Custom Diffractors on Leds

[Mattrg02]

So I’ve recently become interested in using diffusers on led fixtures. I’ve seen others making custom diffractors, but no one follows up.

Has anyone noticed any change, good or bad, afterwords? Any difference between the prismatic type vs the frosted type? Looking at my hydra26hd lens, there appears to be some frosting, so I imagine AI felt it was worth it. Just wondering how much more it is worth adding additional diffusion?

I know the new Radion G4 diffuser is hyped big time. Looks a lot like prismatic diffuser to me.

If you have noticed a positive change, what was it? Better spread?

 

[hart24601]

I used the paper on this link under photon v2. I tried it right under and about 1" away. The difference especially from the 1" distance was dramatic. Much better color blending. I gave away Radion G3 because the color separation drove me crazy and got the v2. They are better but still too much for me. The diffuser made a big difference.

I will say that if you don't want light bleed in your eyes you will have to mount the lights lower. That was the downside I found which may or may not be an issue. For me the sofa and chair is next to the tank so I had to adjust the lights.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B75TTE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Mattrg02]

I used the paper on this link under photon v2. I tried it right under and about 1" away. The difference especially from the 1" distance was dramatic. Much better color blending. I gave away Radion G3 because the color separation drove me crazy and got the v2. They are better but still too much for me. The diffuser made a big difference.

I will say that if you don't want light bleed in your eyes you will have to mount the lights lower. That was the downside I found which may or may not be an issue. For me the sofa and chair is next to the tank so I had to adjust the lights.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B75TTE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How did the corals react? Did this solve any shading issues? I’m debating whether or not this is an aesthic value or a practical value? Are we talking t5 quality spread, or just a nicer look to us humans?

 

[hart24601]

For my purpose it was mostly for my eyes. I didn't really have many shading issues, although that tank didn't have acros that were 18" wide. If I was that worried about shading I would just move the fixtures 1" every week or so in a new spot. Although I think a more even hot spot is of practical value for most which diffusers provide.

I wouldn't say it had T5 spread, but I don't like T5 only so that is probably a good thing.