Steveg's Office wall tank

[steveg]

Originally Posted by lastlight

Interesting build. You've done well considering the narrow tank.

Do those bulbs have reflectors?

This is an interesting question, I was quite disappointed when I realised I could not fit an ATI unit in the wall. I went as I mentioned to EECOL with my brother, he introduced me to the lighting specialist there. I showed him the specs of the ATI modules and discussed how best I could get something similar.

He scoffed at some of the claims regarding the reflectors and stated that the powder white finish on their standard reflectors would give almost the same results, possibly a few percent less and then defied anyone to point out the difference except perhaps by using specific measuring equipment. I guess you have to accept the "salesman" factor to a degree but I have to say I have had some pretty good growth already from a few frags I put in.

I am using the normal assortment of KZ, geisemann and aquascience bulbs, I may be tweaking the colour scheme but am very happy with the overall result. However you look at it, a difference of 4-5% on reflectors is not going to make a significant difference to my tank when I have 8 bulbs across a 10" gap. Put your shades on corals!!!!!

I am using an aquacontroller junior and each of the ballasts is controlled by the controller so it has been very easy to turn the light up as the day progresses and the down again to simulate what should occurr naturally. I have better control over this light unit than the metal halide and T5 unit I had over my last tank and I definitely prefer the colours.

I intend to put some white LED bulbs over the tank to provide the ripple effect that you dont get with T5. I saw a tank in England that had an LED strip over it and the shimmer was fantastic.

Thanks for following.