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frogman_reefer
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Day 1, hour one, the wifi settings worked. I'm paired
The Frogman Commeth... Or starteth
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frogman_reefer
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One thing I knew was going to happen was that because I mounted these lights in a nine inch canopy, I knew I would be getting the disco effect from my moon lights. While I'm not overly happy with this, it's my setup that caused it... Not the lights. So understand the difference there.
(Step Timer 3, moons at 40%)
The other thing with having to mount them so low is that I lose a little coverage. So immediately, I have to state, if you have a canopy in mind and you want these lights. Make your canopy at least 18 inches!!!
Since I already had mine and my wife likes the current setup. I'm be keeping mine this way. It's really ok, but I'm missing 3 4 inch pieces of solid coverage with the way I selected to mount my SB's
Keep that in mind with ANY LED you buy however. Not just this one!
(Step Timer 3, moons at 40%)
The other thing with having to mount them so low is that I lose a little coverage. So immediately, I have to state, if you have a canopy in mind and you want these lights. Make your canopy at least 18 inches!!!
Since I already had mine and my wife likes the current setup. I'm be keeping mine this way. It's really ok, but I'm missing 3 4 inch pieces of solid coverage with the way I selected to mount my SB's
Keep that in mind with ANY LED you buy however. Not just this one!
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frogman_reefer
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Actinics up! Timing is spot on, however notice the two areas that are lower light. Left side resolved itself. This is why you need to make sure your canopy is tall enough!
It's all good tho! I'm loving this color pop! Never seen my corals "glow" like this before! Hahaha, well at least under my old fixture
Here is what my lighting schedule looks like. (I really like this feature a lot!)
Led1 is actinic
Led2 is daylight channel
Led3 moonlights
Led4 not used at this time
Long days!?! Yeah, I'll drop it down later. I have it set like this because that's how I ran my MH Fixture. It will be awesome if they/we can develop a true light schedule that includes cloudy days, light intensity changes based on season, actually moon cycles... Yeah, the coding would be a beast, but it would warrant a $100.00 add-on price for the natural sun/moon cycle controller! (Hint hint).
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frogman_reefer
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First Hiccup. Need to get help. Light cycle was running great, at 815. Lights went to 0. Light cycle appears to be functioning. Had to put it in Manual mode to get lights to come back up.
Time to visit Customer Support and find out what/if I did something wrong.
Again, here is my dimming sequence.
815 the white channel comes up.
Time to visit Customer Support and find out what/if I did something wrong.
Again, here is my dimming sequence.
815 the white channel comes up.
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frogman_reefer
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First Hiccup. Need to get help. Light cycle was running great, at 815. Lights went to 0. Light cycle appears to be functioning. Had to put it in Manual mode to get lights to come back up.
Time to visit Customer Support and find out what/if I did something wrong.
Again, here is my dimming sequence.
815 the white channel comes up.
So I changed the program and went to 22 steps vs 30. Let's see if that resolves the program issue.
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frogman_reefer
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Well. Buyer needs to read more carefully! It states very clearly that there are ten settings per channel. Yes, well. Let's revamp that, there are TEN total, you just can set three Channels each time.
So, this is a limiting factor, but it doesn't take away from the quality of the lights. Especially if I can figure out how to connect it through my RA device and bypass the 10 settings item I miss understood.
So day 1 is drawing to a close, and there have been some hickUps but.... It was me reading into something that was clearly not there. I once again have to clarify. This Does Not allow you to set 30 points, it does allow you to set 10 on 3 channels. (A total of 10 settings only).
So does that change my opinion? Well, yes and no. I was expecting to be able to set smooth transitions over the course of hours. However this is now a little choppier than expected. It still works, and it meets its market statement.
Now, the crankiness aside, I'm still very pleased at the quality of the light. While its too soon to tell on items such as growth and coral coloration over the long haul, I am pleased by the corals "POP" in the tank. Now I do have to find some alternative lighting ((1) t5 perhaps); as mounting this 4 inches above the water in my canopy causes a reduced coverage I hadn't planned on. I'll probably retrofit 2 60 inch t5 super actinics as an ambient and fill light during peak hours to help fill the gaps. Again, NOT a limitation of the light. It's how I mounted it due to my small canopy height.
I will state that I like the point source look. It helps provide depth in the evening hours. So I would suggest if you added T5 supplimental, only run the peak lighting hours as the corals would appreciate the reflective light, especially in the "out of beam" areas.
I'll take some more pics later this week and post some additional information.
@SB Reef Lights work well!!! Please don't mistake my misunderstanding with the lighting limitation as a bash on thier quality!! The lights are great and work well, just be aware of the 10 set points.
Thanks and Happy Reefing!!!
See you all later!
