Snake's 75g build thread

[snakeblitz33]

Thanks buddy. I think I'd rather get the whole package kit and not have to worry about ordering extra componants and ordering the wrong things. I sent Rapid an email asking for some advice on a lighting system for a 75g SPS dominated reef... and told them I have a profilux 2 controller, so they should come back to me and let me know something soon. I am looking at Rapids 90g kit... the only thing different is the optics, but I assume that it has better light penetration than the 75g kit.
Still though, $475 for an entire dimmable LED light kit that can work with my controller is a pretty good deal IMHO. It's less than the price of just one pre-made unit.

 

[mr. limpid]

That is a good deal, what type and manufacture of led's come with the kit and what wattage are they?

 

[siptang]

Hey ya Jack, those are rapid leds and those are 3w crees.
Seth, if my memory serves me right, you would need to buy a seperate dimmer.
Any how rapid is very reputable company and I'm sure you will be happy with it.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/200#post_3494414
That is a good deal, what type and manufacture of led's come with the kit and what wattage are they?
They are all CREE LEDs... XP-G series and XP-E series. It also comes with 6 UV LEDs, 2 red LEDs, and 2 Green LEDs. They are all 3w.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Siptang http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/200#post_3494417
Hey ya Jack, those are rapid leds and those are 3w crees.
Seth, if my memory serves me right, you would need to buy a seperate dimmer.
Any how rapid is very reputable company and I'm sure you will be happy with it.
Yes, you have to either buy a separate dimmer or you can wire it to use with your controller. I have a profilux 2 controller that I might try out to see if I can get it to work right for dimming the LEDs. If not, I will buy the potentiometers.
Yes, they seem to be. Many happy customers over the years.
I'm just kind of confused.... they said that the 75g kit is great for "mixed reefs" and I want an SPS dominated reef. I was looking to upsize my order from the 75g kit to the 90g kit. The only difference it seems is the optics. Looking at the picture, it looks like the ballasts might be a little better - which could make the LEDs be in overdrive to help penetrate the water better. I might as well go for the 90g kit because it's exactly the same price.
I'm halfway there money wise to buy it. Next week I have to clean a couple of fish tanks and I might have enough money then to go ahead and order it next week. But, I have to make sure that these kits WILL grow SPS corals before I will order. I contacted Rapid about this inquery and they should get back with me in the next day or two.

 

[mr. limpid]

With those LED's that will make one great light special for that price. The only thing I don't understand is the (2) red and green bulbs. There only two bulbs for the entire fixture, I no that LED are like spot lights covering a small area so how do the 2 bulbs cover the tank. It is not like florescent tube that has a broad coverage.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/200#post_3494421
With those LED's that will make one great light special for that price. The only thing I don't understand is the (2) red and green bulbs. There only two bulbs for the entire fixture, I no that LED are like spot lights covering a small area so how do the 2 bulbs cover the tank. It is not like florescent tube that has a broad coverage.
Without optics, an LED's spread is 180 degrees... A LED without optics can put out enough light to give the corals a different spectrum. Without optics, the leds are not focused into a point...
Green LEDs are for color, more or less, and UV/Purple light just adds to PAR and gives different colors better coloration. Without optics, this is possible with fewer LEDs.
Rapid LED responded...
He said that I should go with the 75g retrofit kit, which would be more than adequate... but I still think I am going to get the 90g retrofit and maybe dial back the leds. More is better. lol. He also said that I should double check my profilux controller to make sure it's output was 0-10v.

 

[reefr]

diy!

 

[siptang]

Did you speak to Mike?
Nice guy. Yea I think 75 should be enough I think ther other one comes with different mean well driver perhaps 1050 mili amp driver which definitely will kill your sps at full blast.
yea do what he said and check for the voltage. If not, I think I have a spare dimmer that I can send you. (to clarify, yes it's for free lol)

 

[snakeblitz33]

Hmmm. Alright, alright. The guy knows what he is talking about. Lol. Ill get the 75g kit. In a couple weeks ill order it and do a build thread on it.
So, lights will be taken care of in a few weeks.
After lights comes,..... My fishies and a couple corals.
Ill dose two part solutions until i can buy a ca reactor. Maybe an mp40 should come before a ca reactor? Lets take a vote,....

