Mk's Solana 34!

Thanks. I am looking at $2k for my 75. I thought it was a lot...but that's including 2 mp10 w es pumps and 2 Kessil lamps as well as the RODI unit and $258 for aqua controller DC8 and Lunar Sim. Considering all that...it's not too bad I guess.

 

haha yeah that sounds about right. I bought all mine new though, probably why it was so expensive. I saw the kessile lamps at demo at baymac, they looked really nice Only downfall is theres no dimming options

 

Yeah, I really wish they were dimmable. But seeing as Kessil is a company primarily focused on plant grow lights, dimming is something that most people probably wouldn't think about. I am keeping a look out for new led fixtures, but this seems to be my best bet, next to some SunBrite Slimlines. I think the Kessil would probably get better penetration to the sandbed though.

Do you think I would need 3 Kessil lamps for sps in my tank? Would 2 work better? They are supposed to cover "12 - 24". I may just get 2 and buy a 3rd later on if I decide I need it.

 

Great build going on! and great pics too. Im impressed.

I own a D90 with Nikkor 35mm 1.8G (the lens is about $200). I use this set up mainly for aquarium pics and I wish I could justify a Nikon Macro (Micro) lens. This 35mm is not a zoom lens, its categorized as a "prime lens". Its a decent lens for portrait as well. Since you have a more telephoto side lens, which is a great for sports or nature photography, this 35mm is my recommendation. (The macro lens is expensive, at least $450ish.)

When you are taking aquarium pictures, turn off the powerheads and the return pump if possible, so the fish move less. Do not use the flash. Try the aperture priority setting, which is "A" on the dial on the top of the D3100 and dial down the F number to the lowest, so the lens tries to gather the most light as possible and uses faster shutter. If you do this, the background gets blurry.

Take a lot of pictures of one object. Try the different setting: ie different F number, change the white balance. Compare what looks good and what dont. Find out why. Take more pics. And have fun

Hope this helps.

 

There was kessile representative at the baymac convention. They recommanded me 2 for 20x20x20, or I would get a spot light effect. I think you might even need 4 if situation calls for it

 

nice, thank you for the advice!, and the compliment too

 

I had 50 dollar gift certificate from petsolution.com I bought a large torch coral from them yesterday, just arrived now.

It has around 10 heads, but im little sad its a brown torch instead of green, they had a picture of green torch as exmaple, but anyway. It was free cus i bought my solana from them.

So oh well, its nice its closed right now, i will post picture when they are open