Lighting suggestions

So sad that BML doesn't have 120 lenses available! If you could just raise your light 16" above the tank 2 lengths would be plenty of light with 90 lenses. I am pretty sure putting 2 BML strips in a hood wouldn't cut it.


What about a combination? Use 4 cheap ones front and back but have one BML centered for better color control and perhaps a more subtle sunrise/sunset?

 

I'm glad you have no problems with BML. Back in December I went with 2 fixtures for my 120gallon, rear - 6300K XB 90 degree beam angle, front - 10,000k XB w/same beam angle. Since then I've had nothing but problems with quality of product. 1st, when I got 6300k fixture it wouldn't work so I had to wait 2weeks for another fixture PLUS cable from power supply to outlet was "frayed", then had problem with Solunar controller, so they emailed me a flash firmware update. when I downloaded it it crashed my computer so I had to send the controller back to them for the update. Then in January I had a problem with the front fixture and had to send that back for a new one. While waiting for that I emailed them and told them to change the beam angle from 90 to 75 degrees. They responded with an email acknowledging the change. Guess what after 2 weeks I received the fixture with 90 instead of 75 beam angle. After being so fed up I sent a very stern email to co-founder Nick Klause and within a week recieved the right beam angled fixture. Everything was going fine after that until a few days ago when I started having problems with the 6300k fixture not turning on unless I "jiggled" the wiring. Now they are sending me a new power supply and light. TBH their quality control sucks. Their customer service is great. I only wish their products were as good as their cust. serv. If I had to do all over again I would have went with the MaxSpecht Razor 300w 8000k led lighting fxture

 

You have really been around the block with BML! I did a bit of web searching, and didn't find anything else in the way of problem reporting on the web. One thing I did find was several notices of employment opportunities at BML, which doesn't surprise me, as they seem to be ahead on price, compared to their competition, are using Just In Time production to minimize their cost of inventory, and are getting great buzz around the aquarium community.


I'd guess that rapid expansion is their blessing and curse right now, making it hard to keep up with demand and simultaneously maintain build quality.

 

Well that might explain the fact that I keep having to follow up email to them with numerous phone calls to get a response. I suppose it's good to have too much business but knowing the trouble I've had getting some basic, and not so basic but hardly advanced, questions answered and hearing about the QC issues I may give up and look elsewhere or just hold off for a bit and wait for them to get their quality sorted out. I shouldn't have to chase people down to get them to take my money.... :/

 

The sad part is when you place an order with BML there is like a 2 page email they send you about how ur light is being built with robotics and then baked in 400 degree ovens to solder the led'S into the light properly and then technicians test the light multiple times with power supply and blah, blah, blah... and only when they light passes all these tests do they ship it. Then you receive the light and out of the box it doesn't work or u can see frayed wires on the power supply SO obviously the email they send you is BS.

 

That's a lot of different lights to fuss with. Have you considered going with pendants? 3-4 Kessil A160 Tuna Suns will brighten that tank as much as you want. Each covers the spectrums you want.


Beamworks light run hot.


Back in the 80-90's I had a 180 with 8 VHO fluorescent tubes. Pendants don't transfer heat. At least not Kessils. If you have to pay more than $230 each let me know. I can get them for less, new.

 

Go with the standard Apex. It will control all your aquariums with additional probes and power banks. Its a little more than buying the junior with pH probe and module. Skip the Kessil controller and use the Apex. Why fuss with many remotes. Use one computer to handle many functions and yes, you can connect it to your LAN or WAN or wifi.


​Call Kessil and see which lamp is better for your tank.

 

Well, I'm getting good coverage on my 60"x18" with 2 A160WE lights. The 160s are good for 18", but honestly I suspect I could put them higher for 24" coverage. I'm running them at 25% and fighting a complete green soup tank. So they're pretty powerful on a 24" depth tank. Maybe the reef guys need more power, but I don't think it's an issue here. The "official" Kessil recomendation was 3-4 on this tank based on an 18" spread and the ability to aim them. I know the 360s are supposedly good for 24" coverage so I suspect you'd need three. I can say that I don't really notice or play with the colors much on it. I just leave it on the warm side and only go towards the bluish side at daylight and night time just because it looks different as the intensity ramps up/down. This is using the Kessil controller. You'd probably get much more flexibility with an Apex though. The Kessil controller REALLY doesn't like to do the mid day siesta thing.