Hey, I am new to this board so I thought I would post my experience starting a new JBJ 28gal with the PRO LED lighting system.
I have been away from the hobby for about 10 years, new kids and starting your own business will do that to you. I also gave up golf but that had more to do with the ranger telling me to stop throwing my clubs.... but I digress.
I chose the JBJ after much research and bought it through a LFS. I was nervous about ordering a glass tank online due to possible breakage but after seeing the packaging I shouldn't have worried. Also, my LFS totally screwed up the order and it took about 6 weeks to get the tank and stand. Based on my experiences with LFS in the Chicago area it is no wonder that online business is booming.
Why did I choose the JBJ you ask? I was attracted to the following features in order:
1) The upgraded LED with three distinct LED systems on board (I own a lighting fixture manufacturing company (yes we make LED fixtures) and I know the risks of DIY LED systems that are poorly designed and marine systems are even more potentially problematic)
2) The two outputs with the wavemaker standard
3) The custom stand with the ability to add a chiller in it.
My impressions during set up:
PACKAGING
As mentioned this system would certainly stand up to UPS shipping
STAND
The stand looks nice but makes Ikea look like fine furniture. Two panels had defective laminate and it was missing some screws. I made several calls to JBJ and no one returned calls. I had to hunt around their voice mail system and left several VM and finally had success. JBJ sent out replacement parts N/C.
The tank set up was a breeze and everything worked as advertised.
MEDIA BASKET
During my research I found the INtank up graded media basket and bought that plus the JBJ refug LED light since I wanted to add macro algae to the back of the tank. The INtank basket is superior to the stock basket in material, construction and capacity. I strongly suggest making this upgrade. One point to note, the LED canopy has a new flange detail that does not allow the INtank basket to be secured. You will have to find an alternate method to push the basket forward to allow the overflow to flow over the basket....small detail.
PUMPS
The pumps seem a little underpowered and when used with the Ocean Pulse Duo they grind a little when they alternate/switch. Not sure if it is a pump issue or they switch needs a ramp up phase to eliminate the grinding. Still, it is a nice feature for a small reef tank.
LIGHTING
This is the main reason I selected the JBJ system. All three LED systems work well. All three have separate drivers and transformers to allow for separate switching. JBJ if you are listening: Please develop a timer system that allows all three phases to be plugged into ONE programable strip. I had to purchase three 3 Westek digital timers to switch the three lights independently. I suggest digital timers since they are silent vs mechanical timers. They do have battery back up in case of power outage and can manage multiple on/off cycles..... bonus.. they are very small so you can plug all three into one strip.
The main LED system requires cooling and this accomplished with fans. The fans are only really noticed when they start up...otherwise pretty silent. Check your fans often if one goes then you will fry your LEDs, that is the danger of fan cooling vs heat sinking. I dont have a PAR meter (may buy one when I set up a big system at work) but so far the polyps and SPS that I have seem fine. Color quality of the main system seems fine. The CRI seems a bit low but that is nit picking
The entire LED board is housed behind a gasketed acrylic panel. This is very nice since the canopy encloses the entire tank with the lighting system. This prevents salt creep into the LEDs. I wipe down the panel every few days with a soft cloth.
I will detail the rest of the set up and cycle next.
Cheers
I have been away from the hobby for about 10 years, new kids and starting your own business will do that to you. I also gave up golf but that had more to do with the ranger telling me to stop throwing my clubs.... but I digress.
I chose the JBJ after much research and bought it through a LFS. I was nervous about ordering a glass tank online due to possible breakage but after seeing the packaging I shouldn't have worried. Also, my LFS totally screwed up the order and it took about 6 weeks to get the tank and stand. Based on my experiences with LFS in the Chicago area it is no wonder that online business is booming.
Why did I choose the JBJ you ask? I was attracted to the following features in order:
1) The upgraded LED with three distinct LED systems on board (I own a lighting fixture manufacturing company (yes we make LED fixtures) and I know the risks of DIY LED systems that are poorly designed and marine systems are even more potentially problematic)
2) The two outputs with the wavemaker standard
3) The custom stand with the ability to add a chiller in it.
My impressions during set up:
PACKAGING
As mentioned this system would certainly stand up to UPS shipping
STAND
The stand looks nice but makes Ikea look like fine furniture. Two panels had defective laminate and it was missing some screws. I made several calls to JBJ and no one returned calls. I had to hunt around their voice mail system and left several VM and finally had success. JBJ sent out replacement parts N/C.
The tank set up was a breeze and everything worked as advertised.
MEDIA BASKET
During my research I found the INtank up graded media basket and bought that plus the JBJ refug LED light since I wanted to add macro algae to the back of the tank. The INtank basket is superior to the stock basket in material, construction and capacity. I strongly suggest making this upgrade. One point to note, the LED canopy has a new flange detail that does not allow the INtank basket to be secured. You will have to find an alternate method to push the basket forward to allow the overflow to flow over the basket....small detail.
PUMPS
The pumps seem a little underpowered and when used with the Ocean Pulse Duo they grind a little when they alternate/switch. Not sure if it is a pump issue or they switch needs a ramp up phase to eliminate the grinding. Still, it is a nice feature for a small reef tank.
LIGHTING
This is the main reason I selected the JBJ system. All three LED systems work well. All three have separate drivers and transformers to allow for separate switching. JBJ if you are listening: Please develop a timer system that allows all three phases to be plugged into ONE programable strip. I had to purchase three 3 Westek digital timers to switch the three lights independently. I suggest digital timers since they are silent vs mechanical timers. They do have battery back up in case of power outage and can manage multiple on/off cycles..... bonus.. they are very small so you can plug all three into one strip.
The main LED system requires cooling and this accomplished with fans. The fans are only really noticed when they start up...otherwise pretty silent. Check your fans often if one goes then you will fry your LEDs, that is the danger of fan cooling vs heat sinking. I dont have a PAR meter (may buy one when I set up a big system at work) but so far the polyps and SPS that I have seem fine. Color quality of the main system seems fine. The CRI seems a bit low but that is nit picking
The entire LED board is housed behind a gasketed acrylic panel. This is very nice since the canopy encloses the entire tank with the lighting system. This prevents salt creep into the LEDs. I wipe down the panel every few days with a soft cloth.
I will detail the rest of the set up and cycle next.
Cheers
. The emerald crab had already pulled the Goby into the rocks and was having a feast. The kids were horrified so I used this as a learning opportunity to teach them about nature and that nothing is wasted. Naturally, when they weren't looking I pulled out the dead and gave them a proper burial at sea.
