Nano Reef in the Office

[ScubaSteve]

Originally Posted by jostafew

Hey ScubaSteve, I've got the standard Emitter on Star type LED modules all grouped as tightly together as possible, but you're right the multiple emitter in a single module would be better. That being said I think I may have proper solution should it come to that, and frankly I'm amazed we don't see this from the high end vendors yet. I can't find the source right now (have an e-mail at home) but it's a thin film that's matte on one side to gather and disperse light from multiple LED emitters, then on the other side the surface is made up of tiny lenses which then redirect all that diffused light at your choice of angles (anywhere from say 45-120deg optics). So what you end up with is essentially one large light source of uniform color temperature. You'll lose the nice glitter lines, but then the disco ball effect is also gone. Ultimately I beleive the multiple emitter on chip containing many colors will be the best long term solution, but until that is readily available (for cheap) I think this film is the answer in the DIY LED world. I was going to give it a shot on this project but the $50 sample fee put that on hold until my plan to maintain a calm water surface fails hahah. Will post when I find the source again.

Very cool! Let me know when you find that source again. I'll see if I can pull some strings using my university discount to get a sample for free/cheap.

Glad to hear you're grouping them tight together. Certainly validates my thinking. The evenly spaced LEDs never made a whole lot of sense to me.

[jostafew]

Been super busy so I haven't gotten much done, but every day I see a reminder sitting on my desk to get my butt in gear!

Light over the chaeto / LR grow area is built and installed, and the ATO plumbing is 90% finished. I find that I'm burning through a surprising amount of water even with the lid covering most of the tank, must be really dry in this office. Going through about 1L per week right now, can't wait to get this ATO working. Last major stage is to find some time on the equipment so I can knock out the chassis for the main light fixture. After that it's coral time!

Enjoy the pics!

Overall view



Fish room (cubby)



Business area showing the hoses running into the return area. Those will be plumbed up to the reservoir in the cabinet to function as ATO.


Chaeto / LR grow area with lights on. The tint is working nicely to show me what's happening in there with the lights on, looks black and tidy during the day with the grow lights out.

[mikeclarke]

Really cool. I'd like a office tank like this.

[canadianbudz604]

Very cool setup nice and clean.