So, this is a limiting factor, but it doesn't take away from the quality of the lights. Especially if I can figure out how to connect it through my RA device and bypass the 10 settings item I miss understood.
So day 1 is drawing to a close, and there have been some hickUps but.... It was me reading into something that was clearly not there. I once again have to clarify. This Does Not allow you to set 30 points, it does allow you to set 10 on 3 channels. (A total of 10 settings only).
So does that change my opinion? Well, yes and no. I was expecting to be able to set smooth transitions over the course of hours. However this is now a little choppier than expected. It still works, and it meets its market statement.
Now, the crankiness aside, I'm still very pleased at the quality of the light. While its too soon to tell on items such as growth and coral coloration over the long haul, I am pleased by the corals "POP" in the tank. Now I do have to find some alternative lighting ((1) t5 perhaps); as mounting this 4 inches above the water in my canopy causes a reduced coverage I hadn't planned on. I'll probably retrofit 2 60 inch t5 super actinics as an ambient and fill light during peak hours to help fill the gaps. Again, NOT a limitation of the light. It's how I mounted it due to my small canopy height.
I will state that I like the point source look. It helps provide depth in the evening hours. So I would suggest if you added T5 supplimental, only run the peak lighting hours as the corals would appreciate the reflective light, especially in the "out of beam" areas.
I'll take some more pics later this week and post some additional information.
@SB Reef Lights work well!!! Please don't mistake my misunderstanding with the lighting limitation as a bash on thier quality!! The lights are great and work well, just be aware of the 10 set points.
Thanks and Happy Reefing!!!
See you all later!
SB Reef Lights
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@frogman_reefer
I am working on adding more points. The app can handle 256 points. It;s the hardware that is giving us the limitation. Once we have a solution for more points, I will update customers with upgrade options.
Also than you for the honest review. We are always looking for ways to improve our lights. With in the budget constraints of being a value fixture of course.
For ample I know the stamped steel case is not as nice from a fit and finish point as the high end LEDs, however it performs it's job flawlessly. We focused on things that made a difference, like quieter upgraded fans, thicker heat sinks (PCB), 2 year warranty, mounting legs and of course the diode layout and spectrum.
I am working on adding more points. The app can handle 256 points. It;s the hardware that is giving us the limitation. Once we have a solution for more points, I will update customers with upgrade options.
Also than you for the honest review. We are always looking for ways to improve our lights. With in the budget constraints of being a value fixture of course.
For ample I know the stamped steel case is not as nice from a fit and finish point as the high end LEDs, however it performs it's job flawlessly. We focused on things that made a difference, like quieter upgraded fans, thicker heat sinks (PCB), 2 year warranty, mounting legs and of course the diode layout and spectrum.
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frogman_reefer
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@frogman_reefer
I am working on adding more points. The app can handle 256 points. It;s the hardware that is giving us the limitation. Once we have a solution for more points, I will update customers with upgrade options.
Also than you for the honest review. We are always looking for ways to improve our lights. With in the budget constraints of being a value fixture of course.
Again, I am very happy with the lights and the expectation came with me not reading clearly enough. I want to be clear for all those reading that it clearly states this, I just misunderstood that it wasn't ten per channel. It was "10 time settings across the 3 channels".
I've seen more coral "pop" then I ever did with Mh and t5 combo I ran.
Obviously in a day I can't talk about growth, or the deepening of coloration (yet), however if the colors the first day are any indication, I'm going to be very happy with the purchase. I might later choose to invest in a taller canopy in order to get the coverage I need. But that limitation isn't due to the lights themselves.
Thank you for the reply and I will eagerly watch for the advent of future tech changes. I'd be happy to test with you as well, but we can discuss that later.
And if any of you are having problems programming the light. Get on YouTube and watch Mikes videos. He makes it very simplistic and clear to understand.
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frogman_reefer
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Let me show you a little bit clearer example of what I'm talking about. (Had a few pm's stating people were confused and I didn't notice them until after my previous post.)
Here is my previous setting and points of light shift (planned)
Notice the multiple points in the parabola (curved line) there are more points which will give a smoother ramp.
Here is the setting I had to end with (Actual).
Notice it's a choppier line. While it works nicely, it isn't what I had envisioned it being. Personally. I would like just 50 set points across the three channels, that would allow you to adjust every 15 min assuming you ran your lights 12 hours a day.
With this setting you could program cloudy days and cloud movement, stormy/rainy days, sunny days and even moon cycles.
A suggestion would be to create an "add on module" that would allow you to store 5 different programmable ramping cycles. And have a "Random" feature that would simulate varying weather patterns at an 80/20 rule.
