Michigan Cichlid Association

Announcements => Aquatic Events => Topic started by: Marty on October 07, 2013, 11:26:12 PM

Title: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Marty on October 07, 2013, 11:26:12 PM
For our November meeting, our guest will be Rick from Over the Edge. 

Over the Edge is a leading wholesale supplier of plastic aquarium frames aquarium trim, aquarium lights, aquarium stands and custom iron stands. 

Over the Edge will also allow us to pre order any of the products on their website aquariumframeswholesale.com  We will also be getting discounted prices on already assembled strip lights as detailed below.

Our meeting will be Friday November 1st at 7:30pm.  It will be held at our usual location:
Trinity Lutheran Church
45160 Van Dyke Utica, Mi 48317
(at the corner of M59 and Van Dyke)

Strip Light Workshop Information

In This Workshop, we will be building fluorescent strip lights and Led strip lights.

IMPORTANT, YOU MUST CONTACT MARTY BY OCTOBER 25TH WITH THE SIZE/TYPE OF LIGHT YOU WISH TO BUILD OR ANY OTHER PRODUCT YOU WISH TO PRE ORDER

Fluorescent Lights
There is a one light per person limit that people can build in the workshop for the $12.00 each. We have a special price for extra lights purchased at the workshop.

Strip Light Kits will be pre packaged and ready to go.  As people walk in, we will give them the light size kit that they want and collect the $12.00 for it.  If you want to do a double light, you will receive the extra parts you need at that time and pay an additional $5.00

Led lights
There is a one light per person limit that people can build in the workshop.

Led Strip Light Prices
20” - $23.00
24” - $25.00
30” -$30.00
36” - $33.00

These are our standard 6500K Pure White Leds Only.  We will bring color enhancement lights for people to purchase if you want to add them to your lights on your own time as this would be too difficult to do all of this at one time in the workshop.  We will, however, explain to those who are interested how to add them to their lights.  The cost of adding the color enhancement will be $7.00 for any size light.  If people want to purchase extra Led Lights at the workshop, we will be selling them at wholesale prices.

Assembled Fluorescent Strip Lights
Bulbs Not Included/Sold Separately

Special Workshop Price
20" Single Bulb   $14.50
20" Dual Bulb     $21.00
24" Single Bulb  $15.00
24" Dual Bulb     $22.00
30" Single Bulb  $16.00
30" Dual Bulb     $23.00
36" Single Bulb  $17.00
36" Dual Bulb     $24.00



Assembled LED lighting
20” LED Strip Light 6500K Pure White $33.00
24” LED Strip Light 6500K Pure White $35.00
30” LED Strip Light 6500K Pure White $40.00
36” LED Strip Light 6500K Pure White $45.00



Strip Light Kits will be pre packaged and ready to go.  As people walk in, we will give them the light size kit that they want and collect the money for the light.

We need to know 7 days prior to the day of the workshop what lights people are going to want to build for the workshop.  Each person can do one Led OR fluorescent at the workshop price.  You can purchase any amount of lights at wholesale pricing as you want. 

Each person needs to let Marty know the type of light and the size they want to build at the workshop.  For fluorescent lights, please indicate single or dual bulb.  Each person also needs to include their First and Last Name with the items they want. This way, Marty can email the complete list to us 7 days prior to the workshop.  This will make things much easier on our end and assure that everyone gets the light they want.

Anyone interested in ordering other parts such as frames, extra lights, door/plates, or iron stands, etc, this also needs to be included in the list.  Again, this will assure people they get what they order.  We have limited space in our hauler, so get your orders in as soon as possible.

We will be bringing extra strip lights, aquarium frames, plastic tops, hinge, backstrip, and electrical components and possibly some iron stands for those who may want to wait and order on the day of the workshop or add to their existing order.  All orders must be paid with cash or check only. NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

On the day of the workshop, all products will be sold at wholesale pricing.  To continue receiving wholesale pricing in the future, please see our club discount program details http://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/club-discount-program

We also have a single bulb 36” Fluorescent strip light with a 30” 10,000K bulb included for a workshop price of $35.00.  This light can only be bought already assembled.

To see our all of our products that we now have or to download a complete price list, please visit our website http://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/

If you have any questions about our products or website email us ([email protected]) or call us (810-724-0961).  We will be glad to answer any questions you might have.



