140 gallon planted LED lighting conversion , next step.

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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-01, 15:11

So, I have been slowly converting from T5HO to FENNEX RAY2 LED strips. The tank is 7 foot long. In the back 1/3rd top of tank there are overflows and large returns. So, since the beginning I had issues lighting the back of the tank choosing fixtures to not only span the length but also illuminate the entire back for even coverage. I've tried 11 inch T5 fixtures, to illuninate darks spots only to find these burn through bulbs at the rate of 1 a month due to manufacture defects in design (so annoying). It's impossible to fit a quad T5HO since the tank is a LONG & only 16" front to back minus 4-5 inches for equipment. Then allowing room to open the Vera-Tops. Anyway, I find that these thin strips alow me to shift fixtures around, choose different spectrums & fit different lengths making it easier to get an even light throughout the tank.  This tank is also 2 feet in depth so there is always issues getting enough light to the bottom.  

Here is a current picture. I have removed a duel 4' , duel 3' T5HO replaced with FENNEX RAY2 fixtures. The system still needs 1 more 4' fixture to span the back between the overflow and water return. Right now there is still a duel 4' T5HO sitting in the back.

I have noticed even lighting with the 3' & 4' FENNEX side by side where the 3' T5HO was never as bright as the 4' fixture . That had always bothered me so there is a nice perk.

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You will notice both sides of the 7' tank illumination are exactly the same. Note: the middle of the tank seems darker only because there is a huge African fern blocking light. This fern also has a layer of red root floaters taking refuge within the leaves that are near the surface. So the gigantic hollow bog wood is a shaded area where the Angel fish have made home and many otocinclus take daylight refuge. Still enough light penitrates to alow healthy growth for Crypts ,Tiger lotus, Anubias , and various fern species.
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Post  Will I am 2013-12-01, 15:25

Looks great to me! Can we see how the lights look on top of your tank?

Good work!
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Post  Guest 2013-12-01, 16:03

Wow awesome tank, Chad.  Betcha its b-word to trim all the plants weekly. But we love what we do.

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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-01, 16:20

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I like the look better than the CORALIFE T5's (the last 4'er in the back) .These pictures are me holding the camera up. Eye level they look pretty darn good, sleek, low profile. When I tilt my camera eye level the light is too bright to get a clear shot & all u can see is the CORALIFE in the rear. Perhaps I'll add another with the lights off so there isn't glare. I can now open the versa tops without moving the lights, or worry about them slamming shut, or just closing on my arm while trimming plants which is real nice.
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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-01, 16:25

SiRWesDragon wrote:Wow awesome tank, Chad.  Betcha its b-word to trim all the plants weekly. But we love what we do.
Ha, yeah- it's about bi weekly for the back ground plants, monthly for the ferns & since there is so much to trim I do half tank at a time to minimize clean up afterwards.  But aesthetically this is the best tank I've every owned. I clipped half the tank up 3 days ago on the right side. Had a 2.5 QT pitcher crammed full  of back ground plants and red root floaters  & got credit @ Aquarium CoOp for the African ferns Very Happy
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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-01, 19:26

Just for the heck of it, here is a picture taken 11 months ago.
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Post  KaraWolf 2013-12-01, 19:40

WOW that has really filled in!!
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Post  cichlid-gal 2013-12-01, 20:12

I am sooooo jealous...your tank is absolutely STUNNING!!!! Great job on it
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Post  plaamoo 2013-12-01, 20:47

Stunning tank! Seriously envious! Wish I had room for a few like that.

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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-01, 22:14

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feed back!
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Post  PokeSephiroth 2013-12-01, 22:16

Wowza!! That looks amazing! I'm sure your fish are swimming in paradise! Very Happy
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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-01, 22:19

PokeSephiroth wrote:Wowza!! That looks amazing! I'm sure your fish are swimming in paradise! Very Happy
Yeah, all seem happy swimming freely. Thanks Poke, I'm loving the school of Diamond tetra that was introduced last month. I may up the number from 6 to 10 or add 6 Lemon tetra Smile
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Post  PokeSephiroth 2013-12-01, 22:21

Nice!! The Lemon Tetras would definitely look great in that tank of yours! They should school and swim from one side to the other, that's for sure!
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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-01, 22:57

PokeSephiroth wrote:Nice!! The Lemon Tetras would definitely look great in that tank of yours! They should school and swim from one side to the other, that's for sure!
Have you seen my " 29 gallon redo " ? Everything I picked up at the store the other day went into the 29 gallon. Been kind of iffy on those stones until I dropped them in the water & they look really neat. Must get more !
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Post  PokeSephiroth 2013-12-01, 23:08

WHOA!!! Melikes! Melikes! I bet you that's going to fill in so nicely! Well done, Chad! Well done!
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Post  MorganEA 2013-12-01, 23:08

wow that filled in fast!! Your tank looks amazing with the LEDs.
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Post  fishNAbowl 2013-12-02, 03:47

Thanks guys, this tank through trial & error...& error is becoming my pride and joy Very Happy 
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Post  Anthony J. 2013-12-02, 09:56

Dang dude, very dang.... very healthy and lively tank.
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