First Saltwater Tank

[MarkoD]

I was at red coral yesterday and the lady said they didn't have any.

[paddyob]

Ask Steve. He is usually in after 430pm.

[MarkoD]

heres a few pictures of the HOB refugium i made.

currently lit with LEDs ..... anyone know if this will be enough for Cheato or should i put a fluorescent bulb in there?


with the lid on


lid off




made it out of mirrored plexiglass.

i think im gonna put another piece on the front to block the view into it and stop the light from spilling into the tank

[MarkoD]

little trial and error..... if i stick with the LED lights then i dont have to use the mirrored enclosure....



but if i have to switch to a more powerful bulb ill need to raise the lid

[paddyob]

How close are the lights?

Keep in mind that the closer they are the more salt build up they will get. And they will get salt creep.

If the part you have installed is not "water safe" (for lack of better term) you could have other issues as well, as salt is a conductor for electricity.

Most light fixtures that are open to the water have some sort of seal around the connector ends.

Just a thought.

I have to say very good little set up. Almost like you have done this before!

[MarkoD]

as it sits now the lights are about 2 and half inches above the water and not splashing hitting them.

i ran the wires through the lid of the filter and the connection is made on the outside of the lid.

the lights are automotive LED lights that are usually used as day time running lights (like the ones seen on the new audis) so they're weather sealed.

can salt creep happen if the lights never make contact with any part of the water?

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

as it sits now the lights are about 2 and half inches above the water and not splashing hitting them.

i ran the wires through the lid of the filter and the connection is made on the outside of the lid.

the lights are automotive LED lights that are usually used as day time running lights (like the ones seen on the new audis) so they're weather sealed.

can salt creep happen if the lights never make contact with any part of the water?

Over time it will build up. Condensation from the tank... air bubbles "popping" on the surface, climbing the sides of the filter. I even get it ON TOP AND THE SIDES of my aqua clear on the small tank. You will be surprised how much salt can reach ha ha!