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PotatoPig

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Bonus: Subscribed to youtube
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Daniel@R2R

Daniel@R2R

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DAILY QUESTION: How do you integrate new lighting technology with existing aquarium setups?
 

exnisstech

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DAILY QUESTION: How do you integrate new lighting technology with existing aquarium setups?
I'm sure this question will get better answers from folks using controllers.
My answer : I'm not really sure to be honest. Everything I run is stand alone with its own app or built in controller. The only integration for me would be a mounting system.
 

Aaron75

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DAILY QUESTION: How important is ease of maintenance when selecting a reef light?
With LED's I don't think much about maintenance. I do appreciate a good user interface though in the event that adjustments do need to be made.
 

Aaron75

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DAILY QUESTION: How do you integrate new lighting technology with existing aquarium setups?
I tend to do it haphazardly. I swap my light which is just a single fixture and just try to match par and general spectrum. Watch corals and see how they respond. I've only done it once, hopefully it is not a common occurrence.
 

Mschmidt

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Easy but a pain

Got a shift lead (who was turned down for the spot I got) trying to act like he’s the boss

Acting like I don’t know how to do my job

If I rolled my eyes any more they would be stuck in the back of my head

I get it…he is upset…a girl beat him…and he has been with the company for 15yrs and I’ve only been there 6……
Maybe he should suck less at his job...
 

ReefOC

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DAILY QUESTION: How do you integrate new lighting technology with existing aquarium setups?
DAILY QUESTION RESPONSE: Here's what I do -
Integrating new lighting technology into your aquarium setup can be a really rewarding project. It’s all about giving your tank a fresh look while making sure your fish, corals, and plants are happy and thriving. Here’s how you can go about it, from one aquarium hobbyist to another:

1. Take Stock of What You Have

  • Look at Your Current Lighting: First, figure out what kind of lights you’re currently using. Are they old-school fluorescent tubes, some basic LEDs, or maybe even metal halide? You’ll want to know the specs—like how bright they are, the color temperature, and how much power they’re using.
  • Know Your Tank's Needs: Think about what your aquarium inhabitants need in terms of light. If you’ve got a planted tank or a reef setup, certain species will need specific light intensities and spectrums to thrive. It’s all about getting that balance right.

2. Pick the Right New Lights

  • Upgrade to LEDs: LEDs are the go-to for most hobbyists these days—they’re energy-efficient, last a long time, and you can tweak the spectrum and intensity to suit your tank perfectly.
  • Check for Adjustability: Make sure the lights you pick allow you to adjust things like brightness and color spectrum. This is super handy if you’ve got plants or corals that are picky about their light.
  • Fit to Your Tank: If you’re using a hood or specific mounting system, make sure the new lights will fit without too much hassle. Sometimes a bit of DIY is needed, but that’s part of the fun!

3. Plan Your Upgrade

  • Sort Out Power Needs: Check that your power supply can handle the new lights, especially if they’re more powerful than your old ones. It’s always good to be prepared with the right wiring or adapters.
  • Mind the Heat: New lights, especially high-powered LEDs, can get warm. Make sure your tank is well-ventilated, or consider adding a small fan if needed.
  • Go Slow with the Change: Don’t switch everything over all at once. Your tank inhabitants might need some time to adjust to the new lighting, so start with lower intensity and gradually increase it over time.

4. Install the New Lights

  • Mounting: Get those new lights set up according to the instructions. Secure them properly, and make sure they’re positioned to light up the whole tank evenly.
  • Set Up a Timer: If your new lights come with a timer, program it to mimic a natural day/night cycle. You’ll be able to tweak the timing based on how your tank residents respond.
  • Tweak and Test: Once everything’s in place, take a good look at how the light spreads across the tank. Adjust as needed to make sure there aren’t any dark spots or overly bright areas.

5. Watch and Adjust

  • Keep an Eye on Your Tank: After the new lights are in, watch how your plants, corals, and fish react. If anything seems off, like plants not growing well or corals bleaching, tweak the settings a bit.
  • Manage Algae: Sometimes new lights can lead to a little algae boom. If that happens, dial back the intensity or shorten the light period. You can also introduce some algae-eating critters to help out.
  • Regular Upkeep: Keep your lights clean and check the settings regularly to make sure everything’s working as it should.

6. Document Your Setup

  • Note Your Settings: Jot down your light settings—intensity, spectrum, and timing—so you can easily make adjustments or recreate the setup if needed.
  • Backup Plans: If your lights have programmable features, back up the settings in case of a power outage or system reset.
Updating your aquarium’s lighting can breathe new life into your setup, making your tank look amazing while keeping your aquatic life healthy.
 

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