Rimless tank lights spill question

tharkins · 04/29/2015, 09:08 AM

HI all,

I am doing research in prep for a new tank build and am torn between a 105 DSA rimless and their 110 tank with the latter having a canopy option.

The location for this tank will be in my family room and only about 5 feet next to one of my couches. The two concerns I have are keeping the noise under control which I think is doable with the right plumbing and quality equipment, but the other thing I am now starting to think about is the light spill over and if that will be distraction. Rimless would be my first choice but what has me worried is the ability to control light spill.

Ultimately I want some LPS in the tank, not so much interested in SPS. So with that said I was considering kessils or radions or some other LED setup.

I can get my wife to put up with a little 'glow' at night from the tank, but on the other hand if the lights are blinding, I will have major explaining to do with my wife.

Am I over thinking this? Any suggestions??

Bpb · 04/29/2015, 10:16 AM

not overthinking this at all! LED lights will have a bit less spill than T5/MH, but there is still some. I'm in the same boat as you and your wife and for me a canopy is a must. I like the sleek rimless look and all...but honestly, when it comes down to it, alot of the fish we like to keep are jumpers, and a canopy can really save your butt there on losing fish, and a screen top destroys the rimless look anyway. My tank is in the family room too, and if I didnt have a canopy, the light spill would be obnoxious and headache inducing. Canopy also cuts down on noise signifcantly

tharkins · 04/29/2015, 10:35 AM

Thanks Bpd - good perspective. What size tank and lights do you have? Was your canopy custom built or stock from somewhere?

DSA sells canopies but they are only 8" tall so not sure if that might present mounting complications given the low clearnance.

Bpb · 04/29/2015, 10:44 AM

http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/...ominant/page-1

You can see my build thread here. First few pages cover canopy modification, among other things. Pictures and explanations

I have a 90 RR Aqueon tank with matching stand and canopy. It was an easy job with limited tools and experience. I run a combination of MH and LED lighting and this did the job perfectly. Eliminates all light spill into the room which was the primary goal.

tharkins · 04/29/2015, 07:03 PM

Thx - I like rimless but am gonna go with canopy setup given the location.

04/29/2015, 09:08 AM	#1
tharkins Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 103	Rimless tank lights spill question HI all, I am doing research in prep for a new tank build and am torn between a 105 DSA rimless and their 110 tank with the latter having a canopy option. The location for this tank will be in my family room and only about 5 feet next to one of my couches. The two concerns I have are keeping the noise under control which I think is doable with the right plumbing and quality equipment, but the other thing I am now starting to think about is the light spill over and if that will be distraction. Rimless would be my first choice but what has me worried is the ability to control light spill. Ultimately I want some LPS in the tank, not so much interested in SPS. So with that said I was considering kessils or radions or some other LED setup. I can get my wife to put up with a little 'glow' at night from the tank, but on the other hand if the lights are blinding, I will have major explaining to do with my wife. Am I over thinking this? Any suggestions??

04/29/2015, 10:16 AM	#2
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	not overthinking this at all! LED lights will have a bit less spill than T5/MH, but there is still some. I'm in the same boat as you and your wife and for me a canopy is a must. I like the sleek rimless look and all...but honestly, when it comes down to it, alot of the fish we like to keep are jumpers, and a canopy can really save your butt there on losing fish, and a screen top destroys the rimless look anyway. My tank is in the family room too, and if I didnt have a canopy, the light spill would be obnoxious and headache inducing. Canopy also cuts down on noise signifcantly

04/29/2015, 10:35 AM	#3
tharkins Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 103	Thanks Bpd - good perspective. What size tank and lights do you have? Was your canopy custom built or stock from somewhere? DSA sells canopies but they are only 8" tall so not sure if that might present mounting complications given the low clearnance.

04/29/2015, 10:44 AM	#4
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/...ominant/page-1 You can see my build thread here. First few pages cover canopy modification, among other things. Pictures and explanations I have a 90 RR Aqueon tank with matching stand and canopy. It was an easy job with limited tools and experience. I run a combination of MH and LED lighting and this did the job perfectly. Eliminates all light spill into the room which was the primary goal.

04/29/2015, 07:03 PM	#5
tharkins Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 103	Thx - I like rimless but am gonna go with canopy setup given the location.