TheKingInYellow Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 I'm ordering a light for my PicO DB18 and I've been back and forth between a Kessil A160WE and the AI Prime, but I have seen just so much support for the Nanobox stuff (and the arrays look great) that I have to consider it. I have an APEX with the integrated VDM module, so they isn't going to work directly with the Nanobox stuff. Is there an option to get this in an Apex friendly flavour, or can it be otherwise converted/connected with a third party device? Link to comment
skyscraper2290 Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 You can use a bluefish controller, or the bluefish mini which I believe just came out or is about to come out. Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Besides the fact that the Apex is (and has always been) shitty for controlling lighting, it is, indeed, possible to control with a 0-10v singal, but it requires conversion. O2Surplus on Reefcentral sells the converters for like $20ish, just add external 12v power to power the little controller that does the conversion and you have four channel 0-10v control. Link to comment
Gamby Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 I'm ordering a light for my PicO DB18 and I've been back and forth between a Kessil A160WE and the AI Prime, but I have seen just so much support for the Nanobox stuff (and the arrays look great) that I have to consider it. I have an APEX with the integrated VDM module, so they isn't going to work directly with the Nanobox stuff. Is there an option to get this in an Apex friendly flavour, or can it be otherwise converted/connected with a third party device? I would PM Dave on this site to ask about the apex control. I have the Tide with a Storm controller. I have pre-ordered the Blue Fish mini. That being said, I also have an Apex and have just purchased the VDM module. I am planning to explore the use of my Apex as well. Technically it looks like it should work but some type of plug adapter may be required. I do love my Tide! Makes my tank look great! Link to comment
Marc.The.Shark Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 I just bought a nano box array for my diy setup, have an apex & bought the converter from O2 Surplus as Ben suggested, it will convert the PWM to 0-10v but in the end after studying all the apex lighting misgivings, I placed an order for a Bluefish. I was up in the air as far as the full or mini version, but in the end went with the full version. I figure when I upgrade my tank, I won't be restricted on what I can control as the mini will only work with the Meanwell LDD drivers. Also if I like the upgrades to the bluefish; outlets, probes, etc, then I'll just get rid of the Apex. People love the apex & I have an old Neptune Aquacontroller Jr. as well, but I think it's still a little rough around the edges, even with the new Fusion. For $600-800, I would've expected more, luckily I got mine used & sold off all the extras an ended up with the controller for free. Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Technically it looks like it should work but some type of plug adapter may be required. Again, it isn't just a different plug, it is different technologies (0-10v analog vs 5v PWM), takes a small controller to convert between the two. Link to comment
Marc.The.Shark Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Again, it isn't just a different plug, it is different technologies (0-10v analog vs 5v PWM), takes a small controller to convert between the two. As Ben says, you need something like this: Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 As Ben says, you need something like this: And actually, he makes new ones now that have ethernet jacks on them to make it even easier to connect. Link to comment
TheKingInYellow Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share Posted March 19, 2015 Looks like a Tide won't grow SPS in an 18" cube (18L x 15W x 16T) and Duo might be too big. A pair of Tides make more sense? Link to comment
Marc.The.Shark Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 That would b sweet if it was plug and play from the Apex, too bad the Apex sucks for lighting!!! Lol Link to comment
Pilg0re Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Looks like a Tide won't grow SPS in an 18" cube (18L x 15W x 16T) and Duo might be too big. A pair of Tides make more sense? Duo won't be too large, that's the one I'd go for. Link to comment
DaveFason Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Like the others have said, the unit would require a adaptor like the ones above. However the new Bluefish Mini will be leaps and bounds better! -Dave Link to comment
TheKingInYellow Posted March 20, 2015 Author Share Posted March 20, 2015 Dave, with a goal of growing SPS in a 18" L x 14" W x 16" D tank, should I be looking Tide or Duo? Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Dave, with a goal of growing SPS in a 18" L x 14" W x 16" D tank, should I be looking Tide or Duo? Duo. Link to comment
buckeyereefer Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Duo. yea.....what he said.....duo all the way !! Link to comment
DaveFason Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Dave, with a goal of growing SPS in a 18" L x 14" W x 16" D tank, should I be looking Tide or Duo? DUO, the main reason being is that 90% of the time the customer gets something a little larger quicker than they thought. -Dave Link to comment
TheKingInYellow Posted March 20, 2015 Author Share Posted March 20, 2015 HA! I'm debating taking most of this equipment and going to a 75g anyhow so you are more right than you know... Link to comment
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