I use an automated moonlight that is designed to mimic actual moonphase. I posted the following at a site I used to visit: Quote:
We all know that the creatures of the sea depend upon the moon to provide the rise and fall of the tide and surge that moves nutrients and waste to and fro. We also know that many creatures use moon phase to know when to reproduce. It is for these reasons that I wanted to try and simulate real moon conditions for my reef.
First, I have installed in my canopy a 6' blue rope light that I use for moon light. I then purchased Bill Esposito's "eLightMaster" software from his web site listed here:
http://www.mv.com/users/besposito/reef.html
From Bill's site I linked to the site for the X10 Firecraker remote switch devices. You can get a $15.00 discount using a coupon from Bill's site.
I set up a computer using parts I had laying around. It is a 233Mhz, 32MB RAM, 2Gig HD computer in a mini tower case with no CDROM drive. Pretty much "bare bones" as they say...
I set it up to autoload the software when the computer is turned on and Windows starts. I pulled the monitor, keyboard and mouse off when I was done and set the computer behind my reef tank. From there it can control the moonlight to cycle on and off with the actual phase of the moon. The computer program sends a signal through an X-10 transmitter that attaches to a serial port on the back of the tower. An X-10 receiver that is plugged into a power receptacle picks up the signal and turns on the moonlight that is pulugged into it.
The software that Bill has is great. You can control the moonlight, actinic lights, PC or MH lights and powerheads!
The software was $19.95. The X10 Firecracker was $30.89 delivered. The rope light was $6.50 at Lowes. And, the computer was spare parts. For less than $60 bucks I was able to set up a pretty cool feature for my reef. To say the least, I am pretty proud of my effort...
I also wanted to mention that Bill Esposito was extremely helpful to me by answering questions as I worked through some setup issues. I highly recommend his software for anyone wishing to take on this project!!
| Regards,
hap
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Definition: Aquarium (n) A hole in your living room in which you throw money.
[And I thought this would be cheaper than going to Aruba to dive - Yeah! Right!!]
Oceanic 75g Reef Ready, DIY stand and canopy, 50g sump/refugium with 125lbs+ Fiji live rock, Turboflotor Multi Skimmer, 2 – 250w Metal Halides running Ushio 10k lamps, 110w Actinic, DIY moonlight, several corals (mostly softies but a few SPS and LPS as well), a bi-color blenny (Benny), a yellow Tang (Jet), 2 percula clowns (Frick & Frack), a blue spotted jawfish (Spot), a red-lipped blenny (Red), a dragon goby (Puff), a psychedelic mandarin (Mandy), a diamond sifter (Jewel), a green bta, a rose bta, a couple serpent stars, a coral banded shrimp and several crabs and snails who will remain anonymous...
Last edited by HAP : 11-21-2003 at 12:34 PM.
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