Moon lights

essmaker · 11-21-2003, 12:10 PM

I'm trying to get my christmas list together and was wondering how many of you have a moonlight.

If you have one, which one?

Alf · 11-21-2003, 12:14 PM

I have the MOON BEAM I belive it is called.

Witfull · 11-21-2003, 12:19 PM

mine is the cheapest home made DIY project that took 5 minutes to make.
items needed
1 one extension cord from walmart
1 auto-sensor night light from walmart with 4-7 watt bulb
silicone
2 small nails

run the cord up into hood and attach nightlight
silicone around the connection and other outlets
tack into place with nails
screw in bulb and plug in

there ya go..moonlight for under $6.00

HAP · 11-21-2003, 12:30 PM

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

mwrager · 11-21-2003, 01:01 PM

Oh no someone took my Idea. I was thinking about designing a light to mimic actual moonphase . Well now I am to late.

SZHTTM · 11-21-2003, 01:52 PM

I have the Marc Wiess Moonshine Magnum on my 92 corner. It is pretty awesome!! Just like the ad stated, I've been up late at night just looking at my tank with these lights on!!! So beware, if you add a moonlight to your tank...you will be up late a few nights...

Good Luck;

SOCAL-Rich · 11-21-2003, 03:23 PM

you could get a regular blue party bulb

there are also the LED based moonlights, most put out a more focused light

you will get a shimmer effect from both, but I would say a little more from the LEDs because they are closer to a point source

JeepersReefers · 11-21-2003, 04:37 PM

I have DIY moon lights made from 6 blue Radio Shack LEDs a few resistors and an old cell phone charger transformer.

jks1 · 11-21-2003, 06:16 PM

i have a blueline 4 led moonlight. I wish i would have saved the $60 and made a DIY one.

Craig Manoukian · 11-21-2003, 06:42 PM

I have a Coralife? moonbean still in the box. My this weekend project. Will report back!

wooddood · 11-21-2003, 07:14 PM

i have 2 csl 48in pc's with 4 moonlights in each fixture and i love them.when i move my 120 into the wall i will switch to mh&vho so i can try my hand at sps,but will do a diy moonlight also.

Curtswearing · 11-21-2003, 07:18 PM

I also have the Marc Weiss Moonshine. I love it because it has the glitter lines. The glitter lines don't help the tank I don't think. I just like the looks of them.

Witfull · 11-21-2003, 07:20 PM

well, with all the $$ i sink into this reef, i need to save here and there....lol

Curtswearing · 11-21-2003, 07:41 PM

LOL---They were cheaper when I bought it at last years IMAC.

Aquatic Cat · 11-23-2003, 10:59 AM

I have one built in my hood also and for being 1 watt produce a nice effect.

11-21-2003, 12:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
essmaker Midas Blenny Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 110 View Gallery Karma Komment	Moon lights I'm trying to get my christmas list together and was wondering how many of you have a moonlight. If you have one, which one?

11-21-2003, 12:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Alf Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Venus, Texas Posts: 262 View Gallery Karma Komment	I have the MOON BEAM I belive it is called. __________________ Robert http://www.bf2player.com/sig/351848.png

11-21-2003, 01:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	Oh no someone took my Idea. I was thinking about designing a light to mimic actual moonphase . Well now I am to late. __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif

11-21-2003, 04:37 PM	#8 (permalink)
JeepersReefers Sea Pen Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 319 View Gallery Karma Komment	I have DIY moon lights made from 6 blue Radio Shack LEDs a few resistors and an old cell phone charger transformer. __________________ Tankless for now If it has big tires or big ti*ts its too expensive! Whoever coined that phrase never owned a reef tank.

11-21-2003, 06:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
jks1 Achilles Tang Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 876 View Gallery Karma Komment	i have a blueline 4 led moonlight. I wish i would have saved the $60 and made a DIY one. __________________ John Tank: 29g glass Pumps: Mag5.0 return - (3) rio 100 PHs Lighting: (1) 150w XM 10K/(2) 30W actinics Equipment: Aqua C Urchin skimmer- CPR Fuge, Titanium Heater -Red Sea wavemaster Pro Tank: 210g 1/2" Acrylic, dual overflows, 75g glass sump w/ 20g fuge. Pumps: Mag24 return - (2) MAG24s running 2 closed loop systems. Lighting: (3) 400w XM 10K/(2) Custom Sealife 96w PC - 25w dimmable incandescent Moonlight Equipment: Aqua C EV180 skimmer - CR500 calc reactor - Titanium Heater - AquaLogic single Stage Temp Controller - Aquanetics 1/5Hp Chiller - Neptune sys aquacontroller

11-21-2003, 01:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
SZHTTM Serpent Star Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Davie, FL. (South Florida) Posts: 203 View Gallery Karma Komment	I have the Marc Wiess Moonshine Magnum on my 92 corner. It is pretty awesome!! Just like the ad stated, I've been up late at night just looking at my tank with these lights on!!! So beware, if you add a moonlight to your tank...you will be up late a few nights... Good Luck;

11-21-2003, 03:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
SOCAL-Rich Tubeworm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 30 View Gallery Karma Komment	you could get a regular blue party bulb there are also the LED based moonlights, most put out a more focused light you will get a shimmer effect from both, but I would say a little more from the LEDs because they are closer to a point source

11-21-2003, 06:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 17,903 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	I have a Coralife? moonbean still in the box. My this weekend project. Will report back! __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

11-21-2003, 07:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	i have 2 csl 48in pc's with 4 moonlights in each fixture and i love them.when i move my 120 into the wall i will switch to mh&vho so i can try my hand at sps,but will do a diy moonlight also. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

11-21-2003, 07:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
Curtswearing Golden Moray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 2,596 View Gallery Karma Komment	I also have the Marc Weiss Moonshine. I love it because it has the glitter lines. The glitter lines don't help the tank I don't think. I just like the looks of them. __________________ In memory of Fluffy, please pause before hitting enter---being nice is free. Click for ReefKeeping FAQ'S Click for Product Reviews Click for Photo ID Gallery http://curtcpapfs.com/downloads/1Curt.jpg

11-21-2003, 07:41 PM	#14 (permalink)
Curtswearing Golden Moray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 2,596 View Gallery Karma Komment	LOL---They were cheaper when I bought it at last years IMAC. __________________ In memory of Fluffy, please pause before hitting enter---being nice is free. Click for ReefKeeping FAQ'S Click for Product Reviews Click for Photo ID Gallery http://curtcpapfs.com/downloads/1Curt.jpg

11-23-2003, 10:59 AM	#15 (permalink)
Aquatic Cat Tunicate Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NEW ENGLAND Posts: 9 View Gallery Karma Komment	I have one built in my hood also and for being 1 watt produce a nice effect.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)