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Post by angelminx on Jun 20, 2014 19:52:37 GMT -5
So if I'm getting this right, both the AquaBar and GroBeams can use the MountaRay. I really like the MountaRays. Originally when I saw them, I was thinking they were only for the "Mini LED" systems. Apparantly I was wrong. What I am curious about, though, is if I started out with the AquaBars, then at a later date switched over to the GrowBeams (I would want the double systems for my 55 gallon low- medium light planted tank), would I be able to use the MountaRay that is set up for the AquaBars for the GrowBeams, or would I have to retro-fit it, or by a new MountaRay. How would this be done? Does the AqauBar come in the Duos?
Also, I am a little confused (it's probably just me), When I order the LEDs, I want to purchase everything that is needed for both the lighting and mounting systems. Again, the aquarium is a standard 55 gallon, although when I bought it there was only one brand available, and that was Top Fin. The glass canopy (I had to order this by mail order because the tank came with a "full hood" that only had a narrow glass opening for a single striplight, and the store did not carry either the glass canopies, or double striplights), does not fit "inside" the frame, and no brand that I've purchased over time does, they all extend past the lip where they are supposed to rest. The ordering information mentions cutting or removing the trim on the sides of the aquarium; how do you do this and still use the glass canopy? Are the LEDs safe to use without a canopy? If I go "canopy-less", what can I do the prevent fish from jumping from the tank (eventually I would like to get hatchetfish again)? Also. what combination of lights would I order if I get the AquaBars?
I don't mean to sound dumb, but maybe the info is just "flying over my head" for some reason right now. Thanks for the input.
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Jun 20, 2014 23:16:00 GMT -5
The MountaRay are meant to be on a rimless tank, so you raise a good point about the glass top. You only would cut enough for the MountaRay and not take off the whole side plastic piece. Two cuts for each side. If you don't want to have to cut up the trim, you can just set the lights on top, just raise them up an inch or two.
You could do the combination of lights, with starting with the Aquabar and then the GroBeam. They would use the same mounting. You could mount three strips total with the MountaRay. You would only need to use two Grobeam stripes for medium light plants and they would grow fast. I'm thinking that might be able to do high light plants too, but might have to add a third. You could do two AquaBar, one Grobeam.
The AquaBar does come with the Duos
There's a difference between the two, but that's reflected in the price. The AquaBar is a more cool white and the GroBeam is a little warmer. Both look good though with crisp color and good growth.
Hope that helped.
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Post by angelminx on Jul 3, 2014 12:33:27 GMT -5
I was looking at the Web Page "Part 2: Other Aquarium & Hydroponics LED Lights", and where the info on the AquaBars is located, the top photo (the composite)shows a double mountning on the tank. It looks like they may be AqauBars, but I'm not sure. Any way, do you carry or have any info on that mounting system, and would it work for both AquaBars and GroBeams? I can't tell, but it looks like the "base" may be just wide enough to fit over the rim of an aquarium with a frame.
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Post by Carl on Jul 3, 2014 13:28:36 GMT -5
I was looking at the Web Page "Part 2: Other Aquarium & Hydroponics LED Lights", and where the info on the AquaBars is located, the top photo (the composite)shows a double mountning on the tank. It looks like they may be AqauBars, but I'm not sure. Any way, do you carry or have any info on that mounting system, and would it work for both AquaBars and GroBeams? I can't tell, but it looks like the "base" may be just wide enough to fit over the rim of an aquarium with a frame. Unfortunately that mounting system is not currently available in North America. You would need to mount with either the MountaRay system or more simply by placing on top of the aquarium as we noted in another thread. This picture shows just one way to do this  Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDTMCMounting.htmlCarl |
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Jul 4, 2014 9:16:01 GMT -5
I was looking at the Web Page "Part 2: Other Aquarium & Hydroponics LED Lights", and where the info on the AquaBars is located, the top photo (the composite)shows a double mountning on the tank. It looks like they may be AqauBars, but I'm not sure. Any way, do you carry or have any info on that mounting system, and would it work for both AquaBars and GroBeams? I can't tell, but it looks like the "base" may be just wide enough to fit over the rim of an aquarium with a frame. The MountaRay or a DIY is about all you can do. I've seen a lot of DIY. |
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Post by angelminx on Sept 2, 2014 0:17:41 GMT -5
I have my GroBeam Duo mounted above my 55G aquarium using the foam pipe insulation as shown in the picture above. It measures ~ 1" between the top of the glass canopy and the bottom of the LED. Is this far enough to avoid condensation? I know in the "catalog" it mentions the "spread" is with 6+ inches. If I don't need to raise it, what would this (1") make the spread?
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Sept 2, 2014 9:03:03 GMT -5
I have my GroBeam Duo mounted above my 55G aquarium using the foam pipe insulation as shown in the picture above. It measures ~ 1" between the top of the glass canopy and the bottom of the LED. Is this far enough to avoid condensation? I know in the "catalog" it mentions the "spread" is with 6+ inches. If I don't need to raise it, what would this (1") make the spread? AAP recommends mounting them 2-3 inches off the top of the tank glass. 1 inch up is still much better than not raising them at all, so I would say your good. |
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Post by angelminx on Oct 26, 2014 18:29:23 GMT -5
I have some photos of my GroBeams after "mounting" them. I have used the foam pipe insulation to raise them up. There is 2' between the bottom of the light and the glass canopy.   I took this pic just before cleaning the canopy. Most of the condensation is on the front half of the canopy.  As can be seen in the 1st 2 photos, it is sooo much easier to access the tank with these LEDs. Before, I had the twin fluorescent striplight that had to be centered over both sides of the canopy so that the lights would not be partially blocked by the canopy hinge, and also not hang over the opening behind the canopy. They were also awkward (4' long) to move whenever I wanted to work inside the tank, do water changes, etc., as well as heavy! I LOVE   my new lights!!! |
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Post by angelminx on Oct 26, 2014 18:30:44 GMT -5
BTW, the foam insulation only cost around $5, and there's plenty to work with if you want to play around with it.
Angelminx
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Oct 28, 2014 8:45:23 GMT -5
Glad you like your new lights!
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Post by Carl on Oct 28, 2014 9:23:17 GMT -5
BTW, the foam insulation only cost around $5, and there's plenty to work with if you want to play around with it. Angelminx Good point! thanks for sharing your LED lighting pictures! Carl |
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Post by parker002 on Oct 30, 2014 9:44:33 GMT -5
Here's how I have mine mounted. I used nylon spacers and attached them directly to the inside of wood canopy, about 6 inches above the tank. I get great coverage and still get good penetration to depth.  |
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Post by parker002 on Oct 30, 2014 9:45:39 GMT -5
As can be seen in the 1st 2 photos, it is sooo much easier to access the tank with these LEDs. Before, I had the twin fluorescent striplight that had to be centered over both sides of the canopy so that the lights would not be partially blocked by the canopy hinge, and also not hang over the opening behind the canopy. They were also awkward (4' long) to move whenever I wanted to work inside the tank, do water changes, etc., as well as heavy! I LOVE my new lights!!! Quoted for TRUTH!  |
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Post by Carl on Oct 30, 2014 9:47:32 GMT -5
What I like about Parker's AquaRay mounting, even over the standard rails sold by TMC is by using these nylon spacers, there is a much better circulation of air not only below the light, but above too next to the heat sinks
Carl
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my new lights!!!
