goes to the MH ballast, the other is a power chord. When the power chord is plugged in all T5's illuminate. Is there some trick to get the front bank and rear bank to turn on separately?

Any tips and tricks would be much appreciated.

Thats actually weird because I bought my Spectra new from BRS about 5 months ago and there were 3 wires coming out. Two wires were for the t5s and 1 wire of the MH. I had to rewire the MH for a hamilton type plug and my only complaint was that the t5s were on two channels (front on one and backs on another). I would have preferred inner two bulbs and outer two bulbs if there were two cords for t5s, having 1 cord makes more sense for their current setup.

 

[cpllongjk]

Thank you for the response. Yeah I'm more and more convinced to move away from the spectra. I know corals would have all they need but the dilemma with halides is the heat....
I just got an email from BRS, stating that the Vervve are indeed a better choice than the Radions, based on power and spread. They also look so sweet. I'm a T5 guy and always loved all ATI units I've owned. The Matrix are really nice looking, but par is not as great as the ATI's.

I wouldn't go all leds just yet. I know a lot of people have had success with all led lit tanks but personally I love the coverage a t5 bulb gives. Many people need to add more led fixtures over their tank to get the coverage and to prevent shadowing caused by lenses/reflectors.

If you're seriously looking to switch look at the ati hybrid. Some people use the leds for main lighting like a MH but many people are starting to use them as supplementary lighting for color. I actually prefer using the leds on the hybrid to change my look of my t5s and add a bit of shimmer. You just have to be careful like with any led fixtures to not over do the white and red leds. Doing that is a very quick and sure way of killing your tank.

I am currently testing a 4 bulb ati hybrid and comparing it to my spectra. The jury is still out but so far, (1 week), I dont see any negative signs. Only time will tell if it can color up my corals like the spectra can. I will say this for sure though, with the ati hybrid I have a lot more viewing time than with my spectra. Also the heat reduction is a huge bonus!

 

[ReefCowboy]

I wouldn't go all leds just yet. I know a lot of people have had success with all led lit tanks but personally I love the coverage a t5 bulb gives. Many people need to add more led fixtures over their tank to get the coverage and to prevent shadowing caused by lenses/reflectors.

If you're seriously looking to switch look at the ati hybrid. Some people use the leds for main lighting like a MH but many people are starting to use them as supplementary lighting for color. I actually prefer using the leds on the hybrid to change my look of my t5s and add a bit of shimmer. You just have to be careful like with any led fixtures to not over do the white and red leds. Doing that is a very quick and sure way of killing your tank.

I am currently testing a 4 bulb ati hybrid and comparing it to my spectra. The jury is still out but so far, (1 week), I dont see any negative signs. Only time will tell if it can color up my corals like the spectra can. I will say this for sure though, with the ati hybrid I have a lot more viewing time than with my spectra. Also the heat reduction is a huge bonus!

Thank you for the info. I have looked into the ATI hybrid. I actually had that light in my mind as the best option for any tank. I had posted here many times asking for info on them and received many posts from owners telling me their leds are bad. Their advice was if they were to do it over, would do a regular powemodule with Reefbrites. I guess people were having issues with longevity of the led clusters with those fixtures.

I know going all led is a VERY risky move, and completely agree eith your opinion on them. I will have to go 4x vervve modules to properly cover a 5'x2'x2'. At the end, i will end up using the same wattage as mh/t5 spectra but the heat will be way less. I used to run a Tek light 6 bulb in an 90 gallon, and it would put out as much heat as my current MH.

Ive been seen lately some LED only tanks that have really amazed me...colors are just insane. Some acros, like strawberry shortcake, red planet just do amazing with leds,I feel there is also lots of info on how to do well with leds, if we look around, companies are having pre-settings that mimic blue+, aquablue special bulbs with leds. Also we are now being advised to keep the fixtures higher above water to prevent shadowing and as i will be doing, getting more modules than needed for better coverage.

