Mounting lights low on top of tank

[DanM1029]

Anyone using light bars mounted right on top of tank as their main lighting source? I have a low canopy so that restricts what I can use. Have been looking at Reef Brites, Orpheks, Quantas, etc… only planning on keeping softies and some lower light LPS in a standard 4’ 90 gallon tank. Thanks!

 

[LeftyReefer]

Would be a great setup.

Randy at BRS recently questioned why more people aren't running these LED light bars (only) setups over their tanks.
He said when they tested that type of setup in their testing lab, they performed better and provided better spread/coverage than most of the popular puck/array type LED lights that are so popular in reefing.

 

[DanM1029]

I did watch their reefbrite videos, which were compelling. Wanted to see if anyone is running this set up with success. Also wanted to see how badly if at all they produced the disco ball effect mounted that closely to the water. Are their other better options? The spectrum is a little narrow with the Reef Brites.

 

[LeftyReefer]

I'd look into the Quantas. The spread and par on the Quantas are supposed to be top notch when it comes to LED bars.

I'm sure a DM to Luca @Lousybreed should be able to answer any questions you have about using the Quantas in such a way.

 

[Dburr1014]

Anyone using light bars mounted right on top of tank as their main lighting source? I have a low canopy so that restricts what I can use. Have been looking at Reef Brites, Orpheks, Quantas, etc… only planning on keeping softies and some lower light LPS in a standard 4’ 90 gallon tank. Thanks!

How low canopy are we talkin? Like 4"?



Last night's pic, no disco from Reefbreeders, but I did take out the lenses. Just have to make sure to protect from splashes.

 

[DanM1029]

I have the same exact setup. Are you using the photon or the lumen bars? How did you mount it and how are you protecting it from splashes?

 

[DanM1029]

I'd look into the Quantas. The spread and par on the Quantas are supposed to be top notch when it comes to LED bars.

I'm sure a DM to Luca @Lousybreed should be able to answer any questions you have about using the Quantas in such a way.

My only concern with Quantas would be that I can’t dim them, they might produce more light than I need

 

[Dburr1014]

I have the same exact setup. Are you using the photon or the lumen bars? How did you mount it and how are you protecting it from splashes?

Photon. In the top of the light there are slots for mounting. I used 1/4x20 carriage bolts. It's away from the wood so the fans/heat can disapate. I was using a glass top but now mounted lexan from an old mh fixture on the light.

 

[DanM1029]

How is that Lexan mounted on the light? How did you remove the lenses? Sorry for all the questions lol

 

[Dburr1014]

How is that Lexan mounted on the light? How did you remove the lenses? Sorry for all the questions lol

You have to take out all the m3(if I remember right) (could be m2) on the cover and remove the lenses. They sit in cups. For the most part, they fell out but you may need a tiny screwdriver to pretty them out.
For the lexan, I laid it on top and marked the holes I wanted to use to hold it. Driled them and used standoffs that you use for electronic boards and longer screws.

 

[DanM1029]

very cool, thanks for the info!

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Anyone using light bars mounted right on top of tank as their main lighting source? I have a low canopy so that restricts what I can use. Have been looking at Reef Brites, Orpheks, Quantas, etc… only planning on keeping softies and some lower light LPS in a standard 4’ 90 gallon tank. Thanks!

I have one reef Brite I will not be buying another one..

 

[DanM1029]

I have one reef Brite I will not be buying another one..

How come?

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

How come?

I was definitely not impressed it was the 50/50 xho

 

[DanM1029]

That’s too bad, I was hoping for an easy solution like putting those bars in the tank just using the mounting legs provided. Any experience with the lumi light pro?

 

[bobnicaragua]

I was definitely not impressed it was the 50/50 xho

That’s a very white light. Most people mix the 50/50 with multiple blues.

 

[DanM1029]

Yeah they have an actinic lumi light pro as well you can mix with the 50/50, I was thinking of just one of each for a 90 gallon with softies and low light lps. I’m just worried about disco ball effect, I hate it, with lights that close to the water

 

[Spare time]

My only concern with Quantas would be that I can’t dim them, they might produce more light than I need

I'd imagine 2 of them without dimming would be fine. Have you looked at the par maps for them?

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

That’s a very white light. Most people mix the 50/50 with multiple blues.

It wasn't such much the color, but the intensity and overall feel of the light, the mounting feet that I think I paid extra for are very rough and cheap feeling and loose fitting to the fixture. The reflector in mine is two separate pieces and looks accidental . It does not feel or look like a 150-200$ light to me and without mixing with more lights I'm sure it looks odd but I wouldn't invest in a whole tank full of them, but that's me.

 

[DanM1029]

Yeah that’s definitely not what you want to see, budget light or not. Thanks for the info