Reef optics rework

[Daniel716]

So I have been out of the game for a bit due to life..
I switched to fish only for a few years and now have the need for SPS again!:fun4:
So I decided to rework/update the LED arrays I built a few years ago..
What do you guys think of the color choices?
All from Rapidled driven by meanwell ldd's
@ 50% I get 300 par at the bottom of a 120 (24 inches) using an apex par unit..( I realize its not accurate but useful for reference )

RB=royal Blue
NCW/OCW=Cool white
NW=neutral white
HV= hyper violet
ML=moonlights
G=green
R=red

<a href="http://imgur.com/9xTrqGO"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/9xTrqGO.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[Daniel716]

more pics

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[activecactus]

That's a very nice setup!
I still don't have my leds set up, but from what I've read you'd probably want more lime green to brighten the tank without raising par.

 

[Daniel716]

Interesting.. I will read up on that.. The good news it will be very easy to change as everything is plug and play...

 

[SFish]

So how much did it cost you to make the light? Nice work by the way.

 

[Daniel716]

So how much did it cost you to make the light? Nice work by the way.

about 700 each :fun2:

 

[Daniel716]

Finally finished and in testing.... I am also refurbing the tank... 85% there...!

 

[Ron Reefman]

That's a good looking and powerful led set up. Very nice work.

The only suggestion I'd make would be to ditch the red and green leds. I know they blend better with no lenses and your leds are pretty close, but I'd bet you still get red and green shadow edges and disco effect. I've run my leds for 3 or 4 years now with the red and green leds either covered (my old 2 channel leds) or turned off (my new 6 channel leds) and my coral looks just as good as when I had 4 MH and 4 t5 bulbs!

 

[Daniel716]

Thanks for the suggestion,

I will experiment with leaving them off... This could work as I cannot control my moonlights and would like to...(they are on always, not dimmable).
BTW, I actually don't get a disco effect when blues and whites are on...
Since I have plenty of PAR to spare I am thinking about a acrylic diffuser instead of clear.... I am curious to know if anyone here as used anything similar?

I am curious to know the effects of a diffuser...

 

[Ron Reefman]

If you don't have any disco effect or red/green shadow edges, why would you want to add a defuser? They mix the light better to reduce or eliminate disco effect. But you don't have the problem so why add one? What are you hoping it will do?

I didn't find it, but there was a thread here 3 to 6 weeks ago about a guy who added a 'crackled' plastic panel used in ceiling lights. It's sold in small sheets at Lowes and HD. I think it worked quite well for him, but he had serious disco issues.

 

[SFish]

What's wrong with a little disco Ron?

https://youtu.be/4x6duDDC6IA

 

[Daniel716]

Honestly just want to see the effect it would have on the overall look...I will be by lowes today and will pick one up.. Ill also post a side by side pic in a few days... Tank still looks like **** as its going thru a mini cycle but it getting there,,

 

[Ron Reefman]

What's wrong with a little disco Ron?

It's fine at an old school dance hall, or when watching an old movie on TV. And if you like it in your aquarium, hey, good for you. It just isn't the look I want. But to each his own. :beer:

Maybe we should give the look a different name?

Daniel, I doubt that you'll see much difference, but I'd be interested in seeing a side by side comparison.

 

[Daniel716]

You were right... No diff at all.. Just a slight reduction in par....

 

[Ron Reefman]

Did you have much shimmer before the diffuser? How about after the diffuser?

 

[Daniel716]

Yes , I do have shimmer when the VorTechs are running... Same with or without the diffuser...

 

[Ron Reefman]

Yes , I do have shimmer when the VorTechs are running... Same with or without the diffuser...

Thanks. Like you, I have the shimmer I want even though many will say a wide array led has no shimmer. I'm considering a defuser because I do get some 'disco' and red shadow edges if I run the reds and greens.