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Very late answer to this but they are 5500K

Looks superb. Very nice job.

2mm bend in the middle is OK with me. It isn't getting any worse.

The acrylic is bending but I doubt it has too much to do with the heat of the LEDs. I made acrylic lids for my smaller tanks as well as this one and they have bent more than the luminaire sheet. The centre of the luminaire acrylic is about 2mm larger gap between the heatsink than at the ends...

The carpet is about an inch and a half again at the moment. Have to get the scissors out again. lol

Many thanks. It is still working but the 18 LEDs proved way too fast growth. Not algae problems but pruning every other day is not my thing :) I am now running it with just the front and back rows on and it is still growing pretty fast. I should add just to address the concerns of MDF...

Thanks for the interest and the compliments guys. Thought I would add some pics of it working over the flooded scape: My daughter is more interested in the light than the scape. lol:

Just to bring this thread back to chip in my 2c. That driver 'should' be suitable for the LED going by the information supplied however I have used a few of those types of driver from ebay and they tend to deteriorate pretty quickly to the point where series I have powered by them have ended up...

Does the LED have a driver already? If not it needs one before it gets to your plug.

LED strips are no good for lighting a planted aquarium. You would needs loads of them to match high powered LEDs and that would mean cost as well as a much bigger footprint. I use these strips for back lighting (Ones I can choose colours from the remote) 3metres of strip on a board that I...

Picture of the adapted beamswork unit as promised. It is over a 30 litre tank. It has 3 settings. Single row, All 3 rows and off, so you can use it as high light or low light:

I have one over my little tank. The only 'transformation' I made was to replace the lenses and bottom cover with a clear plastic perspex panel. I'll take some pictures and post them up at some point this weekend.

for a tank that small I would just buy the beamworks 9 x 1W clip on unit (with daywhite LEDs) Then remove the lenses because they are too narrow and cust a 2mm piece of perspex to replace the lense holder tray. Cheaper than a DIY unit. I have one over my 30ltr...

YEp I want to see through it depthwise. lol. I went to P1200, then moved straight onto car scratch remover, then finished with car polish. Not where I bought the original acrylic sheet but I've just bought some from these guys as it was cheaper (free delivery)...

Looking at that video the flame method doesn't look as good as mine. His edges look like they are rippled slightly. I don't have a blow torch either :(

Mmmmm. Without working it out I think it would be around the £140 region not including cost of electric used or emery paper etc. Rough guide from memory: 12mm Acrylic sheet was about £35 delivered LED stars, lenses and lense holders were about £50 wire and shrink tubing were about £10. The 2...

When I decided to redo my bathroom, I removed the tiles and the plaster came with it. I had to fill up all the plaster holes, let the whole bathroom dry out for a couple of weeks and then properly tank all along the shower walls :) I've read a lot of PVA disasters when researching that...

Thanks for the compliments guys. Much appreciated. Fingers crossed time :) I have pondered that but am hoping that the acrylic paint has done the sealing job. Its like encasing the wood within plastic. At the end of the day I think it will be a better bet than some of the pros that use PVA...

This is a little belated but I thought I would add it :) The MkII version was still working well after 3 and a half years. It hasn't been ditched. All the electrics and LEDs have been re-used in my emersed cupboards meaning that now all 11 of my aquariums are lit by LED. Originally I was...

The sound is fine. I can hear it through my laptop's tinpot speakers :) Can't help you with a solution though. seems strange. Are you sure the end is completely sealed.

Yep thats what I meant. looks like you wanted it to :) nice job

Look great :) looks grey too :D

The veneer was expensive but I got it off ebay. It is veneered inside on the top and sides only as you should always veneer both sides. The bottom and centre only have edging on them so no need to veneer bot sides. It isn't a do aqua, its another DIY creation

Took a couple of pictures of one of my finished cabinets :)

Nathaniel, How are you going to veneer both sides of the wood now it's fitted together? Or if planning to do just one side aren't you worried about warping?

Personally I wouldn't prime the smooth surfaces. They tend not to soak too much anyway, however the edges as stated above definitely need priming as they will seem to never take the paint.

I use these on a 6mm and an 8mm. maybe someone somewhere does a 10mm version? Aquarium Tank Glass Cover Plastic Clip Support Holder 6mm or 8mm | eBay

I wouldn't ;) Vinyl is incredibly unforgiving. teeny tiny bits of dust will be noticeable using a plain vinyl whether gloss or matt. Wood effect hides these unless you're close up. So if you're after wood effect or stone effect :D then vinyl is fine. Anything that is plain solid colour you are...

I've done a few finishes over the years :) First was vinyl. From this: To this: Then I went for raw ash veneer finished with tung oil. From this: To this: Then I sprayed brown after a change of decor in the room but have no pictures. And now (not quite completed yet) I am...

