Information on LED, Evergrow Group Buy

[howaboutme]

Hello.

 

I wasn't planning on doing any light research until months down the road but after browsing the Evergrow group buy thread, it's intrigued me. My problem is...I know very little about lighting an aquarium other than what I have read here and there. So can someone give me a cliff notes version of the Evergrow product? I have started the read the RC threads but they are miles long and the group buy ends soon....

 

Is this the product we're talking about (at least the D120)?

 

I have a 30" wide 29G, it looks like 1 D120 would work fine at 90 deg. Thoughts?

 

If I eventually want to have corals, LPS and/or softies, do I need to worry about any specific configuration other than the reefbreaders standard? How would some of the other configuration options affect the lighting?

 

How are things controlled (not talking about timers, I assume these don't come w/ timers) ? Are there different plugs controlling different lights? Also, do any of you have an idea of how these can be frame mounted as opposed to hung?

 

Any information for a newbie would be helpful. I don't want to miss this opportunity but also don't want to jump the gun so decided to ask this question first and then figure it out.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Jack

[yagerboy]

tagging along. Have a 90g and would like to know how many of which model Iwould need for SPS, Clams, LPS, etc, as well as color mix.

[ridetheducati]

Have you read the current threads on the subject?

[gwweber]

I have a light like that on my 29 gallon. The coral in my tank is very very happy. Theonly issue with this light is that is does not have any optics, so a taller tank will prob have issues with light deeper in the tank. http://s782.beta.photobucket.com/user/gwweber/media/tank%20videos/20130223_132803_zpsca248936.mp4.html?sort=3&o=1#/user/gwweber/media/tank%20videos/20130223_132803_zpsca248936.mp4.html?sort=3&o=1&_suid=136217958924403060089614676535

P.S. I swear i have 5 fish in that tank LOL

Edited March 1, 2013 by gwweber

[howaboutme]

Have you read the current threads on the subject?

 

You mean the RC links? Yes, in the middle of going through them. I've also been reading non stop for the past 2 months. Like I said, the threads are super long and the only reason I posted is because of the impending group buy deadline. I apologize if it seems like I am looking to cut corners.

 

Perhaps a simple answer from anyone part of the group buy to explain their rationale with what they purchased in terms of how they laid out their lights? Was it based on past evidence, data or experience? Did you copy someone elses lay out, if so, why? Did you wing it and hope for the best?

 

I can understand if people don't want to answer because it could be months of research condensed into a few simple sentences.

 

I have a light like that on my 29 gallon. The coral in my tank is very very happy. Theonly issue with this light is that is does not have any optics, so a taller tank will prob have issues with light deeper in the tank. http://s782.beta.pho...060089614676535

P.S. I swear i have 5 fish in that tank LOL

 

Thank you very much! The video doesn't load but it's nice to hear it works for your 29. I know that for a typical 13" deep, this fixture should be ok.

[ridetheducati]

You mean the RC links? Yes, in the middle of going through them. I've also been reading non stop for the past 2 months. Like I said, the threads are super long and the only reason I posted is because of the impending group buy deadline. I apologize if it seems like I am looking to cut corners.

 

Perhaps a simple answer from anyone part of the group buy to explain their rationale with what they purchased in terms of how they laid out their lights? Was it based on past evidence, data or experience? Did you copy someone elses lay out, if so, why? Did you wing it and hope for the best?

 

I can understand if people don't want to answer because it could be months of research condensed into a few simple sentences.

 

 

 

Thank you very much! The video doesn't load but it's nice to hear it works for your 29. I know that for a typical 13" deep, this fixture should be ok.

 

I was referring to the WAMAS threads.

[scott711]

So can someone give me a cliff notes version of the Evergrow product? There isn't really cliff notes for these lights. They are very easy to use. If you are looking for cliff notes on using LED's that is another topic that many people have different opinions on. There is a lot of information out there in regard to some LEDS (reds, greens, UVs, etc). If you are looking just for a good light there standard layout is fine

 

I have a 30" wide 29G, it looks like 1 D120 would work fine at 90 deg. Thoughts? In my opionion you should be fine with 1.

 

If I eventually want to have corals, LPS and/or softies, do I need to worry about any specific configuration other than the reefbreaders standard? It depends on what type of "look" you want your tank to have. If you want more blue you would add more of the blue/violet LEDs. If you want it more white, then you would do the opposite. How would some of the other configuration options affect the lighting? Different configurations are geared to what some people like or what some people think corals will either have better color/growth.

 

How are things controlled (not talking about timers, I assume these don't come w/ timers) ? There are 2 channels each controlled by separate knob. This allows you to dim the lights. Are there different plugs controlling different lights? 2 plugs one for each channel Also, do any of you have an idea of how these can be frame mounted as opposed to hung?

 

Any information for a newbie would be helpful. I don't want to miss this opportunity but also don't want to jump the gun so decided to ask this question first and then figure it out.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Jack

[CaptainRon]

Perhaps a simple answer from anyone part of the group buy to explain their rationale with what they purchased in terms of how they laid out their lights? Was it based on past evidence, data or experience? Did you copy someone elses lay out, if so, why? Did you wing it and hope for the best?

 

I think this is one area where there's just no substitute for doing your own research. Everyone of course creates their layouts based on everyone you stated. Some of us have posted here what our layouts where and what we thought of them. If you must get into this group buy, then just go with the standard reefbreeder layout and get some extra LEDs so you can change it around to suit your tastes later. Otherwise, just wait for the next group buy to come around and take the time to do your research.

 

Here's my layout - I've said before that I thought it was a little on the blue side - I might take some of the violet and/or UV LEDs that are on the white channel and move them over to the blue channel replacing a couple of the misc. blue LEDs. My Dad has the exact same layout on his tank and posted a couple photos in this thread.

 

Good luck with your decision. It's tough to do quickly.

 

[CaptainRon]

One more thing... The best thing you can probably do is go visit tanks with these lights on them. I only went to visit one tank (Thanks Dennis!) but I thought it was pretty valuable to see as it gave me some idea what I might want to see in my lights.

[howaboutme]

I was referring to the WAMAS threads.

 

Ok, no, I have not yet seen them. I will do some searches. If there is a particular thread or two that you would is helpful, please provide links in case I miss them. Thank you. I

 

Scott and Cpt. Ron

 

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much. I'm not looking for cliff notes on LED. I am familiar w/ the pros/cons of the technology, the question was more geared towards the specific group buy product(s) and why people were customizing the layouts. The main question, you answered, and that is that the differences in layout is individual preference and opinion. I thought that's what it was but wasn't sure why one's preference is better than the others. I understand that this decision is made based on our own research. Also, talking about the channels, now I understand.

 

I will study up. I appreciate it everyone.

[howaboutme]

Cpt Ron (or anyone else w/ this fixture),

 

If the D120 has to dimmers (dimmer 1 and dimmer 2) what is channel 3 and how is that controlled if the fixture only has 2 controls?

 

Thanks.

[CaptainRon]

I forgot to mention, that layout showing channel three was for an IT2040 with the moon lights.

[howaboutme]

Thanks

 

Has anyone found a way to mount these on a rail similar to how Sols or Vegas would be mounted over the tank as opposed to hanging them?