Spilt light is wasted light.

[atoll]

I see lots of light bars being added to existing main reef lighting often to add colour pop and or reduce shading. Typically the light bars will be added front and back of the main lighting.

The majority of these suplimenting light bars are positioned shining straight down in the same fashion as the main lighting. So whats wrong with that? Well, light spill thats what and light spill = wasted light.

My main.lighting is 2 x Orphek Icons suplimented with 3 x120 light bars, 1 to the rear and 2 at the front of the tank. In order to eliminate light spill I have angled all 3 light bars. The rear one angled towards the front with the 2 front bars angled towards the back.

Configured this way I greatly reduce light spillage, reduce shading further and direct most of the light where it's needed. My lights are 10" off the waters surface further reducing light spill and I get no glare from them.

I recently acquired a Kessil 160we to.put over my magnifica nem which was causing a little light glare. She who must be obeyed objected too tge glare. I found a nicely made printed shade for it on the bay for a very reasonable price that has totally eliminate the glare.

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Nice fix

 

[mtraylor]

Any printed shades for the or3 light bars? That way you don't have to angle lights so much and miss coverage?

 

[atoll]

Any printed shades for the or3 light bars? That way you don't have to angle lights so much and miss coverage?

Wy what's wrong with angling them.

 

[mtraylor]

Nothing I suppose if it covers what you want. Saw the shade on the other light and was hoping you found some for or3's as I have been looking.

 

[atoll]

Nothing I suppose if it covers what you want. Saw the shade on the other light and was hoping you found some for or3's as I have been looking.

Because my light bars are low and angled into the reef I get a good spread on my reefscape. Even if you made a light bar shade/reflector you still wouldn't get the amount of light I get to my reef plus it wouldn't be cheap and how would you fix it. I have no need for one thevway I have them angled. Try printing a 4' long reflector as well.

 

[mtraylor]

May try that. The shade is not to get more light in tank. I have way more than enough at 70% power. Just want to shade edge of tank so I don't have to look at lights

 

[atoll]

May try that. The shade is not to get more light in tank. I have way more than enough at 70% power. Just want to shade edge of tank so I don't have to look at lights

Just angle the light bar in then.

 

[mtraylor]

Lol. No the light is pointed where I need it. Much appreciated

 

[Kasrift]

Anyone ever think of using mirrors to refrsct the light inwards where it would spill over?

 

[Malcontent]

Total internal refraction for the win...

 

[South Carolina reef]

Adding a new question. I'm currently running 2 redsea 50s. On a 65 gallon tank. It's a deep tank 23" . I'm thinking the 50w lights may be a bit under power to penitrate the water. My rocks at the highest point are about 17" from the lights and lower from there. The new ai blade glow interests me as an addition. Maybe mount the 21" just behind the 50s?