Strip Light Workshop Information
Tools Needed for Workshop:
 Regular flat screw driver
 Philips screwdriver
 Wire cutters/strippers
 Razor knife/box cutter
 Power screwdrivers can make job much easier
 If building LED light, also need very small Philips or flat head screwdriver in addition to other screwdrivers
 If building fluorescent light, bringing a test bulb is recommended. We only have a few on hand
 It would be helpful if a few people can bring extension cords



Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: linuxrulesusa on October 08, 2013, 12:08:19 AM
Are the fluorescent light strips the kind with replaceable starters?  I assume they are black plastic exterior?
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Marty on October 08, 2013, 12:15:16 AM
Are the fluorescent light strips the kind with replaceable starters?  I assume they are black plastic exterior?

The light shells are black.  I'm also pretty certain that the starters are replaceable, as they sell starters on their website (in the flourescent light parts section).
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Maize-N-Blue-D on October 08, 2013, 08:48:54 AM

I noticed that the sizes stop @ 36",  would it be possible to make a 48" light (preferably LED) ?
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Marty on October 08, 2013, 12:09:21 PM

I noticed that the sizes stop @ 36",  would it be possible to make a 48" light (preferably LED) ?

No, they manufacture the shells to fit inside their tops, so you would likely need 2 20" or 24" I'm not sure which.  If you contact them with your size aquarium, they can tell you which size to order.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: eastsidejim on October 08, 2013, 07:19:59 PM
HMM VERY INTERESTING
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Ogre44 on October 09, 2013, 01:07:02 PM
I have plants in all of my tanks so I did a little looking around at using LEDs for planted tanks.
In my , admittedly sparse and hastily done, research it looks like 6500K LEDs need to run at around 12 watts to support plant growth.
I contacted Over the Edge to check on the wattages of the strip LEDs available for the light building workshop.

From Brandon at Over the Edge:
20" - 27 5050 SMD - 5 Watts total
24" - 33 5050 SMD - 6.5 Watts Total
30" - 42 5050 SMD - 8.5 Watts Total
36" - 48 5050 SMD - 10 Watts Total
These are all approximate wattage and SMD counts
These lights are intended for freshwater fish. It is a cheaper alternative to lighting your fish tank. It is not intended for plant growth or corals

So, if you intend to use your light on a planted tank the fluorescents would be the way to go.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Regalblue on October 09, 2013, 05:43:45 PM
But.... wouldn't adding the color enhancement LEDs add to the output wattage?
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Ogre44 on October 09, 2013, 07:18:07 PM
It might, however their output would most likely be in the wrong portion of the EM spectrum for plant growth.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Regalblue on October 09, 2013, 08:38:31 PM
Ahh OK
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: OTE on October 10, 2013, 02:53:08 PM
Are the fluorescent light strips the kind with replaceable starters?  I assume they are black plastic exterior?

Hello there, this is Brandon From Over The Edge

To answer your question; The fluorescent lights that we will be building at the workshop will be using electronic ballasts. These electronic ballasts do not require a starter.

However, if you do need parts to repair your old lights that have magnetic ballasts and starters, we do have parts available, you can check them out here http://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/fluorescent-parts
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: OTE on October 10, 2013, 02:55:49 PM
if anybody has any other questions regarding the workshop or any of our other products, let me know

Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: linuxrulesusa on October 10, 2013, 05:48:44 PM
Are the fluorescent light strips the kind with replaceable starters?  I assume they are black plastic exterior?

Hello there, this is Brandon From Over The Edge

To answer your question; The fluorescent lights that we will be building at the workshop will be using electronic ballasts. These electronic ballasts do not require a starter.

However, if you do need parts to repair your old lights that have magnetic ballasts and starters, we do have parts available, you can check them out here http://www.aquariumframeswholesale.com/fluorescent-parts

Thanks for the quick response.  What's the life like on electronic vs. the old style ballasts?
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: OTE on October 10, 2013, 09:23:39 PM
Back before we started using electronic ballasts, we were always told how electronic ballasts don’t last. But we've been using electronic ballasts for 5 years now and we haven’t had any issues with one going bad.

