Joe's 75 Rimless SPS - Updated Pics

[RTMA]

Any updates on the LED fixture? What kind of PAR values are you getting in comparison to the MH fixture you had over the tank? Have you noticed any difference in coral coloration since the change?

Since it has now been 2 Months since my switch, I can speak a little bit about how it is going.

The PAR numbers are less, but only slightly. I'll update with a new photo and actual measurements. Corals are growing very well and I have not see a huge difference in the coral colors, at least not yet.

What I do know, is that the tank is much more stable now. No more tank temperature swings from 79 to 81 from the heat. The new temp swing - 79.4 to 79.6.

Brightness - Some people say that the LEDS are not as "bright" as MH, and this for the most part is visually true from what I see. Then again, my MH lit up my room like a Clark Griswald Christmas display. The corals don't seem to care and I like having the directed light in the tank and not in the room.

So far so good.

I have a kill-a-watt coming so I can measure the difference in wattage between the two setups.

 

[RTMA]

As it reads - the Blues when on pull 102 Watts and the Whites pull 110 Watts.

So

500 Watts in MH
236 Watts in T5 (4 x 59)

vs

122 Watts in LEDS
I did add 78 Watts of T5s (2 x 39) which really isn't needed. I did notice that T5s really need reflectors, as the mounting height for my fixture is a bit much for non SLR T5s. Even just for color, as it spreads way too much and is distracting to the eye. I'll post some pics to illustrate.

BTW the Hagen GLO dual 39w T5 ballast from DR Foster & Smith for 40 something dollars works really well and it pretty darn cheap.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19811

 

[RTMA]

Since I can't leave well enough alone and since I had some extra cash from sale of frags.

I designed a sump that allowed me to have a fuge and prop section which I will light with leds. Flow will be tricky, but thinking if a Koralia nano doesn't do the trick, possibly a 1/2" seaswirl fed from my return pump.

Let me know if anyone is interested in a 20L sump and acrylic fuge (complete with Macro and DSB, loaded with life) I'll be starting the fuge over with a shallow 1" sandbed topped with drilled marble tiles. At least that is my plan.

 

[terahz]

Joe, 102+110 = 212, not 122
Still from 736W to 212W is very good!


I like the new sump. Are you planning to leave the fuge and return are as 1 compartment (As per your note "don't install...")? Also, shouldn't the fuge be on the side and the prop in the middle, so that you have high flow through the prop, but lower for the fuge?

 

[RTMA]

Joe, 102+110 = 212, not 122
Still from 736W to 212W is very good!

Doh, your right, late night math is not good

I like the new sump. Are you planning to leave the fuge and return are as 1 compartment (As per your note "don't install...")? Also, shouldn't the fuge be on the side and the prop in the middle, so that you have high flow through the prop, but lower for the fuge?

That note was from when I was planning on doing the baffles myself, but decided to have them do it for me.

I went back and forth on that aspect of the design, but since I plan on having a lower overall flow through the entire sump, I don't think it will make that much of a difference. My only point of worry is the overflow back from the prop to the fuge, which may cause a bubble issue in the fuge from the falling water. We'll have to see I guess.

 

[scolley]

Joe - stupid question... What is the "prop"'section? And where does the tank drain to?

 

[RTMA]

Hey Steve - The prop section is short for propagation section. I'll use it to get rid of my frag racks in my display. Basically a frag tank built into the sump.

The tank doesn't drain that circle is where the 4" sock holder will go. There will also a be a probe holder 1/2" from the water level on the orange baffle.

 

[scolley]

Joe - if I'm reading those diagrams right, I'd change things up so that your water flow on a circle... In the return, to the five, NOT flowing out the fuge to the return. Instead all water from the fuge to the prop section, and then to the return.

My 2 cents.

 

[RTMA]

Joe - if I'm reading those diagrams right, I'd change things up so that your water flow on a circle... In the return, to the five, NOT flowing out the fuge to the return. Instead all water from the fuge to the prop section, and then to the return.

My 2 cents.

Thanks for the feedback. My intentions were to keep the prop separate so that it could be taken "offline" if needed. Much like my fuge is now.

 

[RTMA]

Updated Pic - T5s added to fixture.

 

[terahz]

are they on? From the photo it looks like only the LEDs are on.

What are your impressions with them? Good idea, or not worth it?

 

[RTMA]

I like it, I like the flexibility to play with the colors and the bulbs to add and change the look, it takes the edge off of what Steve calls the "Tim Burton" look. lol. Right now I have the red wave and reef wave in there and they are perfect. Two 39watt bulbs are perfect. The one thing I do need is reflectors, just to concentrate the lights away from your eyes (since the mounting height is higher) there is more light spill then I like.

 

[RTMA]

Here is a pic with them on.

Off

 

[RTMA]

New sump should be shipping on tuesday. Ordered the parts for a diy swirl stein to make a oscillating koralia nano for the prop section.

Ordered 3/4" acrylic tube, bearing, linkage and motor. Should be a fun build and be perfect flow for the prop section.

 

[john90009]

very nice cant wait till it grows out, it certainly has the nice corals for the colors. Make the 75 owners proud.

 

[RTMA]

Thanks for the kind words john.

Prototyping of the DIY swirl stein has begun. Can't wait for the new sump to arrive

On another note, my Flower anemone has moved three times and has settled in on the backside sand and is opening very large now. This anemone is amazing with ridiculous colors under the actinic LEDS. The maroon clown is loving life and finally leaving my Welso alone. I'll have to post a picture.

 

[Shard]

Beautiful tank as always Joe.

The frags are doing well. Many thanks again for doing the shipment.

I will have to get some pics up. I currently have them on a frag rack in my SPS tank.

I am curious to ask, have you tried any biopellet media yet on your setup?

 

[RTMA]

Beautiful tank as always Joe.

Thanks!

The frags are doing well. Many thanks again for doing the shipment.

Good to hear and your welcome. Glad they made it.

I will have to get some pics up. I currently have them on a frag rack in my SPS tank.

Pics would be cool!

I am curious to ask, have you tried any biopellet media yet on your setup?

I did for about 3 / 4 months and ended up with a cyano bloom. I think I mention it a bit earlier, but went back to GFO. I may go back to it one day when I get a bigger skimmer.

 

[Shard]

I did for about 3 / 4 months and ended up with a cyano bloom. I think I mention it a bit earlier, but went back to GFO. I may go back to it one day when I get a bigger skimmer.

I am currently using GFO/GAC in my SPS tank with great results, but I was considering biopellets for my main 90g + frag + 29g setup to deal with the nitrates there.

How bad was the cyano bloom? That kind of scares me about it. I just got most of the hair algae beaten back to a controllable level in my multi-tank system.

 

[RTMA]

The cyano was probably a moderate bloom, but I didn't like any of it. Chemiclean worked very well, so I will stick with GFO for the time being. If I ever get a monster skimmer, I'll try it again.