DIY algae reactor warning
- Thread starter nkyreef
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That picture is also a prime example of too much LED on the reactor. You CAN do that if you have a dimmer switch like the Glime.Looks like someone else had the same problem with these same LED strips. There seem to be tons of other amazon reviews about these LEDs getting very hot.
GSPClown94
Active Member
I don't know about those lights either. Found this under the product description."3.The plant grow light strip will generate heat in the using process , the temperature is about 60 ℃.
it is recommended that do not use more than 11 hours a day "
That seems like too much heat to me.
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I think thats rated for the entire roll of LEDs without water cooling. Notice it doesn't specify either full brightness or dimmed. Which it has 3 levels of dimming. Again, using the leds properly and you along with the other 5,000+ people running DIY chaeto reactors can enjoy it.
Correction: 8 levels of brightness.
fishbox
Well-Known Member
After watching Travis's (FishOfHex) new video, I'm thinking that the OP's reactor was just too thin. He's got two different full length strip lights on his reactor with no issues with the reactor nor growth. Plus I think someone above mentioned that they had the same reactor and cut the length of the light and still had it cracked. Travis's video also leads me to think that too much light is not my problem with my chaeto not growing but I'll start a new thread on that as I don't want to hijack this one.
Here's a link to his video
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Yeah saw that video earlier. Must be an issue with the two little fishies. Fwiw I have the aquamaxx reactor.
fishbox
Well-Known Member
I have a TLF reactor also but mine is the 550 so its thicker. I been running full length lights (I wanna say 16ft) for about 3mos with no signs of issues on the reactor YET. Just growth issues lol
GSPClown94
Active Member
Are you having trouble growing chaeto in general or just in the reactor?
fishbox
Well-Known Member
We'll just a reactor because I've never tried growing it any other way. The purpose of the reactor was because I did not have space in my Sump nor do I have a refugium
I just put these led lights on the back of my jbj45 I have 6 strips running parallel the height of the tank for the second chamber. I'm hoping that's not too much light after reading the comments about the one reactor having too much lighting.
I will say though, these lights do get toasty I was shocked actually. I used strip leds for my in cabinet lighting and they stay nice and cool but I don't think they are the 5050 type.
I will say though, these lights do get toasty I was shocked actually. I used strip leds for my in cabinet lighting and they stay nice and cool but I don't think they are the 5050 type.
How about something like this? Maybe that could help with the heat issue scare some people have.
A wood box, paint it white and coat with something heat safe. Attach the led to the walls, a fan close to the bottom that sucks in air so the heat can exit the topp of the box.
Just an idea.
A wood box, paint it white and coat with something heat safe. Attach the led to the walls, a fan close to the bottom that sucks in air so the heat can exit the topp of the box.
Just an idea.
fishbox
Well-Known Member
That's the same thing I was talking about but just with pvc pipe insteadHow about something like this? Maybe that could help with the heat issue scare some people have.
A wood box, paint it white and coat with something heat safe. Attach the led to the walls, a fan close to the bottom that sucks in air so the heat can exit the topp of the box.
Just an idea.
Peter K
Active Member
I originally had some cheap amazon strips on my chaeto reactor but I just swapped to two sets of the Accel Aquatics Warm-white strips and they stay extremely cool compared to the original ones and provide a great amount of light. I know they are bit more expensive but they are worth it to me
https://www.marinedepot.com/Accel_A...riums-Accel_Aquatics-6H94602-FILTFILD-vi.html
https://www.marinedepot.com/Accel_A...riums-Accel_Aquatics-6H94602-FILTFILD-vi.html
SantaMonica
Valuable Member
If it's touching the plastic, and it's not coated/insulated, and it's not submerged, then yes.
Waterfall scrubber?
Problem is the water is not touching the lights. True submerged lights can be very powerful and stay totally cool.
All power LEDs get hot. That's not the issue. The issue is that they are touching plastic, and/or, they are not cooled via either heat sinks or water.
Red is best. White need 2 or 3 times the wattage to get the same growth.
jjmccloud2011
Community Member
Its a pretty thin cheap reactor u need to use something thicker or less light, the aquamax has been the best for these diy versions in their price range. Don't think I've heard of any doing this like I have these thinner reactors
I had this TLF 150 for an algae reactor. It was probably installed for about three months. I wrapped the led strip around the reactor itself. Big dumb mistake. The heat from the lights caused stress fractures and it leaked. I don't know how much leaked but it sure caused a mess.
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