Chi LED build V3.0

[StevenSeas]

So my parts finally arrive for my next attempt at lighting my fluval chi. Hopefully my last. I plan on using 3 RB cree xr-e and 3 cw cree xp-g series emitters. They will be powered off of a buckpuck 1000 ma dimmable driver. and powered by either a 24v 1amp wall wort or a apple replacement laptop charger at 24V and 2.65 amps. (thanks for the tip corruption) As of now I am not planing on a heatsink in the the traditional sense or fans. This is because I plan on it being a water cooled system (hopefully fingers crossed)

[Europhyllia]

I am guessing you will elaborate on the water cooled system, yes? ;)

[StevenSeas]

yes and no. I will post pics of what I am wanting to occur in a bit. I know it worked perfectly the 1st time I did it... except the little factor of water tight seal lol

[StevenSeas]

but basically I am trying to replace the stock chi leds with something that packs a little bit more of a punch. and so the flow will be up through the LED unit to the filter, then pump up to top level of filter and then over the sides cascading back down into the tank

[StevenSeas]

ok so LEDs are now all wired together. Now for the part I always have a question about no matter how many times i do this.

on the buckpuck where it says LED (+) does that lead connect to the positive or the negative on the LED diode? and same with the LED (-) for the other lead.
Also on the buckpuck where it says V in + is that the + or - from my wall wort?

anybody?

[txg8gxp]

Led output on the driver (+) goes to the (+) side of the led string, and the VDC (+) input is (+) connects to the (+) output of the powersupply. If i remember right, it will be blue wire for led possitive. The buckpuck is labeled though. Call me if you need help.

[StevenSeas]

Thanks Stephen. I got it figured out and wired up to my 700ma meanwell I had lying around. And it lit up nicely... although I am glad I got the 1000ma buckpuck dimmable so that when the ps for that comes in I can be able to dim it because at 700ma it was really bright. I will be picking up an ATO float switch and aqualifter pump this weekend (thanks James) and have found a very creative (and I think ingenious) spot to place the float switch and ATO line so that they arent visible.

Also will picking up some nice corals for this tank too. Some gsp, a ric, polyp frags, and some shrooms (thanks Joe and James). However I think I will leave some of these in SA for a week or so in my BC29 that has LEDs.

Future stocking list is 1 or 2 montipora on the rock shelves I have hanging off of the side glass. I am thinking either a red or orange and a green. Then 2 sps frags on the peaks of the rock formation. With Rics on one side and zoas on the other. I currently have a barebottom on the tank but am going to put some gsp there and hope it coats it. I am thinking of putting shrooms on the "backside" of the rock formation. I say "backside" because this tank is veiwable from 4 sides right now and the "backside" is the side that I dont stare at when I am at my desk but the side I see when I walk in my room. But I am also debating on a background on it to hide the unsightly cords.

[StevenSeas]

Well first coating on the LEDs is done. Will do one or two more. Hopefully by Sunday night the lights will be on and the tank will have the first of its stock in.

[StevenSeas]

OOO and thanks Stephen. I got it all wired up and working! :)

[StevenSeas]

First coat is on getting ready for the second
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad161/aggiereefer12/DSCN0038.jpg

All on and working !!!
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad161/aggiereefer12/DSCN0040.jpg

The tank
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad161/aggiereefer12/DSCN0044.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad161/aggiereefer12/DSCN0043.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad161/aggiereefer12/DSCN0042.jpg

[StevenSeas]

And the plan

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad161/aggiereefer12/DSCN0044-1.jpg

[StevenSeas]

Any thoughts? What kinda stock?

[jrnannery]

Please forgive the hijack, but you gotta see this. I was looking for other Chi reefs on youtube when I found this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57DL6k2XtYc

[StevenSeas]

LOL no problem.

Lights are installed, on, and first stock is in!!!!!!!! I decided to go with a fern plant instead of gsp for a grassy bottom look. see here http://www.aquacon.com/vip.html If anyone has more info on this algae let me know.

[Europhyllia]

Interesting. Almost looks codium like with those thick stalks

[StevenSeas]

thanks for the imput I looked at it and as of now it doesnt look like the "dead mans fingers" as it isnt branching...yet it could happen.

on another note: DIATOMS are here. I am officially getting a diatom bloom .... YAY ... hopefully it is a short lived one I hate this stuff.

Any suggestions on possible fish to keep in here or just go fishless? I plan on doing a 10% waterchange weekly and changing a polyfiber pad at the same time and cleaning it 4 days later. Also thinking of runing chemi pure elite now that they have "nano" sized bags. thoughts?

[Europhyllia]

Congrats on the diatoms.

Look up NEOMERIS

[StevenSeas]

Thanks Karin that definitely looks a lot more like what I have. Only problem is I am not sure if its bad or good. Some sources only talk about removal of it while other says

Neomeris Annulata is very reef safe and will grow well in a reef environment. It is unlikely that the Neomeris Annulata will become invasive due to its high mortality rate and its slow growth
Yet the same article even says

The best solution is manual removal since most fish won’t eat it, chemicals hold the potential to kill animals in your tank and Neomeris Annulata can survive drops in calcium, magnesium, nitrates, and phosphates. You will have to stay on top of it until it is gone.

So now I am unsure as to what to do with it. I like the looks of it but dont want it to go crazy on my rock work just make a nice grassy bottom. But I need to make a decision because I can see that it is adjusting well and looking like its getting ready to put down some holdfasts.

[ErikH]

Don't ever order from AquaCON.... ever..... There are about a billion stories on the net about their false advertising, and dead product arriving. Just a heads up. :)

[Europhyllia]

would shoal grass be too long? I enjoyed the look of shoal grass and wish the jawfish and flow from the MP40s wouldn't be so hard on it. The shoal grass roots are much more superficial and tender than other sea grasses so it should be easy to remove

[StevenSeas]

Don't ever order from AquaCON.... ever..... There are about a billion stories on the net about their false advertising, and dead product arriving. Just a heads up. :)

Thanks for the heads up, thats horrible but I guess their name fits. I actually picked it up from pollys nb but wasnt able to find a pic of it anywhere online.

[StevenSeas]

would shoal grass be too long?

I am afraid that it might be too long (I am wishing I went with the taller chi) and wouldnt do well without a sand bed. hmmm might have to pick up a frag of gsp and go back to the original plan... Was just so tempted by the macro helping in removing the N & P

[Europhyllia]

What? No sand? What kind of tank is that???
Just kidding. Real estate has got to be at a premium in those little tanks. GSP will be pretty. :)

[StevenSeas]

I am trying to be practical with the no sand route. I will be moving the tank ever 4 months or so and dont want to risk disturbing a sandbed and starting a mini cycle. Also I plan on doing weekly WCs maybe even 2x a week to help remove the detrius that builds up on the bottom. I think some GSP might be in the future. However, I think I will leave the macro in there for the time being atleast another week or so.