I love the results t5's and Mh's give, but differently from lets say 2-3 hears ago, now people are finding their sweetspots, and being very successful.
I have a friend that knows well Sanjay, and said his tank looks better now with leds than when with MH's, with better growth and color. If one was to tell me this years ago i would laugh, but trust me its being done more and more...
I guess i will find out. The Vervves are indeed very advanced fixtures. I asked BRS and Coralvue, and they said these units have way more useful light than Radions. A single unit covers 30"x24", and ill be doing four to cover 60"x24".

 

[cpllongjk]

Thank you for the info. I have looked into the ATI hybrid. I actually had that light in my mind as the best option for any tank. I had posted here many times asking for info on them and received many posts from owners telling me their leds are bad. Their advice was if they were to do it over, would do a regular powemodule with Reefbrites. I guess people were having issues with longevity of the led clusters with those fixtures.

I know going all led is a VERY risky move, and completely agree eith your opinion on them. I will have to go 4x vervve modules to properly cover a 5'x2'x2'. At the end, i will end up using the same wattage as mh/t5 spectra but the heat will be way less. I used to run a Tek light 6 bulb in an 90 gallon, and it would put out as much heat as my current MH.

Ive been seen lately some LED only tanks that have really amazed me...colors are just insane. Some acros, like strawberry shortcake, red planet just do amazing with leds,I feel there is also lots of info on how to do well with leds, if we look around, companies are having pre-settings that mimic blue+, aquablue special bulbs with leds. Also we are now being advised to keep the fixtures higher above water to prevent shadowing and as i will be doing, getting more modules than needed for better coverage.

I love the results t5's and Mh's give, but differently from lets say 2-3 hears ago, now people are finding their sweetspots, and being very successful.
I have a friend that knows well Sanjay, and said his tank looks better now with leds than when with MH's, with better growth and color. If one was to tell me this years ago i would laugh, but trust me its being done more and more...
I guess i will find out. The Vervves are indeed very advanced fixtures. I asked BRS and Coralvue, and they said these units have way more useful light than Radions. A single unit covers 30"x24", and ill be doing four to cover 60"x24".

The only thing to remember with Giesemann is that they're app is android only currently. An iphone/apple app is in production so if you're like me with an iphone you're stuck and cannot get anything giesemann until that app comes out. I was looking at the aurora but there aren't enough reviews out currently. I really like the reflector-less design of the leds. Also the aurora has individual reflectors on their t5s, something the spectra should've had imo.

Remember this about lights.
I know the older generations of ati leds had problems and overheating but I haven't noticed anything yet. Only time will tell.

Overall all types of lighting are very useful you just have to give your corals time to adapt and be very careful. If I had that connection to Sanjay I would ask what leds hes using.

You know, after thinking about it, there are several people on this forum that have GEN1 Radions with very good results. When I see that I think wow, all these people buying new upgraded versions and these people figured it out. You could probably get a gen1 for a fraction of the cost and have great results.

Just food for thought really.

 

[ReefCowboy]

The only thing to remember with Giesemann is that they're app is android only currently. An iphone/apple app is in production so if you're like me with an iphone you're stuck and cannot get anything giesemann until that app comes out. I was looking at the aurora but there aren't enough reviews out currently. I really like the reflector-less design of the leds. Also the aurora has individual reflectors on their t5s, something the spectra should've had imo.

Remember this about lights.
I know the older generations of ati leds had problems and overheating but I haven't noticed anything yet. Only time will tell.

Overall all types of lighting are very useful you just have to give your corals time to adapt and be very careful. If I had that connection to Sanjay I would ask what leds hes using.

You know, after thinking about it, there are several people on this forum that have GEN1 Radions with very good results. When I see that I think wow, all these people buying new upgraded versions and these people figured it out. You could probably get a gen1 for a fraction of the cost and have great results.

Just food for thought really.

Thanks again. Ive had all types of lighting, and the more i try to learn about Giesemann lighting, the more impressed I get.
I got confused with the Android/IOS. I own two phones, an Iphone and a Samsung, so Ill be set, but just took this from BRS as there could be confusion out at other forums:

"IOS app available now. Android app coming soon.".

