Advice on different LEDs

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

So this is more of a curiosity then a definite but I was just wondering. I have 3 reef radiance dm155e led fixtures above my 6ft 150g. Each light requires 2 plugs(blue and white) which is taking up some real estate on my apex eb8. Not a big deal bc I do have another eb8 but still.

My question is, what other lights would go well for my setup(mixed reef eventually)? How many lights would I need? And how much do you think I could get for 3 dm155e fixtures?

TJ's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

Why not just combine them with 'Y' Cables from E-bay or upgrade them with Apex Mod Kits from Reef Radiance to run them through the VDM ports on Apex. The new DM-165 P models have only a single power cable angled out the back if wanting to go cleaner looking. I'd put up the DM 155's or 165's against any on the market including EcoTech/AI units. They are very easy to mod as well if wanting better blended coverage adding 120* optics or even selectively changing out a few emitters which you can purchase from Reef Breeders for a $1.50 ea. Happy to help if interested.

Cheers, Todd

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

TJ's Reef said:
Why not just combine them with 'Y' Cables from E-bay or upgrade them with Apex Mod Kits from Reef Radiance to run them through the VDM ports on Apex. The new DM-165 P models have only a single power cable angled out the back if wanting to go cleaner looking. I'd put up the DM 155's or 165's against any on the market including EcoTech/AI units. They are very easy to mod as well if wanting better blended coverage adding 120* optics or even selectively changing out a few emitters which you can purchase from Reef Breeders for a $1.50 ea. Happy to help if interested.

Cheers, Todd

I didn't know they even had a newer light. Also didn't know there was a Y cable. My main issue is the fixture on the right side of my tank is stretching to the apex since my sump is in the way. I would like to do single cords to free up some space for other equipment possibly down the road. Maybe I'll look into the newer lights. They probably aren't really expensive either.

Bow · Mar 3, 2015

Could also do a power strip in each eb8 outlet and plug all the cords into that

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

Bow said:
Could also do a power strip in each eb8 outlet and plug all the cords into that

Dont see how that would work. I mean it would work but then I can't control all 6 channels separately.

Bow · Mar 3, 2015

Each channel into a separate strip. Would only take up 3 spaces

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

Bow said:
Each channel into a separate strip. Would only take up 3 spaces

How? Each fixture has 2 channels = 2 plugs. If I put a power strip on an eb8 socket, I'd only be able to control on/off for all 6 at once.

Bow · Mar 3, 2015

Put all blue on one strip all white on another. Plug each strip into a different outlet. All colors should go on and off together but take up less space on eb8

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

Bow said:
Put all blue on one strip all white on another. Plug each strip into a different outlet. All colors should go on and off together but take up less space on eb8

Ok now that makes sense. That could actually work but I always feel weird about plugging power strips into power strips lol

Bow · Mar 3, 2015

I don't like doing it either but you are going to draw the same amperage. Only thing u have to watch is the amperage each eb8 outlet can handle

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

So would u recommend maybe putting them into higher outlets. I forget, r they the 10v sockets maybe?

Bow · Mar 3, 2015

I don't remember exactly what they are rated for, and not sure what 3 of those lights draw

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

Bow said:
I don't remember exactly what they are rated for, and not sure what 3 of those lights draw

Gotcha, I'll have to look it up

TJ's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

Sobo, do you run them off the VDM ports ? If you run them only through the Apex as a timer you can purchase 2 'Y' power cord adapters and setup somewhat of a Sunrise --> Sunset effect by having 1st plug be a Blue Channel on Light #1, 2nd plug be Y'd for White Channel Light #1 and Blue Channel Light #2, 3rd plug be Blue Channel Light #3 (turning on 3rd for Sunrise and turning off 4th/last for Sunset) 4th plug for White Channels Light #2&3 (turning on 4th and turning off 3rd).

This only frees up 2 outlets but gives a nice Lighting Schedule if not using the VDM ports, or even more advanced with. The 'Y' adapters will give you about a foot of extra cord length as well. I run six independent front-to-back circuits with VDM's for a full East-to-West Sunrise to Sunset Solar schedule over my Reeftank. Old pic but shows the layout well, right is East in orientation. Next pic shows just first circuit mostly ramped up and 2nd just beginning.

Cheers, Todd

Sobo's Reef · Mar 3, 2015

Thanks for that Todd. I don't have the VDM module. I used to but never thought I'd use it. Now I'm kicking myself for selling it! I'll look into the Y cables and see how that works