I use thick black camping mats. yoga mats tend to be slightly thinner and slightly softer.

You can use any of the LEDs out not just Crees. Even the cheapys 'knock offs' from China will knock the socks off Fluoro and MH. However like you say there is more to it than other forms of lighting. Not just power its quite advanced even for me which is why mine has 5 plugs coming from it...

So would that mean this one: Exhaust - 6 Thread - G1/8" Order Code - 116785 Regards AC

Hello. Just come across this thread. I am on the hunt for some parts and want to replace the needle valve that comes with the regulator solenoid combo with one of these. I like the look of the ones linked to below but was wondering if anyone can see which is the right fitting to go into the...

I thought this was pretty standard. I've never seen a solenoid with an adaptor. Mine was a cable straight to the mains. On the subject....Any links to the pieces you have? May be worth a look ;) AC

I think it s just a case of mathematics really. These LEDS are 'supposed to be run between 3.4 and 3.7V however as you can see they run on less if required. So 4 on 12V = 12-1.5/4 = 2.625V - way under the data sheet suggested. 7 on 24V = 24-1.5/7 = 3.21V - Just about on the money :) You see...

Just to show (poor picture) this is 4 LEDS working on the adaptors I use. Only 12V - 1.5V for the driver so 10.5V going through 4 LEDs. This is WITH the ambient lighting on. You cannot tell that it is on though.: And a few LED soldering piccies. The LEDs are spare I bought for my emersed...

Oops

Well I started testing the LEDs on the same drivers I have used for 3. but encountered a problem. Not a mjor one, just one my non-electrical knowledge could counter. I was attempting to use 2 x 12V adaptors wired into the same connector to supply 24V and then test 6 and 7 LEDs on the current...

lol. I had no woodworking tools or skill until I started. he, he. Can you bend metal? That luminaire looks like it could stretch the footprint although then you would have to cut new glass and ends. lol. I tried the standard fans and rather than use resistors I just put more fans in to...

Check out the LED schematic thread. I posted some info on LED advantages in there. May be a downer for you to read but will 'enlighten' ('oops scuse the pun). viewtopic.php?f=20&t=11269 r.e. the fan. Can you hear it? If so I would use one of these. Fluid dynamic bearing, looks cool and...

A little exaggerated but not too far wrong. Basically the 75W Solaris was giving out nearly 90% of the PAR a 250MH was when tested. That means 1W LED is equal to 2.83W MH in terms of PAR. The same test showed that the 75W Solaris was giving out 110% of the PUR of the 250W MH which now means...

Which cabinet? The latest ash one or the previous dark walnut one? :lol: AC

It's great when DIY projects turn out so well. I must admit that anyone who comes to my house gets sick of hearing 'I made that' to the point that they don't compliment any furniture in the house anymore incase they get 'I made that' :lol: You may find it addictive too. You'll have your own...

I use the non adjustable Newattino version in my 10ltr. I would have to say that for the price and size it is pretty mega really. Its an 'always on' type and should heat 5-7º above ambient. That would make 22-24º if the thermostat in my house is correct. However I know that not to be the...

I use the cheap 99p Wilko glass ones.Thatnks for the alcohol tip as that has just reassured me :) BE careful when using glass thermometers. They have the 'circlet' sucker to hold them to the glass and even though you don't notice they tap the glass. I am now on my third in a year due to...

substrate can make a difference too guys!!! Have you ever felt the warmth of a compost substrate when used? So dependent on the type of substrate I would guess that could also help add a few degrees. AC

Solenoid and needle valve would be approx EURO30 total shipped from Lunapet/Aquarianversand on ebay. The needle valve in the first ebay link you have there is fine. Same as I have used in the past. AC

I see Mark has a Fluval hood (or similar) This is what I did with the same type of hood when I used to have it: Then when I replaced it with a DIY hood I transferred the fans onto it: I have fans on my luminaire now that keep the LEDs cool but as it is open top the water doesn't seem to...

Just a quick tip on cleaning hard to reach places in tubes (especially glass) I use this method monthly to clean the ball end of my inlet: Get 2 x M3 nuts or smaller. fill the sink so you can submerge the pipe without knocking it. Let the nuts slide slowly along the pipe to the end (or hard...