For instance:
SUNNY: very smooth ramp up and ramp down. High light at peak
CLOUDY AM: have a long smooth ramp up to less than 50% ramping up to regular schedule and ramp down at end of day
CLOUDY ALL DAY (high clouds): varied ramping all day
CLOUDY ALL DAY (heavy clouds): ramp up to lower levels only. Actinics 50% & Daylight less than 15%
CLOUDY PM: have a normal ramp up, but lower ramp earlier in the evening.
RANDOM: all cycles above (allow for 80/20 rule. 80% Sunny and 20 varied.)
I'd pay an add on fee of up to $75.00 to have my light mimic real weather patterns. Just saying!! Not everyone might, so make it an add on.
Also, with the separate moon channel, allow the moon lights to be auto programmable for actual moon cycle. I think this is something that should become standard in the hobby shortly. Especially if you plan on targeting high ended coral experts that are looking to spawn coral and fish. This would be a given.
I'll post more as time progresses. Feel free to ask questions! Hope these suggestions and tips help. I'm just a hobbyist, no one special, but if I can help, I'd love too!
Thanks!!! And remember, subscribe to this thread to track updates.
Here is my previous setting and points of light shift (planned)
Here is the setting I had to end with (Actual).
Notice it's a choppier line. While it works nicely, it isn't what I had envisioned it being. Personally. I would like just 50 set points across the three channels, that would allow you to adjust every 15 min assuming you ran your lights 12 hours a day.
With this setting you could program cloudy days and cloud movement, stormy/rainy days, sunny days and even moon cycles.
A suggestion would be to create an "add on module" that would allow you to store 5 different programmable ramping cycles. And have a "Random" feature that would simulate varying weather patterns at an 80/20 rule.
For instance:
SUNNY: very smooth ramp up and ramp down. High light at peak
CLOUDY AM: have a long smooth ramp up to less than 50% ramping up to regular schedule and ramp down at end of day
CLOUDY ALL DAY (high clouds): varied ramping all day
CLOUDY ALL DAY (heavy clouds): ramp up to lower levels only. Actinics 50% & Daylight less than 15%
CLOUDY PM: have a normal ramp up, but lower ramp earlier in the evening.
RANDOM: all cycles above (allow for 80/20 rule. 80% Sunny and 20 varied.)
I'd pay an add on fee of up to $75.00 to have my light mimic real weather patterns. Just saying!! Not everyone might, so make it an add on.
Also, with the separate moon channel, allow the moon lights to be auto programmable for actual moon cycle. I think this is something that should become standard in the hobby shortly. Especially if you plan on targeting high ended coral experts that are looking to spawn coral and fish. This would be a given.
I'll post more as time progresses. Feel free to ask questions! Hope these suggestions and tips help. I'm just a hobbyist, no one special, but if I can help, I'd love too!
Thanks!!! And remember, subscribe to this thread to track updates.
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frogman_reefer
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Ok. Today I'm back on the happy train!
Came home and my corals look very happy. Coloration on some of them is not much different, but if Pe is any sign of happiness, then my corals are in heaven.
I talked with Mike briefly over message and he is watching and looking for advancement options as well. So I'm very pleased with that.
I have a few items to work through. But that is placement related. I really need to consider raising these lights a few inches. Maybe 12 inches off the surface, then I will have awesome coverage. I'll play it slowly. Don't want to change too much too fast.
Post again in a couple days.
Came home and my corals look very happy. Coloration on some of them is not much different, but if Pe is any sign of happiness, then my corals are in heaven.
I talked with Mike briefly over message and he is watching and looking for advancement options as well. So I'm very pleased with that.
I have a few items to work through. But that is placement related. I really need to consider raising these lights a few inches. Maybe 12 inches off the surface, then I will have awesome coverage. I'll play it slowly. Don't want to change too much too fast.
Post again in a couple days.
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Looking good!
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frogman_reefer
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Thanks @revhtree!! Got a few updates.
So Im liking these lights, this week I'll take a few pics and post them with the pre pics done before I changed out.
There is much better coloration and I am seeing increased growth in a couple weeks.
Plus. Did I say colors???
Yeah, there are some things that need improved, and if you're looking for solid controllability through you're apex or reefkeeper?? Wait on the wifi, get the regular 32 and adapt it.
Mike is working solutions to try and get better controllability, but for the price you pay and the coverage... I'm saying it's good.
I'll keep posting every few weeks and show progress.
But I think the pics stand for themselves.
So Im liking these lights, this week I'll take a few pics and post them with the pre pics done before I changed out.
There is much better coloration and I am seeing increased growth in a couple weeks.
Plus. Did I say colors???
Yeah, there are some things that need improved, and if you're looking for solid controllability through you're apex or reefkeeper?? Wait on the wifi, get the regular 32 and adapt it.
Mike is working solutions to try and get better controllability, but for the price you pay and the coverage... I'm saying it's good.
I'll keep posting every few weeks and show progress.
But I think the pics stand for themselves.
