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Reducing Light Intensity With Grey Acrylic

Andy D

Member
Joined
27 Apr 2013
Messages
1,461
Hi All,

Having recently bought an ADA Aquasky I am concerned about how powerful it is and want to give myself a safety net.

In this post Clive mentions using grey acrylic to reduce the intensity whilst maintaining colour - http://www.ukaps.org/forum/index.php?posts/205527/

Maybe an easy question to answer but is this simply grey tinted acrylic like this - http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=171631596224&globalID=EBAY-GB

Or more of a lighted tinted acrylic like this - http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=400143966950&globalID=EBAY-GB

Are either what I am after?
 
A dimmer would be the best option. I am sure some bought an LED dimmer that works with the Aquasky.
 
Yeah it would I agree.

I have read the posts but there is still a tiny amount of doubt in my mind about using one. Just a tiny doubt.

Ian, you can maybe help on another query as well. I am using a step down transformer with the light. I assume this will be ok with a timer? I use the electronic ones from Argos.
 
I ordered one too in the end Andy. What makes you think you need a dimmer?

Jim was adamant that with enough co2 and ferts that the light levels are manageable.
Of course there's a sales element to it (and he's done well there, I've spent loads this week!) but his results speak for themselves so I've just gone with it on this venture and let him spec everything, filter, lily pipes, ferts, diffuser, light. Very curious to see if it works.

Just need to decide on my hard scape!
 
Ian, you can maybe help on another query as well. I am using a step down transformer with the light. I assume this will be ok with a timer? I use the electronic ones from Argos.
No idea unless you try it. Unfortunately the cheap time switches do suffer from being very poor, especially switching a inductive load (ie air pump, motor, CO2 solenoid and step down transformer :(). They generally start failing by resetting themselves upon switch on or off, thus loosing their time settings and finally just failing all together.

Best I had, and still works was a TimeGuard one. Never had an issue.
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SMETU17.html

Though I now use timer controlled remote sockets. Much better.
http://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/timer-plugs.36230/#post-388968
 
I ordered one too in the end Andy. What makes you think you need a dimmer?

Well first of all I have seen the PAR readings on Marcels website!

Secondly I have read about as much theory as I can but there is no substitute for actually getting on and doing it and I am no George or Viktor or any of the other (many) experts on here. I expect to run into trouble so having some control over the intensity will help.
 
Cheers Tim.

I did not buy the cover as I already have an acrylic cover I had cut for another tank that should fit. (It's actually a P@H tank and the dimensions are almost identical to the Mini M).

I'll look at the window frosting. This is why I was considering the tinted acrylic as I would just use it as the cover.
 
Have a look at Perspex opal range. There are a range of opacities. They'll diffuse and reduce the light depending on which you get. You could get a slice cut the same size as the aquasky and clamp it 10mm or so away from the LEDs. Nth at way you retain the open top.
 
Another option is black electrical tape. I did this until the plant density built up. It now gets 5hrs per day @ full light

bththj_zpshoerybro.png
 
I was toying between the 451 and a Radion xr15. With the discount at TGM it was almost half the cost though so will give this a try.

The lack of any programming is a little disappointing though! I guess its debatable how much difference programming lights makes, but its a nice bit of tech.
 
I got a sheet of quite dark tinted acrylic. Maybe too dark. I have not tried this with the Aquasky so it may be ok but here is a before and after shot. (Don't judge me on the tank as this is just set-up to experiment with )

02f475ccde35d0d2ddcfcac8c7338234.jpg


c1102eb2a91338e9bdf4c7bdfea09618.jpg
 
Well as a proof of concept it works

Maybe half the density?

Probably best to wait and use the aquasky first though.
 
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