Recommend an LED system

[gliebig]

I think I've decided to go with an LED pendant. Coming from reef tanks, I'm used to high light. I want to be sure that I don't overdo it, so please send me some ideas.
Looking for a 72" fixture just enough to grow a couple plants.

(If they don't make 72" fixtures, I could just do two smaller ones)

[CalmSeasQuest]

I'm also in the process of building my first planted tank (after 20+ years of reefs.) The learning curve is steep, and there are major differences - especially when it comes to lighting.

You'll probably have to provide more information on what you're trying to accomplish. In freshwater, lighting systems seem to be divided into two types - hi and low tech. HiTech is more light (still comparatively little compared to reef lighting) which generally uses pressurized CO2 and the use of fertilizer.

For reference, I decided on TruLumenPro 23W LEDS in 8,000K over a 36" 12G long using CO2 and fertilizer (ADA process w/AquaSoil.) This provides about ~80 PAR at the substrate.

Good luck - It takes a bit to get used to 8,000K after years of actinics

[gliebig]

Lowtech is all I'm going for. My tank will mostly be for fish with a couple plants mixed in.
I was looking at the new Marineland Aquatic Plant LED systems. I'm a bit confused on the sizes. They say 24"-36", 36"-48"...so exactly how long is each unit? They don't make a 72", so would I need 2 of the 24-36 or 2 of the 36-48?

See here:
http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquari...ng-System.aspx

[BS87]

The smaller number is the actual size of the unit. It has legs on either side, which extend out to let it fit larger tanks. So the 24-36 is 24" long, but with legs extended, will fit the 36" tanks.

[gliebig]

Originally Posted by BS87

The smaller number is the actual size of the unit. It has legs on either side, which extend out to let it fit larger tanks. So the 24-36 is 24" long, but with legs extended, will fit the 36" tanks.

Gotcha. That clears it up.

So...

a) Would two of the 24" units spread light well enough over a 6' tank?
b) The 24" comes with 23 1watt white LEDs and 6 3watt RGB LEDs. x that by two = 81watts. Is that too little over a 125 to grow some plants?

[Sierra255]

Originally Posted by gliebig

Lowtech is all I'm going for. My tank will mostly be for fish with a couple plants mixed in.
I was looking at the new Marineland Aquatic Plant LED systems. I'm a bit confused on the sizes. They say 24"-36", 36"-48"...so exactly how long is each unit? They don't make a 72", so would I need 2 of the 24-36 or 2 of the 36-48?

See here:
http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquari...ng-System.aspx

The lights themselves are just shy of the shortest measurement given. For instance, on a 24"-36" light, the light is 22-23" long with legs or feet that will extend up to 12" for a total overall length of 36". For a 72" long aquarium, you would need two of the 36"-48" units. You will, however, need a place for the legs to rest in the middle, or you could suspend the lights. I currently have a 48"-60" Double Bright light on my 55 gallon and I like it, though with it on a timer, I don't get to use the moon lights. Oh well. From the reading I've done, it puts me on the low end of medium light. Plants are growing well with it. I have been contemplating getting an Aquatic Plant Capable unit, but I haven't seen the prices of them yet. I think they're going to be about the same as the Reef Capable lights.

I just looked them up and they're expensive. The unit I would need is around $500. Ouch. I may have to look into a DIY project to build a lighting system. I'm just clueless when it comes to LED lights.

[gliebig]

Originally Posted by Sierra255

The lights themselves are just shy of the shortest measurement given. For instance, on a 24"-36" light, the light is 22-23" long with legs or feet that will extend up to 12" for a total overall length of 36". For a 72" long aquarium, you would need two of the 36"-48" units. You will, however, need a place for the legs to rest in the middle, or you could suspend the lights. I currently have a 48"-60" Double Bright light on my 55 gallon and I like it, though with it on a timer, I don't get to use the moon lights. Oh well. From the reading I've done, it puts me on the low end of medium light. Plants are growing well with it. I have been contemplating getting an Aquatic Plant Capable unit, but I haven't seen the prices of them yet. I think they're going to be about the same as the Reef Capable lights.

I just looked them up and they're expensive. The unit I would need is around $500. Ouch. I may have to look into a DIY project to build a lighting system. I'm just clueless when it comes to LED lights.

Yeah, I may have to look for something a bit cheaper. The Planted LED system i would prob need would be the 36" unit x2= ~$720. OUCH.

So, if I did 2 of the 36" Double Bright fixtures it would only be ~$250. Will plants grow well under this unit as opposed to the "Planted" specific unit?

[JasonG75]

For low tech just go to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up a 72" Shop light? Most shop lights will take care of the needs of MOST low light (Lowtech) setups. Save the cash for something else.

[jeremyTR]

There's the Odyssea T5HO. 36" is 45 bucks although their reflectors aren't the greatest.

Sent from my HTC Evo 4G

[gliebig]

Originally Posted by JasonG75

For low tech just go to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up a 72" Shop light? Most shop lights will take care of the needs of MOST low light (Lowtech) setups. Save the cash for something else.

I would, but I'm looking for something that gives me the shimmer of metal halides. I think it adds so much to the visual appeal of a tank, that I don't want to setup without it.

[Sierra255]

Originally Posted by gliebig

Yeah, I may have to look for something a bit cheaper. The Planted LED system i would prob need would be the 36" unit x2= ~$720. OUCH.

So, if I did 2 of the 36" Double Bright fixtures it would only be ~$250. Will plants grow well under this unit as opposed to the "Planted" specific unit?

Plants are growing great under my Double Bright fixture. Of course, they're all easy to grow, low light plants. You will be a little limited in what you can grow, but there are plenty that will be able to grow easily.

[gliebig]

Originally Posted by Sierra255

Plants are growing great under my Double Bright fixture. Of course, they're all easy to grow, low light plants. You will be a little limited in what you can grow, but there are plenty that will be able to grow easily.

What happens with these fixtures when the lights need replacing? Can you purchase new LEDs for it?

[Soujirou]

I don't remember the advertised lifetime of the LEDs, but in theory you should not have to ever replace them unless they break. In that case, hopefully it's under warranty.

There is a video on Youtube of someone who combined multiple double bright units on a large tank simply by pulling the legs out of the side of one unit, clipping the legs of another unit and running those into the first unit. You could check it out and see if it's something you'd be interested in.

[gliebig]

Originally Posted by Sierra255

Plants are growing great under my Double Bright fixture. Of course, they're all easy to grow, low light plants. You will be a little limited in what you can grow, but there are plenty that will be able to grow easily.

What size tank do you have?