The hozelock is £3.50. lol prices have gone up :) http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/invt/0226445 The wilko one has gone up to 99p and they have changed the colour: http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/invt/0261455 What a rip off :lol: AC

Wilko - 79p. They are hosepipe connectors and are found in the gardening section:) . 79p is the Wilko own brand, grey joiner with lime green screw tighteners. Hozelock are the same design but yellow screw tighteners £2 :) I have quite a few of these: AC

The OP wants the scales to make 4dKH which is why I bought mine originally. accuracy is needed then. I use them for my fert mixes too now. May as well use them :) I have the fuzion pocket mini which is 0.1g increments and 150g max AC

That is quite true. I have found that you can't just leave these hanging. I have airline suckkers with little clips holding mine bolt upright to the side of the tank. AC

I have had the first ones for 2 years with no probs ;) only refilled them a few times since when cleaning the airline. Mine however have always been setup the correct way round and not as in the advert :) AC

The picture is wrong. The NRV should be under the bubble counter. If you are setting it up the way the picture is then this is why you are losing water from it. The water above the 'inlet spout' will go down the line without something stopping it. AC

Do you still have the metal casing from the old one and just want to get a new 'working' setup? If so what is retrievable from the old one? AC

I put it on the most visible side, then wrap it around the longest sides so only the shortest sides are still overhanging. then I cut to each corner and fold the middle bit along the edge and then the outer 2 bits I cut 1 shorter than the edge and fold it in, then fold the other over it...

More tools :) I used a cordless screwdriver/drill. A standard saw as you can see in the pic and a Jab saw to cut the smaller holes. Oh and a tape measure + steel rule +spirit level :) AC

I'm going to work my way up to the ceiling, so next the luminaire will get the fablon treatment. then the shelf above will be rebuilt, stronger with a proper hanging kit in mind when building it. Will be more a slim box than a shelf. This will of course also get the fablon treatment :) Got...

Well this was the previous cabinet as has been for nearly 2 years, served it's purpose and for £45 it was a good deal: However this is far too expensive for me :) Remember this. It is an 'entertainment centre' that my neighbour was chucking out (was in pieces outside her house awaiting the...

The top metal reflectors look almost white. This is not to say that white card is better than that polished reflector or we would all just paint the inside of the hood white. That reflector will have a much 'smoother' surface which will reflect better and also it will be angled to 'maximise'...

You don't have proper reflectors. you have white bent pieces of card that clip into the hood. 'Actual reflectors are angled in such a way that they don't let light escape sideways or upward and redirect it downward. Obviously there are better quality and better angles as with anything you buy...

TBH the difference in cost between buying reflectors and using film will be pennies!!! I would just get some Arcadia Clip on ones which will be £5ish each and will be much much better than film. AC

My old Fluval tank (Duo Deep 800 - the one in the signature) never had a brace. During the 50% water changes you can actually see it bow outward when it gets over 80% full :) I don't worry too much. Thought my wooden hood was warped when I first built it. lol AC

After looking on paypal history It was an ebay shop called MES Homestyle. (ebay userID markshale0) I think he gets all the graded stuff in containers from the far east. The sort that have a dirty mark on them etc because his stock is never the same. Here is one that looks fit for the purpose...

After looking through some old journals on TFF it was bought on Feb 12th 2007 and obviously the auction details are now gone from ebay. Will have a quick search to see if I can find another. AC

I got my pine cabinet brand new off ebay for £45 delivered. Just pine sides, top and bottom on bun feet with thin board on the back and of course pine doors. so in effect it is just the sides and top holding the 125Ltrs up yet it's been fine since I bought it about 18months ago. Seems...

Don't forget though that countering the UV heat issue will be the fact the heater is not working when the heat is high enough already. therefore although the UV lamp will heat water that passes through the heater will not turn on so much. 9W UV versus 300W heater is a fair saving even when the...

Your heater doesn't need to be attached to it!!! The heater already has a thermostat in it which cuts it off when it is already at or above the set temp. Could be used to switch fans on though. AC

There is a spraybar available for the Fluval internals if that wil fit. That is sold in Pets st home for a fiver. AC

Quick look at the Hydor site and I can tell you that the 200W is available both as 12mm and 16mm but the 300W is only available in 16mm. This is there options (copied from their site): ETH 200W - 1/2 ETH 200W 5/8 ETH 300W - 5/8 AC

According to someone on TFF both models are available with both measurements!!! After me querying a 200W with 16mm fittings I was told that both the 200W & 300W models are made with bothe hose options!!! May be worth investigating now. AC

Amazing what they ill do these days since the internet started where they need to keep up their reputations. They are all fighting for a smaller market at the minute too. Tetratec did the same for me. lol ;) AC

On the Tetratecs all you do is turn the filter off, close the connector valves and then pull the lever on the powerhead part then lift it out of the powerhead. Then you can just take the cannister away to empty/clean etc. The prime is easy to use but I never need to. I just reconnect...

I don't think they sell cabinets in this style, but I mean the plinths that they use for their disaply tanks like this one (hope they don't mind me using their pics): I was thinking more of a black gloss marble effect rather than this pink/red style and would probably have to buy some of the...

