100gal Build: New Pics

sphelps · #1 09-25-2011, 05:17 PM

Thanks all, I've decided to hang onto the fixture for a while. I'm going to spend a little more time and money on it to fix some of my issues with it.

I've ordered a custom Arduino controller to take the place of the LEDcontrol4 by profilux which was disappointing to say the least. The controller will control everything related to the light fixture including heat sink temperature. I'm also going to work on coming up with some ideas to shade the LEDs.

We'll see how this goes.

StirCrazy · #2 09-25-2011, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

I've ordered a custom Arduino controller to take the place of the LEDcontrol4 by profilux which was disappointing to say the least. The controller will control everything related to the light fixture including heat sink temperature. I'm also going to work on coming up with some ideas to shade the LEDs.

We'll see how this goes.

how high do you have the fixture above the tank? controling the light spill might be as simple as putting optics on your outside edge of LEDs or lowering the fixture. I would see how low you can go befor you don't get nice coverage and mixture.

Steve

sphelps · #3 09-25-2011, 10:46 PM

It's pretty much as low as I can put it, plus even if I lowered the fixture it wouldn't help as the problem is the profile is too short and the LEDs don't go far enough up into the fixture, lowering it really won't accomplish anything unless it basically touches the water. I'm not using optics and don't plan on it so that won't work.

I'm just going to add a 1.5" trim piece to the bottom to extend the profile a little, that should fix the issue.

sphelps · #4 09-27-2011, 09:08 PM

OK so one problem solved.

The light bleed was pretty bad, so without going crazy the best solution seemed to be build a small extension.

This was it before:

Here's the extension all built and stained:

And here's the final result:

No more light bleed which is much better but I'm not sure if I lost a few points on style

banditpowdercoat · #5 09-27-2011, 09:11 PM

Lost? No I think you gained points. Thats very nice!!!!

Lance · #6 09-27-2011, 09:55 PM

I agree with Dan. I like it better.

TheMikey · #7 09-27-2011, 11:08 PM

Wow! That looks fantastic! I'm looking to change out my T5s right now and am torn between looking at a DIY MH and a DIY LED (maybe an AI Sol). Everytime I look at LED stuff, though, it seems as though people are complaining about colour of reds and orange and loss of richness in the corals compared to MH. But holy damn, does that tank shot look great!