DIY Orphek Atlantik light diffuser panels

nickmealey · Jan 17, 2022

I wanted share a project I've been working on. I shared a bit on my build thread, but thought I'd make a new post for it. After installing the Orphek Atlantik lights over the tank, the disco ball effect was pretty strong. I 3D printed mounting brackets that attach to an extruded aluminum bar. I then printed custom spacers that are threaded on both ends and the diffuser panel is attached to the other side. These are the inexpensive diffusers you can buy at any big box hardware store. I was amazed how a little bit of space between the light and diffuser can make a world of blending difference. I found the sweet spot was about 1.5" away from the panel. Closer and you can see the light separation and further you would get bleed out (the panel didn't cover all the light and you'd get disco on the edges). Pretty happy with the result and I think it looks pretty nice as well! I have to admit it surprises me some of these higher end light companies don't provide these basic additions that make such a difference.

I haven't measured par yet, but visually there's not a huge difference in brightness. I might end up running the lights stronger or lower the bar a bit to get the par range I'm after. But in time.

Before:

After:

Peace River · Jan 18, 2022

Interesting project and nice work! I’m interested to see the impact on PAR and on your tank.

nickmealey · Feb 28, 2022

I finally got around to getting a par meter and running some tests. From what I can tell, the diffuser take about a 20-30% hit on overall par values. The drop off is most significant higher up and seems to even out the lower you go. In my case I'll still be able to hit the values I'm after with these installed so they're for sure staying, I just may lower the lights a bit to get them closer to the water.

biecacka · Feb 28, 2022

How high off the tank are they? What sort of par numbers did you get before the diffusers? which model lights are they?

corey

nickmealey · Mar 23, 2022

biecacka said:
How high off the tank are they? What sort of par numbers did you get before the diffusers? which model lights are they?

corey

In this experiment the lights where about 18" off the water using Orphek Atlantiks. I should have recorded the values around the tank but about mid tank it was around 200-250 par without diffusers and about 125-175 with them on. I lowered the lights down a bit and now I'm getting 250 around mid tank, which was my goal.