I think if I ever redo mine I will think about using some of that black marble/granite gloss effect worksurface fr the sides and top. A bit like a marble plinth (green machine style.) Have to improvise with the doors though or they're gonna be heavy. he, he. AC

I would let the wood settle flat in your room for a week or so!! When I di my pine hood I put it together ans was varnishing 24 hours after the pieces were cut and therefore they got onto the tank before they had acclimitised!! The 'flap' now bends upward a little at the front from resting on...

Did I hear (I mean read) someone swear ;) AC

You could just get Jackson Shipley to cut some nice pine into the exact sizes you want and screw them to the outisde of the frame. Pine looks great stained. AC

I know you said you don't want anything at the front but if you think about it, then its god to have something where the doors meet at the front and you can fit locks into this piece if required. AC

Good thinking buying 2. Just in case the price goes up to £1.20. lol One tip I could give with buying 2 is to use both suction cups on the thermometer, one top and one bottom. That way the thermometer is held firmly in position and the bottom (mercury end) has no chance of continually...

Steve I like the bulkiness of it plus its very easy just to se that the red line stops within the green marking. They are also the floating version so for those who like to equalise temps before adding their tank water then they can buy 2 and leave it floating in the 'bucket' whilst running...

I am actually trying to source some stainless steel pipe to DIY a version of the ADA power jet pipe, similar to what you are looking at here. This is what Zig uses in his mountainscape V2. Only struggle so far is to find the right diameter as most of the DIY stores have 15mm freely available...

I think that use of a powerhead is to 'help' the filter with circulation. Therefore if you are already at 10x+ then there should be no need for a powerhead as well. I use a small Maxijet MP400 (400lph as the name suggests) to add to the 700lph (probs 3-400 after allowing for reduced flow) in...

I use a standard glass thermometer from Wilko which was 79p. Can't really see the point of spending more. they will all be within 1 degree (I would expect much less than 1 degree) of accuracy which is easily accurate enough. Andy

I must be polish by nature. lol :) Cheap and easy to do and the fans are on ebay for approx 50p each. or a little more expensive from Maplins. (These are heatsink fans from graphics cards. Andy

When you put the plant in don't forget to remove the terracotta pot. That one looks quite heavy and may crack the glass!!!! Andy

you could always get the Hydor 300W external heater (no suckers. lol) Andy

Just a point on the inline equipment on the outflow. It is always best to put it on the outflow because then it has already been filtered and therefore less scum will cake up the inners. You state that it doesn't seem to have any effect on the flowrate being on the outflow side but I can...

I think this poster was referring to outwards rather than downwards, in that the shape of the tank L might cause stress problems on the joint at the corner of the L!! and therefore leaks, waterfalls, cascades or with this tank size Tsunami!!! Andy

There was a tank setup like this on ebay the other month which was all built in BUT was several 4ft tanks in a U (3 walls) Lookd great and I would guess easier to maintain (and problem solve) than 1 large L shaped tank. You could try these guys (Oneof thesponsors on TFF)...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-Layer-filtration-medium-External-Filter-System-200L-H_W0QQitemZ250226933167QQihZ015QQcategoryZ46310QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The hoseclips are more of a safety measure just to ensure that they don't come off. The hose should be OK pushed on tight but water is a lubricant to some extent so better safe than sorry

We all use hose clips. You should cut the hosetails to fit your hose that is why they are staggered. i.e. if you were to use the whole hosetail and stuff it into a 17mm hose then the first step on the hose would reduce the flow. These pics show the whole hosetail remaining as they are going...

I have actually returned to the diffusor. Why you may ask? It wasn't for any problem with the powerjet but aesthetically it is noticeable and not very pretty whereas the glass ceramic is quite nice to look at. I found that I had to clean it anyway as the holes would catch muck just like any...

1 week after putting this needle wheel injector into the tank, I think I can verify that either my circulation or my diffusor were letting me down on the CO2 front!!! The 'slow' growers which fill my tank (no fast growers) have shot up and the tank is much fuller in 1 week!!!. Also the surface...

I already have the cheapy (£22.50) 13mm version on my 33USG. This is the one from Aquatic Magic with the ball on the inflow. They were cheap but they definately give the vortex. Hopefully these will too. Andy

As some of you know I have been pondering my new Nano since September last year and due to house moves/redecorating and other time consuming tasks the date for this has gone back from March to June (or probs even longer) I had been pondering some mini glassware for a while and after seeing it...

Forgot to take pictures but I have now redrilled the holes in the impellor with a 1.5mm bit. The bubbles are smaller and it seems a little quieter as well. The flow is reduced but not by much. The biggest bonuses I can see so far are: 1 - Additional circulation in the tank 2 - Uses less CO2...

Sam - I was going to put it upside down but in the end it hid OK the way it is and the hose was already this length from the Rhinox. If it don't work it means I can very quickly swap back as the hose needs no adjustment. James - I saw about the 'blades' part after I'd drilled so will try...