I have used a Reef Breeders Photon 48" LED for several years and have been, for the most part, happy with it. Although, like quite a few LED Fixtures, the Photon is listed as covering a 48x24" footprint. In an empty tank, I think it does cover the area but I have quite a lot of rock work so there are shadows.
As others have found, I have noticed some of my branching corals are suffering with poor growth on shaded sides. LEDs are very directional and mirrors are not an option.
So I decided to add some more diffuse lighting with T5 supplemental lights. This caused a problem as how I would mount the tubes. I had my Photon suspended with the standard SS hanging kit and like the openness and did not want to build a full hood.
The 80/20 company offers a line of aluminum structural 1" tubes and hard rubber like connectors called "Quick Frame". I have long been interested in its possibilities and decided to create a light frame to support my original Photon and 2 dual tube T5 fixtures. I looked at quite a few of the upgrade kits but wanted a more slicker look. There is really not much out there and I did not want to get something with additional moon lights. I found AquaticLife Marquis Dual-Lamp T5HO Marine Aquarium Light Fixture. It's housing was similar to the Photon. I purchased one and used it for a few months using it's flimsy stock stand. My coral really has responded to the T5 light. The undersides of an otherwise healthy green Slimmer have really filled out My alcans seem more happy as well. So I decided to go ahead with the project.
I decided to add another AquaticLife T5 [will pick it up this weekend]. I built the light frame sized to the Photon LED with an AquaticLife T5 on each side.
Quick Frame comes with several different structural shapes. Besides simple 1" tubes, you can get tubes with one or more "flanges". These pieces are used to provide support support/ attachment points for panels. These flanges are sturdy enough and wide enough to support the weight of any aquarium light.
I have been very impressed with how rigid this frame turned out to be. Went together easily and the joints are very tight. Could not the find ss hardware I wanted for a real professional look so I used ss 1/4" eye bolts. Made up a new hanging harness from parts of two hanging kits I found on the internet. My wife is impressed! She now supports getting the second T5 so the fixture will be balanced. After 20 years I am finally learning.
The photos below are quick and dirty cell phone shots but I think you will get the idea.
RJ
As others have found, I have noticed some of my branching corals are suffering with poor growth on shaded sides. LEDs are very directional and mirrors are not an option.
So I decided to add some more diffuse lighting with T5 supplemental lights. This caused a problem as how I would mount the tubes. I had my Photon suspended with the standard SS hanging kit and like the openness and did not want to build a full hood.
The 80/20 company offers a line of aluminum structural 1" tubes and hard rubber like connectors called "Quick Frame". I have long been interested in its possibilities and decided to create a light frame to support my original Photon and 2 dual tube T5 fixtures. I looked at quite a few of the upgrade kits but wanted a more slicker look. There is really not much out there and I did not want to get something with additional moon lights. I found AquaticLife Marquis Dual-Lamp T5HO Marine Aquarium Light Fixture. It's housing was similar to the Photon. I purchased one and used it for a few months using it's flimsy stock stand. My coral really has responded to the T5 light. The undersides of an otherwise healthy green Slimmer have really filled out My alcans seem more happy as well. So I decided to go ahead with the project.
I decided to add another AquaticLife T5 [will pick it up this weekend]. I built the light frame sized to the Photon LED with an AquaticLife T5 on each side.
Quick Frame comes with several different structural shapes. Besides simple 1" tubes, you can get tubes with one or more "flanges". These pieces are used to provide support support/ attachment points for panels. These flanges are sturdy enough and wide enough to support the weight of any aquarium light.
I have been very impressed with how rigid this frame turned out to be. Went together easily and the joints are very tight. Could not the find ss hardware I wanted for a real professional look so I used ss 1/4" eye bolts. Made up a new hanging harness from parts of two hanging kits I found on the internet. My wife is impressed! She now supports getting the second T5 so the fixture will be balanced. After 20 years I am finally learning.
The photos below are quick and dirty cell phone shots but I think you will get the idea.
RJ
