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Jun 26, 2014 22:06:20 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Jun 26, 2014 22:06:20 GMT -5
I have a couple of questions about the AquaBars and the GrowBeams. I'll probably have to go with the AquaBars because of my budget. How do they compare to the GrowBeams as compared to the output and spectrum? As you probably know, I'm battling with cyanobacteria right now, and was wondering if the AquaBars are just going to be a "stop-gap" until I can afford to switch over to the GrowBeams. Do you know the useful life of both of theses lights?
I checked out the link to mounting LEDs and was wondering if you could give me some info on mounting them using the foam pipe method. Where do I get the needed supples to mount them this way, and what supplies/materials do I actually need? I inherited my skills (none) at DIY from my Dad.
One more thing (for now): My tank is a low-medium light planted 55G; do I need to purchase 2 singles and mount them end-to-end; should I purchase 2 Duos (again, end-to-end); or should I plan on just starting with a set of singles (will this be enough light?), and then at a later date add 2 singles (or 2 Duos) of the GrowBeams? How do I hook the singles together (end-to-end) as concerns the plugs/wiring.\ Thanks for your patience. I don't want to spend what I don't have to.
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Jun 27, 2014 9:40:37 GMT -5
Post by Carl on Jun 27, 2014 9:40:37 GMT -5
The output is about the same, however the spectrum is a bit more blue in the AquaBar. This is not as good as the spectrum of the GroBeam, but much better than the high yellow and green output of most other freshwater LEDs The warranty for the GroBeam is 5 years while the AquaBar is 2 years (most others are 180 days to one year). This pretty much tells me what I can count on as per useful life. I am not sure how describe this mounting method any more than the picture describes. (please click on to enlarge) This utilizes Tubular Pipe Insulation for 2" pipes which usually sells in 6 foot lengths that is cut to fit around the light, then the cut piece is used as a foot Two singles of either would work for your tank size, placed end to end. The GroBeam also comes in a DUO which then allows for only one outlet plug. Carl
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Jun 28, 2014 3:01:23 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Jun 28, 2014 3:01:23 GMT -5
In the picture of the DUOs, they sit side-by-side, can they also sit end-to-end (so that I would be able to have only one outlet plug)?
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Jun 28, 2014 10:00:10 GMT -5
Post by Carl on Jun 28, 2014 10:00:10 GMT -5
In the picture of the DUOs, they sit side-by-side, can they also sit end-to-end (so that I would be able to have only one outlet plug)? Here is a quote from the AquaRay LED Web Page: "The DUO TWINS are the same as the above single GroBeam, AquaBeam 600 Marine White, Reef White, Reef Blue & Marine Blue, but with two LED light strips/fixtures with a SINGLE electrical outlet, and can be placed in parallel or placed end to end for a total of 24 watts"
All DUO Twins have approximately 10 feet of cord from the ballast (power supply) for each light providing plenty of flexibility. The DUOs also include a power supply that combines both strips to one plug.Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDLights.htmlCarl
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Jun 28, 2014 12:36:06 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Jun 28, 2014 12:36:06 GMT -5
If I remember correctly, someone said that the AquaBars also come in DUOs. Where would I find ordering info on them?
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Jun 28, 2014 16:32:36 GMT -5
Post by Carl on Jun 28, 2014 16:32:36 GMT -5
If I remember correctly, someone said that the AquaBars also come in DUOs. Where would I find ordering info on them? No, these are not currently available in DUOs Carl
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Jul 3, 2014 1:25:14 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Jul 3, 2014 1:25:14 GMT -5
I was glancing through "page 2" of the LED Web Page and noticed that blue lights had been added to the TMC Flexi LED Light Strip choices, and that got me thinking about the Reds.
After I get everything else taken care of, I would like to maybe get some of the Flexi Reds to use for night viewing. For a standard 55G would you suggest going with 2 (or even more) of them to stretch them out over the length of the tank, or would 1 of them be sufficient if placed "over" the center of the tank? Also, since it says they are waterproof, I am assuming that they can be stuck onto the underside of the glass canopy, or along the rim of the tank.
How are the cords "handled"? Can they be "connected" somehow with a basic coupler of some sort; do they and/or the AquaBars work with the AquaRay multi-controller (a long way off before I can afford to purchase it), or do you have to use the TMC Dimmers? [BTW, being only a dimmer, does that mean you can control the level of the light with it, but have to set it on a timer for automatic on/off? That's what I'm understanding.] Again, best case senario, I'm still aiming for the GrowBeams when I can get my lights.
The product info says "high output Red to low infrared", does that mean that that is the spectrum; and how does it affect the plants/algae? Is there a recommended time that they're on to NOT exceed with these (Flexi Red) lights? My timer for the lights I have right now is set for 10 1/2 hours.
