New_from_Peru Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 Hi all, Just thought I would show a couple pictures of my solution for lighting the full area of the Fluval Edge 6g. My first thought was to upgrade the original light (which has been done) but that doesn't solve the problem of lighting the edges (ironic given the name of the tank). So here is my solution! This light bar is bonded pieces of Aluminum acting as a heat sink for high power LEDs, the bar should be giving out between 750 - 850 lumens additonal light to where it is needed most in this type of tank. These are the highest power LEDs I could source to fit inside this type of heat sink, they are capped, bonded and soldered into the frame. I'll be monitoring the tanks temperatures closely as I have a good handle on what they are without the extra light bar. On first impressions the whites of my CRS really pop out making them standout in lot of plant life. The edges of the tank are fully illuminated and I'll be keeping an eye on the plant growth! If anyone is interested I am considering making a lower profile version (depending on the temps) so PM if you think you might like one, I bought all the tools and seems a shame only to build one with all the gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blink Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 Are you running co2 on this tank? An additional 700+ lumens seems like a bus load of light for an edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New_from_Peru Posted April 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Hey, I run with a little Excel which I drip in every three days, the Amazona is good for the basic nutrients and I am lucky because the office water supply is filtered of all the nasties and comes out at around 125 TDS which I buffer up to just below 200 with Fluval Shrimp Water Hardener. The CRS in there appear really happy and are growing away. I'll keep an eye on the plants (and algae) and I have a dimmer on the system which I can adjust the light to gain balance! Just want to see how it goes on super charge mode to start! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahawka Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 I feel like this is going to be an Algae farm in a few weeks. Keep us updated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New_from_Peru Posted April 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Plants are pearling for the first time in this tank using the new light! Possible for a full glosso / HC carpet in the Fluval edge? Would be difficult to trim and keep neat but CRS / CBS climbing over the carpet would be cool =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cgy_Betta_Guy Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 you should be able to get the HC going... I had a corner of mine covered in HC for a while until my CO2 tank ran empty without me noticing. That was when the algae kicked in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayba Posted April 25, 2013 Report Share Posted April 25, 2013 Well looks like you need to do a build post. List all the materials and where u sourced them please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New_from_Peru Posted April 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 =) I am currently waiting on a quote for the materials for a lower profile light, will keep all updated! Newest project - Computer based 12v Chiller for my 16 gallon neo tank in the house. Calgary hit 18°C the other day and I had most of the windows open in the house to keep it at 23°C. By the time summer hits my shrimp with be making a broth - most expensive gumbo around! Will post an update on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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