+Daniel Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 I saw Roy's tank the other day and I was reminded of the reason I love metal halides. The shimmer effect is mesmerizing. Shimmer is the result of an intense point source of light. When the light strikes the rough surface of the water, it disperses into the water at different wavelengths, creating what appears to be "ripples" throughout the tank. Since T5s are broad (and not a point source at small distances or in relatively shallow tanks), the shimmer effect does not occur to any significant extent. For those of you with T5s, and assuming you care about the shimmer effect, what do you propose as a solution to achieving the shimmer? Switching back to halides is not an option. I need something to supplement my T5s. I've heard of people using LEDs and halogens with mixed results, but nothing definitive. If LEDs will work, is there a commercial product I can use? My moonlights create a lovely shimmer at night, but their effect is muted when my T5s are on. If there isn't a commercially available solution, what LED bulbs would work best? What brand, color temp., quantity, etc? Daniel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjohn Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Point a power head at a steep angle toward the surface and it will make it ripple. That makes the light shimmer you're talking about, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnj Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Maybe experiment with some cheap Christmas LED lights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjohn Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 RCA also uses these for that ripple effect on the tank with the shark: http://www.marineandreef.com/Current_USA_Powerbrite_LED_R2_Solutions_Moonlight_s/266.htm?gclid=CPGqktSI1Z8CFQ5qswodHz74cA I have one and it is bright enough for that rippling lighting so many reefers are enamored of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshman1204 Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 Is anyone ever going to buy that shark? That thing has been there for months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted February 4, 2010 Share Posted February 4, 2010 u still cant get the true shimmer of MHs, T5s just wont do it. I have both and theres NO comparison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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