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acharpenter's "Latest" 40 breeder build (1 Viewer)

It's a DC8 - not sure how different the ports are from the EB8 to the DC8.....

Phone cable is "control" hub on the controller to DC8

I now had to initialize the damn thing in order to move forward with the firmware update - I shouldn't have assumed the last owner did so. Couldn't figure out why the update wasn't loading - friggen password was no longer default.

UPS is in the plan - step one is just getting the firmware updated, then wireless - then controller configuration.

Guess cord organizing is off the table for the night after this crap.

Should have known - figured it would be 30-45 minute project - of course turns into a couple hours and then some - jinxed myself
 
Eb's are nice, all USB ports. Easy to use USB extender cables if needed

Don't forget with the old dc's you need to manually add it. The eb's are all plug and play.
 
Yeah - I am used to manually adding them - no biggie

Im in on fusion now finally!

Now to wireless
 
It is a little enjoyable setting all that up though. I got a couple boxes from BRS today, with some more apex goodies included. Always fun :)


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I got my Apex controller about a month ago and love it. I'd love to buy a round of beer for those folks who developed Apex Fusion. Soooo, easy to configure and keep an eye on when not at home. Go luck!
 
Well - decided to go ahead and sell the DC8 and get an EB8

Getting the EB8 eliminates two cords and also gives me extra Aquabus ports......so if anyone has one they would like to sell - lmk!

For now - I borrowed an EB8 from a buddy (TJP) and will be working on getting that set up.

The big project for tonight is getting familiar with the AI Vega. I sat and played with the settings for a bit - (Kevin enjoyed the random show mode) - now updating the firmware on it. EVERYTHING requires updates- ugh!!!!!

Tomorrow I am mounting the rails for the Vega (gotta drain the tank down by 20 gallons and move it out from the wall) and working on getting the outlets on the Apex programmed
 
Drained tank and moved out to install the Vega

Im not entirely happy with the spread coverage - thinking I may need to pick up another Vega

The nems are pretty pleased with it anyway...

View media item 7678
 
The way it is set up - I would need to move the arm to the side of the tank to do so using the brackets etc as they are meant to be used - I dont want the arm on the side of the tank.

I could possibly Macguyver it somehow - think that would open the spread enough to negate the 2nd Vega?
 
I have a hydra mounted lengthwise and still get a little shading in the corners in my 36x18 tank.. Hydra is rated for 30" spread and Vega 24". I have 2 t5 strips that I run an hour or 2 a few times a week, they fill in the missing light very well.

If that's a factory aqua illumination light stand then it can only be mounted the way she has it unfortunately
 
I can't really image one of those fixtures would ever cover a 36" spread no matter which way it was mounted. Sideways and high above would get the most spread at the cost of light spill and intensity.
 
Couldn't you could use an additional mounting plate that utilizes both of the hole placements for the bracket and the fixture?
At least to get you more light coverage while using the one fixture.
 
BEAV9900 said:
I have a hydra mounted lengthwise and still get a little shading in the corners in my 36x18 tank.. Hydra is rated for 30" spread and Vega 24". I have 2 t5 strips that I run an hour or 2 a few times a week, they fill in the missing light very well.

If that's a factory aqua illumination light stand then it can only be mounted the way she has it unfortunately
Click to expand...

Yep - its the factory mount system

jlanger said:
Couldn't you could use an additional mounting plate that utilizes both of the hole placements for the bracket and the fixture?
At least to get you more light coverage while using the one fixture.
Click to expand...

Yep - that would be the Macguyvering I was talking about. Just not sure if it is even worth messing around with it if after all is said and done - it may still not cover the spread I am looking for...which means I would need to pick up another Vega .....ugh

The last light (JBJ 54 watt Unibody) did such a nice job covering the spread that I really expected the Vega to do just as well and then some. So disappointed
 
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acharpenter said:
Yep - that would be the Macguyvering I was talking about.
Click to expand...

What you would call MacGyvering, some would call creative engineering.
And using the "MacGyver" reference kinda shows how old you are; just sayin'.

Just as long as the nems are happy...
BTW... nice looking sand bed.
 
jlanger said:
What you would call MacGyvering, some would call creative engineering.
And using the "MacGyver" reference kinda shows how old you are; just sayin'.

Just as long as the nems are happy...
BTW... nice looking sand bed.
Click to expand...

and your pointing that out shows your age as well - just sayin' (Also - I am not old - and no matter my age, as long as I am younger than Marty - I dont mind showin my age - heh heh)

My sand bed is awesome - everyone should be cool enough to have a sand bed like mine. My Randall's and Tiger Shrimp thank me daily for it!!
 
I was in your same situation for the light, having a 36" tank is definitely not ideal AI/ecotech led lights. I wasn't willing to buy 2 units or get the hydra52 (which says it covers 36" but I'd imagine any taller structures in the tank would cause some larger shadows).

Buying another Vega is probably the best option but obviously the most expensive. It does prepare you for a 4ft tank if you do upgrade!

Look into the t5 strips, for under $100 you should add enough light for less demanding corals to be placed on each side. Unfortunately it's not as clean of look though...
 
BEAV9900 said:
I was in your same situation for the light, having a 36" tank is definitely not ideal AI/ecotech led lights. I wasn't willing to buy 2 units or get the hydra52 (which says it covers 36" but I'd imagine any taller structures in the tank would cause some larger shadows).

Buying another Vega is probably the best option but obviously the most expensive. It does prepare you for a 4ft tank if you do upgrade!

Look into the t5 strips, for under $100 you should add enough light for less demanding corals to be placed on each side. Unfortunately it's not as clean of look though...
Click to expand...


Thanks for the input. I wont do the T5's based on the clunky look. Its worth it to me to spend the extra $$ to have a clean look - just sucks as the JBJ really did a nice job on the spread and now I have paid twice what I did on the JBJ for the Vega and it no where near gives me the spread the JBJ did for WAY cheaper

Its BS - I am really not happy - at least I can leave it as is until I hopefully find a deal on another Vega
 
How about a par38 bulb on either side of the Vega? I saw build thread where a guy used 2 par38 bulbs to light a 40 with some success.
There are some nice looking clip on options for them too.
 
Jack said:
How about a par38 bulb on either side of the Vega? I saw build thread where a guy used 2 par38 bulbs to light a 40 with some success.
There are some nice looking clip on options for them too.
Click to expand...

Likely look just as clunky for my tastes - but if you find the thread - can you link it? I would love to see how it looks
 
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