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Jul 3, 2014 9:53:42 GMT -5
Post by Carl on Jul 3, 2014 9:53:42 GMT -5
I would recommend two of the Flexi Reds if used. These each have their own plug and cannot be interconnected. The Red Spectrum is helpful in helping with plant growth when used with other lights. These also have spectrum that does not stimulate algae as much in freshwater aquariums. This said, I feel these are a luxury item to spice up ones aquarium, and since you are on a tight budget, I would recommend saving your money for a full LED light rather than a supplemental/complementary LED light Product Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/LEDOther.html#flexiledCarl
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Jul 3, 2014 12:22:14 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Jul 3, 2014 12:22:14 GMT -5
That's what I'm planning. Just wishing right now. Thanx, you have great products!
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Aug 12, 2014 2:05:08 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Aug 12, 2014 2:05:08 GMT -5
Well, my twin striplight didn't come on this morning, so I fooled around with it thinking the wires might be loose (since this happened once before*, and after a quite a bit of jiggling and removing the lights and putting them back in a few times they came back on)--didn't work this time. (*)I don't remember how long ago this was at the moment. I asked my Sister-in-Law's Dad if he knew anything about electronics, but he couldn't help. I didn't think anyone at Petsmart or Petco would be able to help, so I took them to the saltwater LFS (about 30 miles from where I live) and the owner took a look. After looking it over he said it didn't look like the wires from what he could tell, so with my permission, he took it apart for a closer look. Turns out the ballast died.
Since I didn't want to buy a new ballast, and then after a few months turn around and purchase my LEDs, I went ahead and ordered them this evening. Since my money's tight (I like to pay everything off on my credit card every month) and I'm going to have to make payments to do this anyway, I went ahead and ordered the GrowBeam Duos.
I had the owner (Aquatic Treasures in Collinsville, IL) go ahead and throw the striplight away, and since he couldn't use the lights (2 48" ZooMed UltraSun T8s, only a couple of months old) there, I stopped off at Petsmart (the 1st of the 2 "petstores", the 2nd being Petco, that I passed on the way home) and they said they would donate them to the Fish Rescue that they have contact with.
I'll be without my lights for a few days, but I don't think it will be so long that the plants will be harmed.
BTW, I've been wanting to get a Marimo Moss Ball--but it wasn't a priority--but while I was in Petsmart, they had one that was about 3" or so in diameter for the same price as the others. They usually only have ones that are about an inch and a half or so in size. Their price was $7.99; Petco's run about $9.99--a little bigger than Petsmart's, but still not as big as this one.
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Aug 12, 2014 9:26:29 GMT -5
Post by devonjohnsgard on Aug 12, 2014 9:26:29 GMT -5
Well first, you'll love the GroBeams. I know things are tight, so I'm sorry about that. In hindsight, when you first had this problem, Carl thought you should check the starter first on the fixture. He thought it just wasn't strong enough to light the new bulbs you got. That part is pretty cheap too. Not much you can do now. Just forced you into GroBeam. Just a little sooner than you expected. Nice thing...you ever drop this fixtures in the water...It's all good. They'll keep on working. These LEDs are great...Lots of other reasons too.
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Aug 13, 2014 16:32:50 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Aug 13, 2014 16:32:50 GMT -5
Devon,
I have a couple questions about your LED setup. Have you also tried "mounting" them end to end? And if you did, which setup do you think is best. Of course my 55G is longer than your 40G, but I am curious, because I never though of setting them up the way you have them now, and that might give a range of lighting "stength" in various areas of the tank. Also, do you have any plants in there that require high light output (which, of course would mean directly underneath the light), and if you do, how well do they fair?
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Aug 13, 2014 17:18:24 GMT -5
Post by devonjohnsgard on Aug 13, 2014 17:18:24 GMT -5
Devon, I have a couple questions about your LED setup. Have you also tried "mounting" them end to end? And if you did, which setup do you think is best. Of course my 55G is longer than your 40G, but I am curious, because I never though of setting them up the way you have them now, and that might give a range of lighting "stength" in various areas of the tank. Also, do you have any plants in there that require high light output (which, of course would mean directly underneath the light), and if you do, how well do they fair? I would say the way I have the LEDs sitting now, I could put any plant I wanted in the aquarium with no problem. I did have a low light plant fall apart on me once, because of too strong of light, but it was directly under the LEDs and I never moved it. I just ended up taking it out. I could have put it in a corner, but I was just playing around with growth and lighting position/time. I didn't really think to keep it. The only reason I have the LEDs sitting the way I do is because they sit across the rim. Most all other set-ups I've seen, they have them going long ways. If I were to do that, they wouldn't be end to end, but one in front of the other. It would just require rails with the MountaRay bracket or something I built. The MountaRays don't work with my rimmed tank, so I just choose to put them the way I have them. It's been easy for maintenance. They have fell in light four times now, so good thing they are water proof. So, it just comes down to not trying to figure out something else at the moment. I've been busy figuring out other things, like the filtration. I feel like I could put high light plants anywhere in the tank, if they were not directly under the light, they would just grow a little slower. I don't know what my plants require now. I don't even know all the plants I have now, but I have never had problem with under lighting the tank, just over lighting...
