Such a thing as too much light?

[Enigma]

If I were to remove the hood, I would absolutely go with something like what you've posted, Steve. I can't remove the hood in my house, though: especially since this tank will be quite low and at a three-year-olds eye level.

Those are very interesting lights, however.

[sphelps]

well there are lots of other kits out there, if you need help soldering I can help out so don't limit yourself.

I've been using stuff from http://shop.stevesleds.com/main.sc
Personally I like it better than other alternatives, especially the drivers but they are PWM so you'll need 0-10V interface for APEX, but you can get three drivers that do 7 LEDs a piece so you could potentially have three colors with independent control.

[Enigma]

I considered one of the Steve's LED kits. He's got an actual NC12 retrofit kit, and the price is good. He's also got some great LED colours (particularly violet), that I would like to try.

As this is for my contest tank, I want to be sure I can do it myself (though your offer of assistance is greatly appreciated and I'm sure some day I will request it . . . For LEDs or fixing my skimmer plumbing. ).

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Enigma

I considered one of the Steve's LED kits. He's got an actual NC12 retrofit kit, and the price is good. He's also got some great LED colours (particularly violet), that I would like to try.

As this is for my contest tank, I want to be sure I can do it myself (though your offer of assistance is greatly appreciated and I'm sure some day I will request it . . . For LEDs or fixing my skimmer plumbing. ).

I have pretty much all the colors if you wanted to see them, I also have extra hardware and LEDs if you're interested. Actually I have 2 0-10V conversion kits I'll never use... Just saying.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I have pretty much all the colors if you wanted to see them, I also have extra hardware and LEDs if you're interested. Actually I have 2 0-10V conversion kits I'll never use... Just saying.

I just realized something . . . I have no idea what a 0-10V conversion kit is, or why I should need/use them.

If I do need them, I'll happily purchase yours instead of ordering any for the 36" build. I'm pretty sure I've got everything coming from Martin that I require for the NC12 build (and then some).

[sphelps]

You only need it if you're using drivers that use PWM signal for dimming rather than 0-10v.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by sphelps

You only need it if you're using drivers that use PWM signal for dimming rather than 0-10v.

Oh. I don't know what I'm using or how it works. I'll get back to you on that!

Edit: They're the Mean Well ELN-60-48D drivers. I believe they are 0-10V. That is very good info to have. It will give me additional options when shopping for drivers for the 36".