So is BRS's site wrong? If so we should notify them. As you mentioned, it could be very unfortunate if one buys it and cant operate it. The "slave" units, Vervve One has preset programs and will work without bluetooth, but im sure many would find that bogus since customization is what is all about.

The problem with Giesemann is they do very little marketing, they basically let the product speak for itself, especially in America. We get almost no info on these lights.
I had a chance to see the Aurora in person and the leds are insane. The fixture is very impressive to say the least. I do however consider them moving further with the Vervve reflectors as their ultimate design for the next led fixtures, as we see the new lights "Viva" and "Genesis" with those reflectors.

Sanjay runs Radion G2 Pro's, he has 10 units over his 500 gal. Somehow without a chiller he keeps the tank at tops 80 degrees now.

What i will do is get a Par meter and measure the par in my tank now with Halides, and will start slow with the Leds, ramping up through time.
I will do a par testing and will post here so more people can have better info on the Vervves. I should be getting this light over the next couple of days.

Like i had mentioned, im a bit nervous as they arent cheap fixtures, and i am aware the Spectras woukd be basically plug+success...but im willing to give Leds a try.
Well see i guess!

 

[cpllongjk]

Thanks again. Ive had all types of lighting, and the more i try to learn about Giesemann lighting, the more impressed I get.
I got confused with the Android/IOS. I own two phones, an Iphone and a Samsung, so Ill be set, but just took this from BRS as there could be confusion out at other forums:

"IOS app available now. Android app coming soon.".

So is BRS's site wrong? If so we should notify them. As you mentioned, it could be very unfortunate if one buys it and cant operate it. The "slave" units, Vervve One has preset programs and will work without bluetooth, but im sure many would find that bogus since customization is what is all about.

The problem with Giesemann is they do very little marketing, they basically let the product speak for itself, especially in America. We get almost no info on these lights.
I had a chance to see the Aurora in person and the leds are insane. The fixture is very impressive to say the least. I do however consider them moving further with the Vervve reflectors as their ultimate design for the next led fixtures, as we see the new lights "Viva" and "Genesis" with those reflectors.

Sanjay runs Radion G2 Pro's, he has 10 units over his 500 gal. Somehow without a chiller he keeps the tank at tops 80 degrees now.

What i will do is get a Par meter and measure the par in my tank now with Halides, and will start slow with the Leds, ramping up through time.
I will do a par testing and will post here so more people can have better info on the Vervves. I should be getting this light over the next couple of days.

Like i had mentioned, im a bit nervous as they arent cheap fixtures, and i am aware the Spectras woukd be basically plug+success...but im willing to give Leds a try.
Well see i guess!

I was wrong... Giesemann Aurora's app is android only. "IOS app coming soon"

I was mixed up with their two lights. I was researching both at the same time and assumed they used the same app, guess I was wrong.

 

[andrek787]

Question. Has anyone recently purchased a 6x54w Matrix II fixture. Is it still the same body as the 8 x 54w model, just with two empty reflectors? The dimensions listed on BRS, CoraVue and Giesemann dont seem to match.

 

[Moser]

I was running Giesemann Spectra for about 4 years. 9x400W Radium and 12x80w Blue+.
Results were great- but eventually decided to change due to the heat.

I tried LED's only, but couldn't get them set up right and lost a few corals.

I eventually switched to ATI hybrids. These are the best lights around for sps period.
I have six units covering the whole area of my tank- it's 36" deep. I bleached some lps on the sand when I first setup, so it punches deep enough!

My colours and growth have been even better than with my Radiums! Due to the coverage. I probably needed 3 more Radiums for full coverage of my tank as I have with the T5 now. I used to get some shading in spots. None of that now. T5's give no shadow on sps, so they are evenly coloured. No other lights can match that, or the colour pigments t5 produce.

The issue with ATI hybrid LED that people have mentioned was with the first model cluster, which had plastic reflectors. These were quickly changed to silver coated reflectors. That's why there have been no issues since.

