zoo tank updates
- Thread starter drbronx
- Start date
For the bulb setup I would like to know the config we would like to use from the back of the tank to the front. With 6 bulbs (3 on each ballast). Potential configs are for the 2 ballast)
Opt 1: 121212
Opt 2: 112122
Opt 3: 111222
etc.
I was thinking option 1 as the ballast light alternate bulbs across the tank.
Other Item to be discuss is where each bulb (aquablue, blue+, etc) should be located. I plan to stop on Mon or Tues to setup change the wireing harness to support the new config.
Opt 1: 121212
Opt 2: 112122
Opt 3: 111222
etc.
I was thinking option 1 as the ballast light alternate bulbs across the tank.
Other Item to be discuss is where each bulb (aquablue, blue+, etc) should be located. I plan to stop on Mon or Tues to setup change the wireing harness to support the new config.
I would say option 1 as well with the bluer bulbs being on one ballast. We purchased 3 ATI Blue +, two Aqua Blue, and one pro color. So perhaps we can put all three Blue+ bulbs on ballast one for the sunrise effect. Any other input on this is welcome. Vince will add four computer fans at a later time which will extend lamp life and increase brightness a bit.
SPN your more than welcome. The more the merrier plus its a good way to learn about reef design/maintenance etc.
SPN your more than welcome. The more the merrier plus its a good way to learn about reef design/maintenance etc.
fatrip
Yup That Stuff
i think the best way would be to have the most light toward the center 2 being the 18k and the rest being 1. like this
:211212
this would concetrate the bulk of the intense light to the center of the tank where most of the corals will be. also placing the reflectors almost against one another would be best.
:211212
this would concetrate the bulk of the intense light to the center of the tank where most of the corals will be. also placing the reflectors almost against one another would be best.
OK,
Looks like the config will be.
Back:
2 - ATI Blue +
1 - Aqua Blue
1 - Pro Color
2 - ATI Blue +
1 - Aqua Blue
2 - ATI Blue +
Front:
Plan on doing the change on Wednesday. What time does the zoo open (i.e. How early can I arrive at the zoo). Would like to get an early start in case I have to run out for parts, etc.
Looks like the config will be.
Back:
2 - ATI Blue +
1 - Aqua Blue
1 - Pro Color
2 - ATI Blue +
1 - Aqua Blue
2 - ATI Blue +
Front:
Plan on doing the change on Wednesday. What time does the zoo open (i.e. How early can I arrive at the zoo). Would like to get an early start in case I have to run out for parts, etc.
Hello,
I've updated the light system to match the config above (i.e. 211212 from back to front). The Blue+ (Circuit 2) is on the left timer and ballast. The other Circuit (Circuit 1) is on the right timer and ballast. Took approx 4 1/2 hours to do the upgrade (including 1 trip to Unicorn). Color looks good.
The 8 - 3Foot T5 lamps are in the corner of the room in the round container.
I think the next item to attack is to remove the micro bubbles we are getting from the return.
I've updated the light system to match the config above (i.e. 211212 from back to front). The Blue+ (Circuit 2) is on the left timer and ballast. The other Circuit (Circuit 1) is on the right timer and ballast. Took approx 4 1/2 hours to do the upgrade (including 1 trip to Unicorn). Color looks good.
The 8 - 3Foot T5 lamps are in the corner of the room in the round container.
I think the next item to attack is to remove the micro bubbles we are getting from the return.
Excellent Paul! I can't wait to see it. Does it look any brighter to the eye?
Anybodey want to buy used UVL T-5's with plenty of life left in them. I would say $10 per lamp with all proceeds to go back into the tank project. We also have two actinic white 36" bulbs with only a few weeks use on them.
Anybodey want to buy used UVL T-5's with plenty of life left in them. I would say $10 per lamp with all proceeds to go back into the tank project. We also have two actinic white 36" bulbs with only a few weeks use on them.
I checked out the new lighting at the zoo today. HUGE difference! It looks much brighter and sharper with much better color saturation in the corals. Colors are popping now whereas before they were very muted. Paul did a terrific job redoing the system.
Today I tested all water parameters and thjey all look decent.
dkh - 12, ca - 380, mg - 1280, ph - 8.4, NO3 - 5-10ppm, salinity, 1.026, PO4 - 0 - trace. If I can, tomorrow I will bring in a couple of sps frags for a test. If that fails then we have to consider that there may be a problem with our DIY rock. Thus we may have to substitute out some DIY for some Fiji. Larrybird is willing to trade some of his LR for our former t-5 lamps. I also have some pieces I could donate. I'd also like to test for copper if anyone has a kit lying around. Maybe some of the rock I purchased was contaminasted by copper treatments.
Today I tested all water parameters and thjey all look decent.
dkh - 12, ca - 380, mg - 1280, ph - 8.4, NO3 - 5-10ppm, salinity, 1.026, PO4 - 0 - trace. If I can, tomorrow I will bring in a couple of sps frags for a test. If that fails then we have to consider that there may be a problem with our DIY rock. Thus we may have to substitute out some DIY for some Fiji. Larrybird is willing to trade some of his LR for our former t-5 lamps. I also have some pieces I could donate. I'd also like to test for copper if anyone has a kit lying around. Maybe some of the rock I purchased was contaminasted by copper treatments.
Vince indicated he can do Saturday at 10am. So Paul and Adam, if you can make it i can bring your GFO along. Adam, Nate doesn't need the GFO so you can have it back. Of course everone else is welcome to join in Saturday. Also Adam is about ready to bring the 37 gallon over for the seahorse tank so we will soon be setting that up. Any thoughts about a small sump vs a canister filter? Keep i mind it will have a very small bioload and maybe a few soft corals.
Vince: Would next weekend be better? I have Joelle this weekend and can't stay too long. By next weekend, Adam will be able to move his tank and we can get a lot done. I will still go to the zoo sat at 10 to do a few things and see how the sps are doing. Anybody have a copper test to bring over? I;d hate to buy one just for one test.
Similar threads