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frogman_reefer
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Update: so the proof of the lights is in the pudding as they say. My corals love this light! I am seeing more coloration and I have some pics to show the growth just in these past few weeks.
My growth is better, colors are richer, and I am a happy Reefer!!
Now, understand these pics are from Sept/Oct compared to now. But the majority of the color improvements and growth have been in this last month.
Sept
Feb (this one didn't grow for almost 3 months)
Sept 15
Feb 16
Sept 15
Feb 16 (GARF bonsai)
Slimer Feb 15
Dec 15
Feb 16
So hopefully you can see what I see. Great growth and coloration.
Now if we can just get a few of the timing/hardware issues resolved with ramping. I believe we have a light that will seriously compete. And at this price point for a 32 inch fixture. It's gonna be hard to beat.
I'll post more growth pics each month. Let me know if there is something specific you would like me to try.
My growth is better, colors are richer, and I am a happy Reefer!!
Now, understand these pics are from Sept/Oct compared to now. But the majority of the color improvements and growth have been in this last month.
Sept
Feb (this one didn't grow for almost 3 months)
Sept 15
Feb 16
Sept 15
Feb 16 (GARF bonsai)
Slimer Feb 15
Dec 15
Feb 16
So hopefully you can see what I see. Great growth and coloration.
Now if we can just get a few of the timing/hardware issues resolved with ramping. I believe we have a light that will seriously compete. And at this price point for a 32 inch fixture. It's gonna be hard to beat.
I'll post more growth pics each month. Let me know if there is something specific you would like me to try.
SB Reef Lights
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I really appreciate you posting up your review and especially the growth pics. Looks like you're having great success. Of course writing is only one parameter involved so you must have good flow, food, placement, water quality and water chemistry. But to be successful all of those have to hit the mark which means the lights are doing well for you.
I really appreciate that help our customers have given us with the hardware issues and the Wi-Fi light. It's a learning experience for sure but we should have everything handled shortly.
I really appreciate that help our customers have given us with the hardware issues and the Wi-Fi light. It's a learning experience for sure but we should have everything handled shortly.
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frogman_reefer
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You've done great with the light design and led choices! The other will come with time, just hope I can help as that progresses.
Being a MH slave, I was skeptical about going LED. But I am glad I did. More posts to come.
And feel free to direct people here for questions as well, I'd be happy to try out things for some of you're potential buyers/ current users.
Being a MH slave, I was skeptical about going LED. But I am glad I did. More posts to come.
And feel free to direct people here for questions as well, I'd be happy to try out things for some of you're potential buyers/ current users.
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frogman_reefer
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A few more pics, just because
SB Reef Lights
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Very Nice. More to steal for the Customer Gallery Showcase
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frogman_reefer
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Those are with channel 1 off, 2/3 at 100%
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frogman_reefer
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Ok another update on the lights. I discovered another issue with the lights, well... Not so much the lights as with the lights while using a Reef Angel controller.
The RA has some limitations on their relay boxes. And having two of these 32 inch Wifi controlled boxes plugged into one of these seems to cause some issues.
Let me explain... There is a limit to the number of Amp and Watts that can go through the RA relays. If these lights are on a relay box by themselves, there seems to be no issue. But as soon as you start using the other ports, problems start to arise. Now again, it isn't fair to say this is an issue with the SB Reef Lights, however, if you are using an RA controller, you might need to run the lights off 2 different relay boxes (port 1 on relay 0; port 1 on relay 1 for example) or run the lights off their own power source that is not connected through the controller.
I am trying to look into some more specifics to find out exactly what it is that might be causing this issue. But so far, I just haven't had the time. Hopefully soon!!!
As always, if you have questions regarding this, let me know.
The RA has some limitations on their relay boxes. And having two of these 32 inch Wifi controlled boxes plugged into one of these seems to cause some issues.
Let me explain... There is a limit to the number of Amp and Watts that can go through the RA relays. If these lights are on a relay box by themselves, there seems to be no issue. But as soon as you start using the other ports, problems start to arise. Now again, it isn't fair to say this is an issue with the SB Reef Lights, however, if you are using an RA controller, you might need to run the lights off 2 different relay boxes (port 1 on relay 0; port 1 on relay 1 for example) or run the lights off their own power source that is not connected through the controller.
I am trying to look into some more specifics to find out exactly what it is that might be causing this issue. But so far, I just haven't had the time. Hopefully soon!!!
As always, if you have questions regarding this, let me know.
SB Reef Lights
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Interesting. Even the large boxes will only pull a little over 1amp each. So the relay trips at 2amp? Are there other components on the same relay, for example a heater? I know running 12 lights over my tank they have to have a dedicated power bar for my reef keeper, if I put them with the skimmers, heaters, or any other components they will trip.
