You mean might *NOT* show reds? I was wondering that as well.jweis wrote:Oh and one other thing -- you might look at the other freshwater spectrum too. I think the SHOW version will be very stark and might now show off reds well. Although I would defer to whatever Nick tells you.
Yes, I'm waiting for the autodimmer. I don't have the same level of geek ability (or time) to build one myself. But, you should go for it.Jim Miller wrote:Looks like the forthcoming autodimmer wouldn't need the manual dimmer in the way. I think I'd just wait for the autodimmer, or geekily build one myself!
jim
Sorry, I was typing quickly before I have to rush off to a mtg in DC. NOT show reds, is what I meant.Jim Miller wrote:You mean might *NOT* show reds? I was wondering that as well.jweis wrote:Oh and one other thing -- you might look at the other freshwater spectrum too. I think the SHOW version will be very stark and might now show off reds well. Although I would defer to whatever Nick tells you.
jim
What plants are you talking about? Remembering that most stem plants come from bodies of water that are in full sun all day long, my philosophy is you cannot have too much light. That said, depending on your budget, you could consider 2 fixtures with a narrower beam angle.Jim Miller wrote:From the TPT "Hoppy" article on lighting, high light is anything above 50umoles. The 48" Freshwater standard product is 85umols. It sounds like a single 48" might be adequate for a planted tank. Am I too optimistic?
EDIT: Just went to their forum and it appears that a single stick with 90d angle would work fine mounted directly on the tank. Need to understand the mounting arrangement. I love their vertical dimension only being about the same as a quarter!
jim
So, did you talk with Nick? Did you learn any other interesting tid bits?Jim Miller wrote:My budget is well below 2 fixtures! The tank mounts they sell allow for some tilt. I plan to move the 90d beam unit I just bought a bit forward of the centerline and tilt it a bit toward the back. I'm sure I'll play with it a bit.
I've found that I grow a lot of plants well below "high light" with my setup of MTS, EI and CO2. Actually they grow "a little too well."
jim
Well, I hope the lights I ordered are OK. I got the redder preconfigured one. I think they will arrivenext week. They are almost done building it.Jim Miller wrote:Yup, talked to Nick. He seems a bit frazzled trying to get his business going. I get the impression he's occupied answering the same questions over and over. But he was very nice. Based on his feedback I ordered the "Freshwater Show Tank" unit. They're working hard on getting a much better website and content produced including some comparative shots of the FW models. He said they are likely to change the naming since they are causing confusion. He said that most folks cannot tell the difference between two lights unless the tanks are against a white wall and side by side.
He said that he has only had one customer request the redder one for comparison after buying the show tank model.
He also said that a good way to use the unit with the tank mounts is to move the unit a bit forward of midline and tip it rearward a bit since most aquascapes rise from front to back.
I'll play with it. I'm looking forward to it.
Jim
