Using / adding leds with Giesemann Matrixx ii

oldmonk · Oct 13, 2021

Hello All
For my new set up I am thinking of using my hydras from the old set up with a new Giesemann Matrixx ii t5 fixture.
The arrangement I am looking at is having 2 hydras slightly angled from either sides and the t5 being in the centre. Leds will be for sunrise/sunset , while t5s will be for max photo period. This entire thing will be at 12" AWL.
So it will be 2 x hydra26hd with 6 x 54wt5 Matrixx ii.
The aquascape for this particular tank will be some where around 48 x 20x 18inches
Any suggestions, inputs on this will be helpful. Do you all think this arrangement will have more cons than pros?

blaxsun · Oct 13, 2021

Looks interesting. I don't see any downside with the angled aspect.

oldmonk · Oct 13, 2021

Thanks for writing. since i have the hydras **** of using them as they still have good amount of life in them and at the same save some money from buying a complete new hybrid fixture.
Also checked with some of the friends locally, couple of them said probability of hot spots on the sides. Dont really understand this.
R2R being a vast forum with varied experiences , looking at some opinions...
thanks again buddy

dedragon · Nov 8, 2021

where the hydras on the sides intersect the lights put out by the t5 it may create a bit of a lighting hotspot (super high par) in a certain part of the tank (all leds usually have at least a bit of a hotspot due to led chip design) I dont think it will be an issue though. IMO you may need to add like 2 led strips to each side of the fixture just to blend the color between led and t5 but you will be able do that in the future. You can already grow anything under your fixture and just lower the intensity of the hydra in the beginning then slowly crank up

oldmonk · Nov 8, 2021

thanks for writing. That insight is really helpful. Since the tank is not yet up, i am still on the hunt for suitable lighting options and the above arrangement is one of them and also the cheapest as i already have hydras from my previous set up. Other options being Philips Coral Care , Ati hybrid , Photons.
Retrofitting led bars to the Giesemann fixture later might pose little problems as i do not see any fiiting options available.
lets see what i end up with.
Thanga again for sharing your views.

dedragon · Nov 8, 2021

I actually have a giesemann matrix ii, what you need to buy is the hanging mounting kit which has specific screws that tap into the fixture holes up top (under the plastic screw caps). Not sure if the screws are standard where you are from but im in the US so i just had to buy the kit to get the screws

Matrixx 6 or 8 Lamp Hanging Suspension Kit

Wire Hanging/Suspension kit for Giesemann Matrixx II Lighting fixtures. Height adjustment is made super easy with the wire grip locks for small adjustments. Depending on the Giesemann lighting fixture that you have there are two different styles of hanging kits. Both hanging kits have a 58"...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

dedragon · Nov 8, 2021

not sure if BRS ships to you either but giesemann is bigger in europe area so probably easier for you to find there

oldmonk · Nov 8, 2021

Unfortunately BRS doesn't ship to India directly. Giesemann does ship internationally so i do have that choice provided i am ready to shell out additional shipping cost and the 40% import duties

I understood the hanging part of the Matrixx ii. What i was refferring to was the retrofitting of the led bars. For e.g. if you look at the ATI t5 module, the Reefbreeders provide a specific bracket for mounting their lumen bars to the ATI fixture. Similiar arrangement is not possible with Matrixx.
What i can think of is make a hanging wooden rectangular frame and insert some aluminium profiles and just the rest the Matrixx and the led bars on them
Btw how do you find the performance of the Matrixx lights? are you using the Giesemann t5s or switched to something else?
Thanks for yr inputs.

dedragon · Nov 8, 2021

output is amazing similar to ati sunpower but the fixture looks nicer, i find the fans a bit loud, but that might just me mine. I used the screws to mount an illumagic strip with a piece of bent aluminum flat bar, orphek does also have these new mounting legs which look pretty good, maybe a deal for black friday as well

Aura Mounting Arms • Orphek

Orphek Aura High End Acrylic Mounting Arm for Aquarium, designed specifically for the installation Orphek OR LED Bars only.

orphek.com

oldmonk · Nov 8, 2021

hey , do u mind sharing a photo of how have you done the matrixx and led bar fitting? Will help in understanding.
Thanks.

dedragon · Nov 8, 2021

sure, in the process of moving this so didnt fully cutt, file, or paint the aluminum yet but you should get the general idea

oldmonk · Nov 8, 2021

yes for sure got the idea of the mount.Thanks. So what i understand from the pic, is the Matrixx is tank mounted instead of hanging. Is that correct?
Secondly, what size fixture are you using over yr tank? I was looking at a 48" six bulb fixture for my new 60x 24 x24 inch tank at a height of 12" above water line.

dedragon · Nov 8, 2021

That is probably for the best, i have the tank mount but they suck. I use a 36" with a 24" illumagic led strip (i got the led for $50 so couldnt pass it up). The hanging mount is literally a metal hook screwed down onto the unit with a wire to attach to the ceiling. Just need to find a screw long enough that fits the hole

dedragon · Nov 8, 2021

12" is a much better mounting distance imo mine is like 5-6 inches above the water right now

oldmonk · Nov 8, 2021

Many thanks for sharing your views on the Matrixx t5s along with the led aspect. As far as t5 is concerned, surely 48" Matrixx will do the job on a 60" tank.
Will work out all the light options cost wise as i have to import pretty much every brand that i have as my options and see what best i get. If go the led bar with t5 route then will try and sell my hydras. Small funding for new lights

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thanks once again for yr support

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