1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

E Lowther`s Lighting Upgrade!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by e lowther, Jun 21, 2012.

  1. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    So after much research and browsing around I have finally decided that I am going to upgrade my current T5 lighting to LED's. I personally believe LED's are going to be a much better long term solution for the lighting of my reef tank and with the control they provide while not having to continuously replace bulbs it should prove to be a worthy investment. I decided that Ecotech's Radion will be my light of choice due to all its many features and software that will allow me to have better control of the lighting. Today they should be arriving by FedEx truck and I am super excited to start playing with them. I am going to be documenting the colors of the corals as well as any increase/decrease in growth. I will continue this little experiment for the rest of the summer and I look forward to seeing what results of the change in lighting!
     
  2. Rocketmann

    Rocketmann

    242
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Awesome buy! It will be interesting to see your info down the road.
     
  3. Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

    853
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Looking forward to seeing how this goes for you!
     
  4. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Sorry for the lack of updates over the weekend, but this weekend was my 21st birthday so of course I had to take a break from school and the fish tank to celebrate it properly in Ames with my friends! Anyway, on to the updates! Today I took my old canopy down, and removed the old T-5 lighting system and began to retrofit it for the Radion's. Then after that getting in place properly, I began playing around with the programs and seeing my colors my lights could make. I was able to program a 24hr light cycle that I really like so later this week I will get a video up of that! But here are some pics of the build from today.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  5. Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    OMG. 1500.00 for Lighting. My Wife would kick me out of the house and divorce me. Do it while your young bud. Not sure i could pull the trigger on that kind of cash for lighting. Maybe some day. I can't wait to watch and live thru you man. Keep up the updates ok

     
  6. Brandon9400

    Brandon9400

    233
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    GOOD deal you will love the LED's! i have to sol blues over my 56g cube and couldn't be more happy. the unlimited options you have to cuztomoise everything some color,intensity,ramp time, and timers is crazy.

    They might take you a while to get used to but after a week you will love them more and more. Just beware they can be very powerfull so start the intensity down low and gradually build it up. rememer just cuz it looks dim doesnt mean i'ts not pumping out hight par levels. GOOD LUCK and enjoy

    Brandon
     
  7. jstngates Experienced Reefkeeper

    Toledo Iowa
    Ratings:
    +40 / 1 / -0
    Im just starting to get used to mine. Hey Kyle the way to get around is dont tell her! Thats what I did.
     
  8. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Evan it sounds like you may need to use a par meter in the near future.
     
  9. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    First off, these lights do have quite a shocking price tag but the way i see it with T-5's I have to replace all four bulbs every six months so when the price of the bulb is around $35 dollars each that means I pay about $280 a year so why not bit the bullet once and get the equipment that is top of the line plus a one time buy. I am going to have to sell alot of frags to even get close to breaking even...

    Mike, late next month we should be holding a GIRS meeting at my house and Alex (Killernights) is going to bring over his PAR meter.
     
  10. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    sounds good. I am pretty sure the PAR meter he is bringing is the clubs though.
     
  11. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    More pics
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  12. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Ok, so I want a little discussion on this. My lights are at a safe 6 inches away from the top of the water and I am starting my radions at 50% of intensity.Is that too high or too low to start with? How much should I increase it by and how quickly should I increase it? Also, tomorrow I will post my photo cycle time period and get some opinions on that but for now lets start with the intensity since that is a more pressing matter.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.