[chan1011]

I originally posted in Low Tech one:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=581593

Open to suggestions

DIY LED installed with pics!!

 

[Raymond S.]

#1 a grow panel would blow that tank away/w algae.
Check on that particular kind but most shrimp like it 75F or less.
Great plant choices especially the regular baby tears.
You would be surprised at how many people sucessfully use CFL to light their tanks/w.

 

[chan1011]

#1 a grow panel would blow that tank away/w algae.
Check on that particular kind but most shrimp like it 75F or less.
Great plant choices especially the regular baby tears.
You would be surprised at how many people sucessfully use CFL to light their tanks/w.

Oh thanks for the tip on the LED grow panel, I'll be sure to avoid that!

I just don't like CFL because the price compared to a DIY LED is much higher. Also, CFL's will need replacement every year. I'm hoping that this DIY LED will negate a lot of CFL issues. I didn't want to spend another $200-$250 on a pre-made LED system.

I'm aiming for a 1.5~2.0 w/gallon equivalent with the LED's, but obviously it a bit more tricky to figure out. Considering that I'm at 0.5w with my current light and things aren't dying I'm not too worried

 

[sbinf]

It looks lovely. The tall wood feature really helps to eat up some of the height. I'm always in awe of people that can make classy looking scapes. I just throw the plants, wood, and rocks in, and let everything grow wild.

 

[Raymond S.]

The WPG formula looses it's effectiveness when dealing/w a tall tank.
What type of CFL bulb are you using that cost MORE than an LED set up ?
Can you give a link to a picture of them ?
Measuring from the top of the sub to the bottom of the bulb, tanks/w more than about 15" will need either more bulbs or higher Watts. The 13W and even the 9W ones are good(1 of them) for a 12" tall tank such as a 10g or 2 for a 20L tank.

 

[chan1011]

The WPG formula looses it's effectiveness when dealing/w a tall tank.
What type of CFL bulb are you using that cost MORE than an LED set up ?
Can you give a link to a picture of them ?
Measuring from the top of the sub to the bottom of the bulb, tanks/w more than about 15" will need either more bulbs or higher Watts. The 13W and even the 9W ones are good(1 of them) for a 12" tall tank such as a 10g or 2 for a 20L tank.

Option 1:
I understand that for CFL I could use the screw in type with a U shape, and possibly use 2 for my tank, but I would like to avoid CFL - due to heat output and annual replacement. This will probably cost me around $60-$80 where I live.

Option 2:
Pre-made LED solutions for aquatic plants are very expensive. This will cost me around $200-$250 for a high end solution, and maybe $60 for a clip-on, but that would require the removal of my hood and hard to find the correct spectrum they are usually 10000K.

Option 3:
My planned DIY LED is currently costing me $30, plus some soldering and glue-gun work. Of course I'll have to monitor the effectiveness of this system.


Of course I'll have to adjust my plans as I test different things, I'll start with a 6 hour photo-period and slowly move up to determine what's best for my environment.

 

[chan1011]

It looks lovely. The tall wood feature really helps to eat up some of the height. I'm always in awe of people that can make classy looking scapes. I just throw the plants, wood, and rocks in, and let everything grow wild.

Thanks It's actually really easy and I'm sure anyone can do it, my best advice is to plan the entire aquascape before adding water.

Do your hardscape outside the tank, then inside, then plant everything without water, when you are finally happy add water afterwards

 

[chan1011]

Updated with $30 LED retrofit.