Aqua Illumination Splash Guard

Figured I'd throw out my solution for my Aqua Illumination SOL Blue splash guard. I'm transitioning my corals from the 55 gal running 2 SOL Blue to my 125 which I have 3 units running. I figure I'll need a month or so running LED to transition.

I noticed about 7 degree temp drop when I got rid of the T5 lighting..much much quieter, and nice transition for the lighting (no instant on) like it was under the T5.

 

It looks pretty nice, PnblWzd. But doesn't the Sol already have lenses over the led clusters? Unfortunately glass reduces light output by about 40 - 60%.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

it does look really good, but ya i dont see the need for it since its already protected?

 

Mine have clear splash guards on them already. They are great lights!
Heidi

 

You are correct in that they do have a "guard" but salt wants to get around the edges from the micro bubbles that sometimes get on them...and cleaning them requires taking the housing off...to much risk for suck an expensive unit.

As for loss of light, I know glass is only 60% as clear as acrylic, but I haven't seen a visible loss of light. For that matter they are mounted about 6 inches from the water..and are bright enough to burn some of the softies..like 'shrooms etc. So I have them turned down even with the glass.

I don't think they are as visibly bright as the old T5's but I think that light gets lost in the water, where as the LEDs seem to penetrate.

The 125 will or should possibly lose the glass protection, but I haven't decided yet..hate to waist all that money when a 2 dollar piece of glass could protect it all.

Just my thoughts.

 

The "loss of light" is primarily through par, rather than just visibility. But heck, if you find that your corals are still growing at the same rate as before...have at it.

 

Most of the corals are doing great, a couple are in a bit of shock..hairy mushrooms got white tips, but others such as toadstool is really happy as are waving hands, and pulsing xenia

Love the lights, but its a bit early to tell how well things are growing, and posses an issue for new corals that are being grown under different light sources...but that's fishing!

Thanks for everyones thoughts.

 

There is not "splash" guard on these units. The plastic is the optic it's self. You don't want water getting directly on the optics and salt can easily get around the optics to the board when mounted close to the waterline. Most people never get past 50% anyhow, so light loss shouldn't matter. Looks great! I really like this DIY!

Out of curiosity, why didn't you get it cut in acrylic rather than glass? (or is it acrylic?)

 

I went with glass because it doesn't scratch like acrylic. Glass can be cleaned with nearly anything, salt doesn't "stick" to it and doesn't really fog..acrylic I've seen cloud up or fog.

The 3 pieces cut were like 10 bucks, and then I drilled the holes on the bench top press.

 

No disrespect but glass does scratch. Just not as easy as acrylic.