Unlike the magnetic ballasts, the electronic ballast lights the bulb up instantly. You get no flickering like you get with the old ballast

They work better for us because they are much easier to wire, weigh considerably less which helps us out on shipping, and don’t run nearly as hot as the magnetic ballast does
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: TrailerParkFishTanks on October 10, 2013, 10:15:50 PM
Back before we started using electronic ballasts, we were always told how electronic ballasts don’t last. But we've been using electronic ballasts for 5 years now and we haven’t had any issues with one going bad.

Unlike the magnetic ballasts, the electronic ballast lights the bulb up instantly. You get no flickering like you get with the old ballast

They work better for us because they are much easier to wire, weigh considerably less which helps us out on shipping, and don’t run nearly as hot as the magnetic ballast does

although i cant attest to the smaller aquarium style ballasts, i can tell you that the newer electronic ballasts are the way to go on larger light applications. they are lighter, more, efficient, and in most cases dimmable (on larger applications) plus they emit way less heat. so the smaller electronic ballasts for aquarium applications would most likely be the same reliability and characteristics.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: linuxrulesusa on October 11, 2013, 01:59:43 AM
Thanks for the explanation guys.  I had a few of the (I assume) newer style electronic aquarium lights go bad (that I had picked up used), whereas with the old ones I just replaced the starter, vs. the whole ballast.  So I was trying to figure out pros/cons of each.  I probably just had some broken lights, so I should look into the new style again.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: four_by_ken on October 16, 2013, 07:24:30 AM
This is great! 

This is the most I have been excited about a meeting yet!  Cant wait!





What size bulbs are the flourscent fixtures designed to take?  T5... please?

Also, what kind of LEDs are used?  They can vary so greatly from style, size and manufacturer.




Thanks for coming to do this and thanks to whomever set this up!
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: OTE on October 16, 2013, 11:57:25 AM

What size bulbs are the flourscent fixtures designed to take?  T5... please?
Our fluorescent fixtures are designed for T8 bulbs

Quote
Also, what kind of LEDs are used?  They can vary so greatly from style, size and manufacturer.

The lights we will be using are 5050 SMD 6500K Strip/Ribbon Lighting
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: four_by_ken on October 16, 2013, 01:56:45 PM
Anyone have one of these LED fixtures in use that I could check out?

Looking to make the leap to LED and this might be the chance for all 4 remaining tanks.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: Marty on October 16, 2013, 09:59:12 PM
I can't speak to how they look on a tank (as far as what colors they accentuate on fish) but when I was out a their place about 6 months ago, they showed me two tanks.  One with what I believe was an Aqueon fixture, and the other with their fixture.  Theirs was distinctly brighter, it lit up more of the tank, and the light was more evenly distributed than the other fixture.

I know that I'll be building an led light myself at this workshop, and I'm thinking about buying the materials from them to light my entire room with.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop
Post by: four_by_ken on October 17, 2013, 08:43:18 AM
I can't speak to how they look on a tank (as far as what colors they accentuate on fish) but when I was out a their place about 6 months ago, they showed me two tanks.  One with what I believe was an Aqueon fixture, and the other with their fixture.  Theirs was distinctly brighter, it lit up more of the tank, and the light was more evenly distributed than the other fixture.

I know that I'll be building an led light myself at this workshop, and I'm thinking about buying the materials from them to light my entire room with.

Good to know.

I am thinking of adding some light to my 140, replacing the lights in my 150, and also replacing them in a 40, 40, and a 50.

Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Marty on October 23, 2013, 08:32:40 AM
TWO DAYS LEFT TO ORDER!
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: four_by_ken on October 23, 2013, 08:41:17 AM
Thanks for the reminder!
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Regalblue on October 23, 2013, 08:51:52 AM
One extra high 48x18 iron & one 36 LED kit for me please.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: jcunningham0295 on October 23, 2013, 01:55:59 PM
36" LED kit for me.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: linuxrulesusa on October 23, 2013, 03:18:51 PM
I would like:

24" dual bulb fixture - to build at the workshop

6' piece of backsplash (Rick said they are 6' pieces for like $4.77) - I want this for sure
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Ogre44 on October 24, 2013, 10:50:04 AM
Please order a dual-bulb 30" fixture for me to build at the workshop.
Thanks
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: four_by_ken on October 25, 2013, 08:31:18 AM
I would like to build a 36" LED fixture.  I would also like to order a complete LED 36" fixture. 


