Tank Upgrade / Build / Advice / SPS Dominated / Whatever Other Thread!
- Thread starter Duc1098
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Duc1098
New member
Thanks Coral102, I will try to not disappoint!
Duc1098
New member
Just a little update since last time. I've been busy buying some new equipment. Here's a quick list.
- Biotek Marine BTM3000 Par meter
- An additional 1' of heatsink to add LEDs
- Maxspect Gyre xf150 (Hasn't shown up yet)
- Norwesco 65g vertical water storage container (RO/DI top-off)
I've also added some more SPS frags and will get some pictures up shortly. I also got another lens for my Nikon D800 and finally got a macro. Nikon had a sale on the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f2.8 that I had my eye on for a while and now I should be able to get some decent shots to post here. I will try to get some shots up later today.
So one observation I have made so far, and I know I have a very small sample size, but these DIY LEDs have been amazing. Again, I have only had the tank up and running with LEDs for about 6 weeks and only had SPS in the tank for 4 weeks but from what I have seen I can't see why people haven't already made the switch. The success I've had in such a short time has been incredible. I cannot as of yet comment on growth but colors that have been developing are amazing :bounce3:! I have never had this kind of success before with MHs or MH/T5 Combos with SPS in my previous 180g tank. The only problem I have with LEDs to this point is the spread hence the additional 1' of heatsink and more LEDs to cover the gaps.
Another addition that I plan on making is a Neptune DOS dosing pump. In the long run I would like to dose my 2-part with the Neptune DOS and setup a automatic water change (AWC) with my Vertex Libra Stepper. I still need to work out how I want to accomplish this. Looks like I have a little research to do to design the right setup.
I'm sure some people might be interested in the Biotek Marine BTM3000 PAR meter. I've used it briefly and have to use my wife's MacBook but it works just like a Apogee PAR meter minus the handheld display. On top of that, once you install the software it's just plug and play. One major advantage to this though over the Apogee is the ability to log data and take readings over a period of time. This will be helpful in determining the effect of ramping and dimming LEDs over the entire photoperiod. I have played with this feature yet as I just got the wand for the probe on Thursday. I bought the one from Apogee Instruments online and lets say I am less than impressed. Just not a quality build, especially considering the price I paid for it :mad2:. Premium Aquatics was sold out of the Biotek wand but I would have to assume they are the exact same like, kind and quality as the Apogee brand.
- Biotek Marine BTM3000 Par meter
- An additional 1' of heatsink to add LEDs
- Maxspect Gyre xf150 (Hasn't shown up yet)
- Norwesco 65g vertical water storage container (RO/DI top-off)
I've also added some more SPS frags and will get some pictures up shortly. I also got another lens for my Nikon D800 and finally got a macro. Nikon had a sale on the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f2.8 that I had my eye on for a while and now I should be able to get some decent shots to post here. I will try to get some shots up later today.
So one observation I have made so far, and I know I have a very small sample size, but these DIY LEDs have been amazing. Again, I have only had the tank up and running with LEDs for about 6 weeks and only had SPS in the tank for 4 weeks but from what I have seen I can't see why people haven't already made the switch. The success I've had in such a short time has been incredible. I cannot as of yet comment on growth but colors that have been developing are amazing :bounce3:! I have never had this kind of success before with MHs or MH/T5 Combos with SPS in my previous 180g tank. The only problem I have with LEDs to this point is the spread hence the additional 1' of heatsink and more LEDs to cover the gaps.
Another addition that I plan on making is a Neptune DOS dosing pump. In the long run I would like to dose my 2-part with the Neptune DOS and setup a automatic water change (AWC) with my Vertex Libra Stepper. I still need to work out how I want to accomplish this. Looks like I have a little research to do to design the right setup.
I'm sure some people might be interested in the Biotek Marine BTM3000 PAR meter. I've used it briefly and have to use my wife's MacBook but it works just like a Apogee PAR meter minus the handheld display. On top of that, once you install the software it's just plug and play. One major advantage to this though over the Apogee is the ability to log data and take readings over a period of time. This will be helpful in determining the effect of ramping and dimming LEDs over the entire photoperiod. I have played with this feature yet as I just got the wand for the probe on Thursday. I bought the one from Apogee Instruments online and lets say I am less than impressed. Just not a quality build, especially considering the price I paid for it :mad2:. Premium Aquatics was sold out of the Biotek wand but I would have to assume they are the exact same like, kind and quality as the Apogee brand.
Duc1098
New member
Here is the Karl's Kandlelight I use to have in my last tank.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/123752080@N07/16711259869" title="DSC_2431 by Adam Vick, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8693/16711259869_ed0b83c9b3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="DSC_2431"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/123752080@N07/16711259869" title="DSC_2431 by Adam Vick, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8693/16711259869_ed0b83c9b3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="DSC_2431"></a>
Duc1098
New member
Updated, thanks! Having the separate fish room is a definite plus, but the only downside is there is never enough room.