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Aug 13, 2014 19:55:36 GMT -5
Post by angelminx on Aug 13, 2014 19:55:36 GMT -5
Do you have any problem with condensation? I know Carl recommends they be 6" above the glass lid (or maybe, it's the water). I was thinking about using the 2" foam pipe insulation for mounting, the way it's shown in the mounting article. I can't think of a way to mount them suspended (or otherwise) without extra expense. My tank has the rim, too, so no MountaRays for me either (I love the name "MountaRay"). Maybe some day in the not-too-distant future I'll figure something out that I'll be able to afford.
BTW, do you know if the individual lights on the GrowBeams can be replaced if any of them burn out--I know some types you can, and others you have to buy a whole new system when it's time to replace them.
As to plants: right now I have some water sprite (I'd like to get some C. cornuta floating water sprite, but haven't found it anywhere), water wisteria (which my angels love to nibble on--haven't seen anyone go after the waster sprite, which is supposed to be a fishy favorite), a couple of Anubias coffeefolia, some Cryptocoryne wendtii (I forget if it's the red or bronze variety), and a couple of un-named sword plants that came in a plastic tube from Petsmart. Oh, and the Moss Ball I just got, but am waiting to add to the tank till I get the LEDs.
Since I'll have the LEDs now, I'm trying to decide whether or not to get some Jungle Val for the back corners (since Vals are supposed to have an issuse with liquid carbon supplements--don't know anyone with experience in this area), a Hydrocotyle leucocephala (Brazilian Pennywort), some more crypts (green wendtii, "brown" undulata--to form a couple "colonies"--and a couple of Balansae), and, if I can get the "tall" variety, Sagitaria subulata, to form a small patch. I also would like to get a couple "show piece" swords such as Red Rubin and/or "Indian Red". I am thinking about getting a Bolbitis heudelotii (African Water Fern), but I would have to order it through a company called Aquatic Magic, and I'm unclear if they are shipping from Malaysia, or what. I found one on Aquabid from them. I'm not clear on the shipping, either, I just know if you spend over $50, shipping is free. [Aquabid also mentions something about rules for importing plants--i.e., needing permits/being banned--and I haven't figured out if Bolbitis is on the list.] The rest I can get through LiveAquaria or That Pet Place's livestock division. I was originally thinking of ordering from Arizona Aquatic Gardens (they have a great list of fish and plants, but their shipping cost more, and I've read mixed reviews on them.
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Aug 13, 2014 21:25:52 GMT -5
Post by devonjohnsgard on Aug 13, 2014 21:25:52 GMT -5
Do you have any problem with condensation? I know Carl recommends they be 6" above the glass lid (or maybe, it's the water). I was thinking about using the 2" foam pipe insulation for mounting, the way it's shown in the mounting article. I can't think of a way to mount them suspended (or otherwise) without extra expense. My tank has the rim, too, so no MountaRays for me either (I love the name "MountaRay"). Maybe some day in the not-too-distant future I'll figure something out that I'll be able to afford. BTW, do you know if the individual lights on the GrowBeams can be replaced if any of them burn out--I know some types you can, and others you have to buy a whole new system when it's time to replace them. As to plants: right now I have some water sprite (I'd like to get some C. cornuta floating water sprite, but haven't found it anywhere), water wisteria (which my angels love to nibble on--haven't seen anyone go after the waster sprite, which is supposed to be a fishy favorite), a couple of Anubias coffeefolia, some Cryptocoryne wendtii (I forget if it's the red or bronze variety), and a couple of un-named sword plants that came in a plastic tube from Petsmart. Oh, and the Moss Ball I just got, but am waiting to add to the tank till I get the LEDs. No real problem with condensation, because it's an open top. Carl recommends 2-3 inches up if you are just going to set them on the glass top, cause the condensation will form through the glass. Like the condensation on the outside of a pop can on a hot day. Since my is an open top, and the water is about three inches below the water, I haven't has any issues. Carl has gotten on me about my mounting a little bit though. I do what I can...The form pipe on the glass top is a good idea. The emitters on the LEDs cannot be replaced. Well, if you had serious electrical knowledge, it could. But the LEDs have a 5 year warranty which TMC always honors, so there should be no problem...The LEDs will go out if there is ventilation issues. All the plants sound good, but honestly the different plant types I'm not an expert. I just get some that I think look good and give them a try. I'm pretty happy with the ones I have now. You will have to let us know how they do under the LEDS.
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