I want to start a 55 gallon low tech tank and the LED's have intrigued me. The Marineland 48-60 Double bright fixture looks like it would get lighting I need but I'm. Just looking for some confirmation. From all I've been able to find it should put me right around a PAR of 30 if the lights about 22 inches from the substrate. One concern I have is the coverage at the bottom. I hear these fixtures can be a bit too focused on what is directly below it. Anyone have any experience with this particular light? Thanks!
I'd be surprised if you could even get 30 par at the substrate with those LEDs, I'd say it's more likely less. This also really limits your choice of plants. Despite the fact that LEDs look neat, you'd probably get better results with a basic T5 or T8 fluorescent bulb.
Information I found in the LED lighting compendium sticky indicated that it would be about 35 par at 24 inches. I just wanted some opinions from those who might have used this same unit. I was hoping 13 wide wouldn't be a big deal for the lens issue on this light.
I used a double-bright on a 30-gallon low-tech with great success. Note that on the double-bright, the white and blue LED's cannot be timed separately without re-wiring the unit.
Marineland has a new unit out with integrated timers. It's also much brighter and might be more light than you are looking for.
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