My new tank is in (the garage)

[Konadog]

I haven't yet, but not for lack of trying. I haven't had any luck with this tank and SPS so far. Everything RTN's within 6 weeks. I've had better luck with LPS and soft coral so far so I may just keep it that way for awhile.

I've just been swamped with work the last two years. I was finally able to hire some people but they won't help much until next year some time (high learning curve).

 

[Konadog]

Man, how some things never change.

I need to update this thread, it's been almost a year to the day of my last post here !

 

[Reefski's]

yes, update us. it was great to talk to you for a few minutes on Saturday.

 

[Konadog]

Hey Carl, I'm going to try to post some picture this weekend of the stand cover I finally finished.

 

[melev]

Hey Ken, is it the weekend yet?

 

[Konadog]

:lol: I got busy...........

Just getting over the flu Mark, I'll find something soon


I can't wait for this year to be over!!!

 

[melev]

:lol: I got busy...........

Apparently!

And me too. So much to look forward to in 2010.

 

[bekindtoyurbuds]

very nice tank, updates please!

 

[JellyTheory]

Hi Ken!

Any updated pictures to share? I need some inspiration!


Hope all is well with you.

-Chris

 

[Konadog]

I've been slacking lately Chris!

Things that have changed are:
I now have an ATB skimmer that replaced the ASM skimmer
I have a Reefkeeper Elite controlling everything that replaced my old original Reefkeeper
I finally finished the cover to the stand
I'm working on switching over to LED lights (I'll probably be working on this for some time)

Did you ever start your new project?

 

[JellyTheory]

I've been slacking lately Chris!

Things that have changed are:
I now have an ATB skimmer that replaced the ASM skimmer
I have a Reefkeeper Elite controlling everything that replaced my old original Reefkeeper
I finally finished the cover to the stand
I'm working on switching over to LED lights (I'll probably be working on this for some time)

Did you ever start your new project?

Hi Ken,

How do you like the ReefKeeper Elite?

The stand looks great! I like that you can quickly see the controller without opening the doors up.

The LED lights sound intrigueing. Are you working on a DIY project with them or slowly aquiring enough finished product to light the tank? Are you worried about SPS growth or coloration with them?

Sadly, the economy took a dump on the upgrade plans to the larger tank. I have kept the 180 running (with virtually nothing in it - since losing a lot of it years ago due to the pendant falling into the tank and zapping everything) and am actually going to sell it here pretty soon so we can paint and put in new carpet. I'm just starting to work on getting together a 135g cube tank though (36x36x24) that I'm going to put in a different location than where the 180g currently is once the carpet and paint are done.

So, I'm excited to start over fresh!


-Chris

 

[tankslave]

IMO the LED's are just overpriced PC's, even aside from my personal bias.

 

[JellyTheory]

IMO the LED's are just overpriced PC's, even aside from my personal bias.

Hmmmm, I would have thought that they would be more energy efficient for the output compared to PCs, T5s and MHs.

Are people just not getting the growth from LEDs that they are from MHs?


-Chris

 

[Konadog]

Lar's, where have you been?

I think that the technology is just getting to the point of making LED's something we can actually use. They are starting to make the correct color and temperature lights, and a way we can "tune" a light fixture by dimming different lights. Now if the $$ would just start to come down.

I'm playing with a DIY module, and if it turns out, I may make a few more.

Chris, I love the RKE, it's done all I ask so far.

 

[tankslave]

Ken,
I havnt been to many (any) reef type events recently. Just kinda preoccupied with work and making ends meet. Kinda hard to go to reefapalooza when you dont have any $$ to spend anyway.

Speaking of $$, what's the going rate for a kWh in OC these days? Maybe it's just SDGE, or just that I'm feeling the pinch more these days, but I dont remember ever paying $0.25/kWh for DWP in LA. It just kills me. I'm running the 150 bare bones equipment wise. Makes you want to go solar just to stick it to SDGE!

Still not sold on LED's yet. Guess that's just cuz I'm in the industry, and I know how many lies are put out as "specs". That, and I wont ever replace my MH's with anything that doesnt "glitter". Maybe it's overrated, but I just love to see the "sun rays" hitting the sandy bottom...

 

[Konadog]

...and I wont ever replace my MH's with anything that doesnt "glitter".

But LED's glitter! My moonlights even glitter. As long as it's a single point light source, and it's bright enough, you get glitter lines, but I do understand what your saying. I'm looking for something to run before and after my MH's. At least that's my thoughts on my tank.

 

[tankslave]

Ken,
You should give this a try: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1587273
Then I can come over and see how they look in person! I admit, I do like the clean, slim look, and having something that I can just stick to the roof of my hood is appealing too.

I'm still not convinced about the "energy savings" if you look at the per lumen cost. Aside from driver efficiency (LED drivers and MH drivers being about on par, efficiency wise), the lumens/watt of an LED is about 33Lm/W (http://www.ledsupply.com/creexre-w100.php) while the 150/250w MH's are still around 44Lm/W (www.ushio.com/products/petcare/aqualite.htm). I think most of the "engergy savings" is coming from the fact that you are getting a LOT less light, but since most people are only comparing qualitatively, ("...just LOOK at how BRIGHT my LED fixture is") and not comparing quantitative data, aside from the total input power, they arnt getting an idea of what system is really efficient. Not only that, but with the competition from these LED systems, the prices for MH bulbs has really dropped. (Quick search for Ushio 250w MH bulbs shows them under $70).

 

[tankslave]

I think for me, ideally, going with what you said, and using them for actinic morning/evening effects. They look like they'd be perfect for that.

 

[Konadog]

I've been following that LED thread for some time. It's where I've gotten some of my ideas from!