If I like these, do the prices still hold true... or are these a one night only price?  (sorry if I missed that)
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: OTE on October 25, 2013, 02:16:21 PM
I would like to build a 36" LED fixture.  I would also like to order a complete LED 36" fixture. 


If I like these, do the prices still hold true... or are these a one night only price?  (sorry if I missed that)

those prices are good only on the day of the workshop
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Marty on October 25, 2013, 07:21:50 PM
Last day!  I'm emailing the list tomorrow.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: greg y on October 25, 2013, 10:32:52 PM
So If I want to build a 36" double bulb flourescent it's $17?

And the led's are built in the same style frame?
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Marty on October 25, 2013, 11:32:04 PM
Yes and yes.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: greg y on October 25, 2013, 11:33:50 PM
Sent pm, I'll build the 36" double flor.
Thanks
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: RichE on October 30, 2013, 04:53:47 PM
Can the 36" led lights be attached to the under side of a hood(canopy) or should they hang if going in a canopy?
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: OTE on October 31, 2013, 02:47:44 PM
Can the 36" led lights be attached to the under side of a hood(canopy) or should they hang if going in a canopy?

I am assume you are talking about just the LED strips themselves? Yes, they can be attached the underside of a hood, however i would recommend putting them on sort of metal to absorb the heat that the led gives off or you can run the risk of burning the led lights out
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Regalblue on November 01, 2013, 02:33:31 PM
Tonight's the night.... don't forget your tools!

( Regular flat screw driver Philips screwdriver Wire cutters/strippers Razor knife/box cutter Power screwdrivers can make job much easier If building LED light, also need very small Philips or flat head screwdriver in addition to other screwdrivers If building fluorescent light, bringing a test bulb is recommended. We only have a few on hand It would be helpful if a few people can bring extension cords)
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: linuxrulesusa on November 01, 2013, 02:58:46 PM
Was the extension cord request from MCA or OTE?  Do we need some still?  I may have a spare I can throw in the car to bring tonight.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Marty on November 01, 2013, 03:34:27 PM
Go ahead and bring a spare Dan, I'll probably bring a power strip or two so we have enough spots to plug into.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: linuxrulesusa on November 01, 2013, 03:35:35 PM
Go ahead and bring a spare Dan, I'll probably bring a power strip or two so we have enough spots to plug into.

Will do.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Ogre44 on November 01, 2013, 04:01:17 PM
I've got 2 cords in my bag for tonight as well.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Regalblue on November 01, 2013, 10:54:25 PM
Had a good time & enjoyed bullshitting with you guys.

Thanks Marty for setting this up.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Mission Man on November 01, 2013, 10:59:39 PM
Had a great time!  Lotta good information and even more good conversation.  LED here I come !!!
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Marty on November 01, 2013, 11:01:24 PM
I had a good time myself, just wish I didn't have this cold.

Thanks to Rick and Brandon for coming out and giving the workshop and a great deal on their lights!
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: RichE on November 01, 2013, 11:06:09 PM
Nice turn out and I hear ya Marty , the cold has been making it rounds around the house. Well on the way home the coughing started.

The LEDs are super bright and use hardly any power :)
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: linuxrulesusa on November 01, 2013, 11:07:28 PM
I enjoyed the meeting a lot as well.  Now I know how to easily and fairly cheaply fix all those broken aquarium lights that in the past I'd thrown away.  Great learning experience.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: jcunningham0295 on November 01, 2013, 11:24:20 PM
Thanks for Marty for putting this together.

Thanks Rick and Brandon for taking the time and to show us how to make these lights.  As always, great product.
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: four_by_ken on November 02, 2013, 10:33:14 AM
Sorry for arriving late... Hopefully put the light on the tank when I get home from work today!

Happy with them at this point.

Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: Ogre44 on November 02, 2013, 01:14:13 PM
Had a great time, got to meet some new folks.
Thanks for taking the time for the demo OTE ;D
Title: Re: MCA November meeting - strip light building workshop -order lights by 10-25!
Post by: linuxrulesusa on November 02, 2013, 02:20:26 PM
Quite happy with my new two bulb fixture.

This is actually with exposure on the camera set down a notch so you can see the plants better.

(http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q630/linuxrulesusa/tank%20pics%202013/20131102_140502_zpsd2fd38ca.jpg)