pineapple

Reflectors would add quite a bit of size to the fixture, and possibly weight from necessary supporting struts. The beauty of the ADA fixture is in its small - but relatively effective - size.

MH bulbs work with 'dimmers,' right? If that is the case, would it not be possible to make a MH controller that could be set to provide timed periods of light of different intensities? That idea harks back to the thought of providing morning-noon-evening lighting effects, which has been debated for years, I believe.

Andrew Cribb

IUnknown

I don't think it was intended for the plants, but more to view the tank. The 3-4 hour period of high light is what grows the plant, the PC's are just so that there is some light to see the tank for the rest of the day.

jsenske

Regarding the Grand Solar fixture and photoperiods:
Per Amano's suggestion, I am limiting the photoperiod to 7 hours. The HQI is so intense, that backing off the old standard of 10 hours/day becomes "a good idea". I think you could go up to 10 hours in a really high-light requiring type layout, but I have experienced some growth/nutrient deficiency issues when going that long with HQI. Amano recommends 6-8 hours of HQI. I settles on 7 hours for now because a have a combination of light and shade plants. Now that's 7 hours of both HQI and PC together. I am contemplating variuos combinations of PC on/off (morning/midday/evening type senarios) but haven't settled on anything just yet. I know the plants will ultimately grow and do well regardless and most of this are just "minor tweaks".
Honestly, with only the PCs on, the tank looks a bit dim. It doesn't strike me as enough light to really encourage much growth. It is sufficient for illuminating/just enjoying the layout, but for most layouts/plant combinations, 72watts of light that high above the tank does not do much. Hence, ADA offers fixtures with all various combinations of light types. It's not meant to be a "one size fits all" system. I have the SolarI fixture also, a 150watt HQI 8,000K-only fixture and it's great w/o the PCs. I would think of the PCs when used with HQI as merely supplemental or something used to assist with special interests like simulating a.m., mid-day, p.m. type scenarios.
The online catalog should be up sometime today and there is a pretty cool little description of the ADA philosophy about the use of HQI as it relates to nature. I will offer all the lighting types/combinations but may not have a pic/price for all of them just yet, but for sure will very soon.

TWood

Is the reason for the short photoperiod lighting because the ADA system also relies on those dinky non-refillable CO2 cartridges? Those would make shortening the photoperiod something to consider since conserving CO2 is a big issue. But it seems like a backward approach when we can just use large CO2 tanks and not worry about conserving CO2.

TW

pineapple

The ADA product line has a number of CO2 cylinder sizes. The smaller portable-style size is not what they recommend using for the 90cm aquariums.

Reduced photoperiod helps keep algae under control.

Andrew Cribb

jsenske

Yes, Andrew is right. I am using a 2liter size CO2 bottle/nice ADA regualtor called "Speed Regulator". The disposable CO2 cartridges will not be available outside of Japan due to shipping/transport issues. I can assure you there is nothing "dinky" about the standard ADA CO2 system. In fact, it is far and away the best quality regulator I've ever used and I've used them all. The stainless-steel "Tower" that houses the CO2 bottle itself is exceedingly cool, IMO. Check the online catalog later today to view it if you like. I don't go for that disposable cartridge concept either. That is something quite specific to Japan/Japanese consumers. I had one on a personal tank (20gallon) for a while and it works just fine, but you need obviously a nearby shop to get more cartridges.

TWood

Thanks Jeff/Andrew,

Sorry about the 'dinky' comment but they, well, are. I look forward to reading the rationalization for the photoperiod.

Your store makes a trip down to Houston much more attractive. If you are thinking of an Austin connection I'd suggest AquaTek on Burnet Road. (Not affiliated)

TW

fishfry

I just checked your catalog online and I must say it is A LOOOOT cheaper than I was expecting. That is amazing $22 for aquasoil. I am sure I will be purchasing from you shortly.

sixty9@gmail.com

Please tell me u'll be shipping to Canada!!!! And by usps if so!!!!!!

neilw

Would you ship to the UK?

Besides that though it's fantastic to be able to actually look through the products in the catalogue.