About two months ago, I thought I might try my spectras again. I now realise, that although the shimmer is nice, the tank is much less bright and I can see where the halides were shining through the water- hence the shadowing and the directional growth I had with halides. I have switched back to hybrid 2 weeks ago!


If you're thinking about lighting, think seriously about the ATI hybrid.
It's the best light out there.


Mo

 

[cpllongjk]

I was running Giesemann Spectra for about 4 years. 9x400W Radium and 12x80w Blue+.
Results were great- but eventually decided to change due to the heat.

I tried LED's only, but couldn't get them set up right and lost a few corals.

I eventually switched to ATI hybrids. These are the best lights around for sps period.
I have six units covering the whole area of my tank- it's 36" deep. I bleached some lps on the sand when I first setup, so it punches deep enough!

My colours and growth have been even better than with my Radiums! Due to the coverage. I probably needed 3 more Radiums for full coverage of my tank as I have with the T5 now. I used to get some shading in spots. None of that now. T5's give no shadow on sps, so they are evenly coloured. No other lights can match that, or the colour pigments t5 produce.

The issue with ATI hybrid LED that people have mentioned was with the first model cluster, which had plastic reflectors. These were quickly changed to silver coated reflectors. That's why there have been no issues since.

About two months ago, I thought I might try my spectras again. I now realise, that although the shimmer is nice, the tank is much less bright and I can see where the halides were shining through the water- hence the shadowing and the directional growth I had with halides. I have switched back to hybrid 2 weeks ago!


If you're thinking about lighting, think seriously about the ATI hybrid.
It's the best light out there.


Mo

I agree with everything you said Mo. I just switched a week ago and absolutely love it so far.

 

[Reel North]

I have a 72 X 30 wide X 24 tall sps reef. Currently lit with an 8x80 ATI T5 fixture. Everything is growing great, but the tank is FLAT. The lighting is so even and there is absolutely no shimmer.

I've been looking at different halide pendants, and saw the BRS video, and how even the giesemann par was.

I will be getting a larger tank in the next year or 2 - likely 96 or 120" and 36" wide.

I'm starting to look more seriously at the spectra so I can run 250 or 400w halides.

From those of you that own this - am I better to get a 6' and add a 24" down the road? Or what configuration would you recommend.

The heat is a non issue as the tank is in the basement, and the extra heat would save me a fortune in electricity since the heaters would stay off.

Appreciation given in advance.

 

[Moser]

If you have a 6ft tank now, get a 6ft unit and add a unit later when you upgrade.

The halide shimmer is very natural.

Mo

 

[Reel North]

How is the spread on these reflectors? I've done the math, and between adding a light rack, 2 sets of t5 retro etc, I'm not far off the price of a spectra. With life being so busy, I'm all about factory made lol.

 

[Moser]

It's pretty good. I think the large single reflectors might be slightly better, but the sleek look of the Spectras wins it for me....

Mo

 

[Reel North]

It's going to be in a canopy.

I dont know why I'm having such a hard time figuring out my lighting. Normally I can just look it up, pick it and get it done.

 

[Johnseye]

Spectra T5 Bulbs

Spectra T5 Bulbs

Spectra owners, what are your bulb combos of choice?

I'm running three 250w 20k Radiums for MH. My T5s are 2 Blue Plus, 1 Coral Plus and 1 Giesemann Super Actinic.

 

[spsfle]

Spectra with Reefbrite

Spectra with Reefbrite

I already loved my Spectra but now there is more to love with the added ReefBrite LEDs

 

[spsfle]

Oh and 3 400w 20k radiums two Blue Plus and Two Actinics

 

[Reel North]

Oh and 3 400w 20k radiums two Blue Plus and Two Actinics

Ah MAN! That is awesome. I think I'm leaning towards that light. What a beast.

You find it covers the tank well?

 

[reefrf]

I already loved my Spectra but now there is more to love with the added ReefBrite LEDs

Can you show us how you attached the Reefbrite strips to the fixture? I have the Infiniti fixture & was considering but want to it clean looking.


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