Lighting

coldcheese · Jan 27, 2016

Just wondering I've been beating my self up for weeks about this but I'm running a Ecotech xr30 3rd gen and I'm just not really happy and I'm kinda leaning toward the ati 6 bulb dimmable for my 65 gallon and am I making a mistake or should I just keep the radion I know it sounds like I need some one else to make the decision for me but really it's a hard decision

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 27, 2016

whY do want to change? Whats not making you happy?

coldcheese · Jan 27, 2016

Well I've noticed with running led's it kinda creates more algae problems and they kinda get a little overwhelming with setup and colors and all that jazz and with the t5 really just plug and play besides deciding the bulb colors and t5's you just can't go ring with if that makes since or maybe it's just the radion I don't like idk

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 27, 2016

Interesting observations thanks. Me I hate single point lighting in general in a tank. I like a broad spread aesthetically. I also think its better for coral growth to have that big wrap around. It gets into all the nooks and cranny' like a big sky or ocean source.
shimmer? I can stunner.with ramps too.
If you can deal with a lil extra heat and electricity. Its a pretty darn tried and true way to go.

mcarroll · Feb 1, 2016

I'm on repeat with this, but....

Have you used a lux meter (or par meter) to help you in adjusting your lights?

Your eyeballs (and mine - everyone's) are terrible at discerning relative brightness. There are free lux meter apps that appear to work well enough and a basic handheld meter is only $15, so there's really no excuse to go without using one.

I have to assume by your comments that you have experience with T5's. Coming from that world, there may be other issues contributing to your feelings about LED. Your expectations may have been equally was high as the price tag.

Also, the spread on that light is very different from T5.

Is this a 36" x 18" 65 gallon? And does that light have 80º lenses?

If so, I'm calculating that you want that fixture about 9" to 11" from the tank for good front-to-back coverage. That may leave the ends a little dark, though. Depends on your plans and tastes.

McMullen · Feb 1, 2016

I love making decisions! Here ya go, stick with LED. Don't ask why, the decision has been made!

coldcheese · Feb 1, 2016

I actually have the wide angle lenses in it and it's 10" from m the water and no I don't have a meter never really used one but just now purchased an Ati 36" dimmable lol

mcarroll · Feb 1, 2016

I'd invest a few minutes to get a free lux meter app on your smart phone no matter what.

For what it's worth, the wide angle lenses would like that fixture to be mounted around 5" above the tank for good front-to-back coverage.

Above that and you're spilling significant amounts of light into the room and growing more algae on the glass. (Which may be needed if you think the ends of the tank were too dark at 5".)