 

[snakeblitz33]

Oh, and like i have said in the past, i dont turn anything down that is free.
Ill let you know when i order and let you know something.

 

[siptang]

Dang Seth, you are going all out!!
Although I LOVE MP series, I find it bit excessive to spend 400 bucks on a power head. My koralia evo series on a wave maker has been awesome for me any ways so I will just save my money and use it for fish and corals lol.
So my vote? Calcium reactor lol.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Siptang http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/200#post_3494505
Dang Seth, you are going all out!!
Although I LOVE MP series, I find it bit excessive to spend 400 bucks on a power head. My koralia evo series on a wave maker has been awesome for me any ways so I will just save my money and use it for fish and corals lol.
So my vote? Calcium reactor lol.
Yeah, I keep coming back to that, too.
I think though what I am going to do is upgrade my lighting first and then start buying some fish and a couple of corals here and there. A Ca Rx isn't completely necessary until it's loaded with corals anyways. If my calcium or alkalinity are unstable with manual dosing, in the next few months, I will invest in a calcium reactor before January. If not, then I'll wait till about January to get it.
I do have to get a few little small things for the tank until I can get the lights too... like a decent heater and some salt for water changes and emergencies.

 

[siptang]

don't skimp out on heaters. I go with marineland one it has never failed me so far.
Look for sales on drs foster and smith. When it was on sale I got a bucket of red sea coral pro salt bucket for under 20 with 20 dollar gc from my reefclub. so 30 something dollars for you and if you get some fillers to go over 50 then shipping is free.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Siptang http:///t/392906/snakes-75g-build-thread/200#post_3494533
don't skimp out on heaters. I go with marineland one it has never failed me so far.
Look for sales on drs foster and smith. When it was on sale I got a bucket of red sea coral pro salt bucket for under 20 with 20 dollar gc from my reefclub. so 30 something dollars for you and if you get some fillers to go over 50 then shipping is free.
Ok, I will check it out. Thanks.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Picture update time.

The tank cleaned up nicely. Sand has settled and everything looks pretty good.
I went ahead and added my two tomato clowns and my bi-color blenny from the 20g over to the new tank. and I also have another surprise....

I also have a surprise! I bought a Kole Tang today. YAY! I know, it just cut a little into my LED budget, but I was tired of seeing just a few small little fish swimming around. I was ready to see the big dude. lol.
In a month or so - maybe after I get my lights, I'll put in an order for a yellow tang and a McCoskers flasher wrasse and a pair of neon gobies. I'll be getting the tank used to eating more during that time as well.

 

[siptang]

Nice and I like your selection buddy. Looking for the list for you now.

 

[snakeblitz33]

So, if someone hasn't read the thread all the way through, here's a summary:
1. The tank stand was built, DIY from 2x6 pine and one sheet of oak plywood. The imperfections were kept as a reminder of something in my past.
2. Equipment that I have so far: Koralia 8, 700gph overflow by glass holes, 20g sump, Diablo XS160 cone skimmer, Small heater, ~60 pounds of live rock. (20 more soon to come) Mag 9 return pump, Profilux 2 controller (In my posession but not set up yet.)
3. Proposed new equipment: Diablo neck cleaner, octopus skimmate locker, octopus calcium reactor 125, deluxe CO2 system, DIY LED kit from Rapid LED for a 75g, 2x MP40s
4. Current Stock: 2 x tomato clowns, 1 bicolor blenny, 1 chromis, 1 Kole tang
5. Proposed New Stocki in the next month or two: 1 Yellow tang, 1 McCoskers flasher wrasse, 2 Gudgeon Gobies. (Yes, I changed my mind on the neons, I like the size and the deep blue of the Gudgeons.)

 

[siptang]

Do you need co2 system for salt water tank? I thought it was mainly for fresh water. If you need more oxygen in the water, why don't you try ozone regulator? It makes your skim mate so black and makes your water so much cleaner.

 

[snakeblitz33]

The co2 system is to run the calcium reactor. Im buying it separately to save money. The co2 dissolves the calcium carbonate media by reducing the pH of the water in the chamber. It doesnt just add calcium, but also alkalinity and trace elements as well. Nifty little device if you plan for a calcium demanding tank.

 

[siptang]

Ahhhhhh i see i see. Something new I learned today!