Help l.e.d. Newbie!!

[myclang]

So apex jr for $150. Controls wave makers. In browser monitoring, along with dimmable programing. Seems like a good deal. As for the darker corners could I use a par30 clamp on? Seems a lot of the nano guys love them.

 

[myclang]

Looks like the apex jr for $150. Looks like a solid controller. Says it also does wave simulation

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I think that you would need to buy a vdm to dim leds with that one.

 

[myclang]

Ok so do I need both or will just the vdm be fine?

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

You need both

 

[mcarroll]

Mcarrol. Wow! Thank you for the input. I actually never heard of or saw anyone using a gu10 bulb. I considered using 3 clamp on par30 bulbs but didn't think I would get the penetration I needed. How do the gu10s compare to par30? I like apollo because it seems their lights have the best lighting and intensity levels for under $700. I do see the new dimmable model. Would I have to buy a seperate controller to dim or ids their a dimmer built on? Couldnt make heads or tails from their website

Yes, the controller is mandatory to make the dimmable model turn on. A controller is recommended anyway (by me, at least...a ~$200 basic kit) but if it wasn't in your plans in the first place, then skip the Apollo Dimmable. As I said this will be about the same or better on/off experience as you had with with halide.

GU10's have an MR16 reflector, which relates to PAR30 and PAR38. Number is the quantity of eighths of an inch in diameter. 16/8; 30/8; 38/8 I like the GU10 format due to the size and the flexibilty the size gives for bulb layout. If something happens to one (knock on wood), it is small enough to be replaced without significant expense. There is also some room for playing around with color mixing when you can change/move just three emitters at a time.

The most common format of GU10 you'll see for sale (eBay) comes with three 1-watt LEDs and 30º lenses. This translates to about an eight to ten inch diameter coverage area at ten inches off the water per bulb and at least 24 good inches of light penetration based on experience. (PAR measurements are still pretty rare just due to general lack of access.)

Most people deploy [D]aylight and lue colors and simply make a row of bulbs lined up right next to each other in a D_B_D_B_D style configuration for good color mixing. As such one row will cover about 12" of tank width, depending on your needs. My 18" tank has two rows - seems fine so far (notable growth and no color changes - none bad, anyway ) but there are lots of folks who have been running them longer than me. Color, lens and LED power options exist even if you don't find listings for what you want. Ask. If you can hang the fixture (very recommended for a lot of reasons) there's nothing wrong with the standard 30º @ 10", D_B_D bulb configuration described above.

Good luck!

-Matt

 

[myclang]

I think after everyone on here as stated though a dimmer isn't needed or mandatory it certainly is better. I'm always one to believe that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing correctly. I will purchase the dimmer and VDM. I just wasn't expecting my purchase to be another couple hundred dollars.

Now I have to set up the tank in the garage and make sure the silicone is good. I'm worried. I live up here in MN. Long cold winters and hot summers with that empty tank sitting in the garage. Worried the silicone is shot. Hoping it's still good after 5 years!!

Thanks again for all the helpful info!! It's sure been tough decyphering all this info around the internet.

 

[mcarroll]

If, once cleaned, the silicone still looks clear and well-adhered with the glass along the edges of the seam (no cracking, rolling of flaps that weren't there before) and feels pliable as you would expect, you should be fine. Silicone is tough stuff! Let us know how the test turns out!

On the PAR38's...they may be overkill for the area you're thinking of lighting, and will probably be another $200+ on top of what we've discussed already (I'm just thinking off-hand of EcoXotic's PAR38's.), but they generally should work for the role. Shoot us a link or two of what you have in mind for a PAR38 if it was anything specific.

-Matt

 

[myclang]

I was thinking maybe 2 of these on a simple clamp on light on the corners of the tank the apollo might not hit.

Ecoxotic PAR38 LED Aquarium Lamp

Not sure if they're even necessary depending on my aquascaping.