Diffuse Kessil H380

[BigHildy53]

Oh how the details matter. I have a Kessil H380 for my refugium. However, it's only 6-8 inches off the water; due to limited cabinet space. It bleached/burnt the cheato that was directly underneath it. For now I'm using a Gyre XF150 to create movement. This is in the refugium section of a Trigger Systems emerald 39. Is there a good way to diffuse the light so that it spreads out more and cuts back on the spotlight I currently have?

 

[Brew12]

Following along... I am in a similar situation.

 

[Fringe09]

I don't have any Chaeto yet. I initially had mine setup 13" above the water. One of the guys from BRS said to have it around 6" to 7" above the water as that's what they have it set at. Not sure now.

 

[Brew12]

I don't have any Chaeto yet. I initially had mine setup 13" above the water. One of the guys from BRS said to have it around 6" to 7" above the water as that's what they have it set at. Not sure now.

Just like most things, Chaeto can adapt to very high light levels. The issue is how to diffuse the light long enough to get it to adapt. In your case, you could start it at 13" and lower it when the chaeto adjusts.

 

[Fringe09]

Just like most things, Chaeto can adapt to very high light levels. The issue is how to diffuse the light long enough to get it to adapt. In your case, you could start it at 13" and lower it when the chaeto adjusts.

Thank you for the tip. Appreciate it.

 

[TritonsGarden]

No expert here so take this with grain of sand (or salt) but maybe shorten the lighting duration to avoid oversaturation then gradually increase it?

 

[BigHildy53]

My cheato ends up as a mat in the upper part of the water. I've added a powerhead to help move the cheato around. My original statement may not have been clear enough, it burns one section, but the other sections grow fine, or appear to be.

I contacted Kessil with an idea. I asked one of the AP700 diffusers would work on the H380. They said it would but i'd have to find a way to mount it. Thoughts?

 

[Gablami]

The diffusers do drop PAR about 30%, FYI. They use magnets on each side to stay in place. Maybe you could glue a couple small magnets on the H380 to couple the diffuser? The diffuser is relatively light.

 

[Kyl]

Does the H380 not have an intensity knob?

 

[Brew12]

Does the H380 not have an intensity knob?

Nope, it has a 3 position switch. Off, grow, bloom.

 

[Kyl]

Good to know as I was thinking of jumping on the H380 bandwagon in the future, but the height would be pretty close. I can see why a diffuser is a huge thing for this application then!

 

[Oberst Oswald]

What I do is float a Pyrex bowl under the light beam to defuse the center hot spot. Chaeto and floating plants will quickly grow around the bowl and hold it in place in a short time if there is enough nutrients. The supermarket baking section has a stack of these bowls in 4 sizes to suit your needs.

 

[Brew12]

What I do is float a Pyrex bowl under the light beam to defuse the center hot spot. Chaeto and floating plants will quickly grow around the bowl and hold it in place in a short time if there is enough nutrients. The supermarket baking section has a stack of these bowls in 4 sizes to suit your needs.

That is a great idea, but not nearly complicated or expensive enough to work in a reef tank.

 

[Oberst Oswald]

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Any idea what voltage it runs? You can get external controllers in 12 and 24v pretty cheap.
I'm running 12v diy leds and a current orbit on a current controller.
You can also stack frosted glass or acrylic. You can also look for photographic ND filters (neutral density) that go on cameras. Theyre cheap since digital came in. Comes in .3 .6 .9 and 1.2. You'll prob best with two .3's they won't change the color of the light as there nutral unlike a diffusion.
Same would go for diffusions for cameras. Cool thing. They're round and come in different sizes and densities.

Welders glass inserts also work, look for the acetylene and not arc welding.

 

[mibwb]

That is a great idea, but not nearly complicated or expensive enough to work in a reef tank.

Then stay out of The Dollar store.....not that I've shop there by no means..