180 Lighting

969 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by exv152, Mar 14, 2014

Topekoms

Discussion Starter · Mar 10, 2014

Ok i am currently building a 180. I have been looking at this
http://www.rapidled.com/freshwater-180g-tank-dimmable-kit/

I have LEDs on my reef tank and love them but i am not sure this will be enough for a Medium light tank. Also been thinking of T5 like this

http://www.lowes.com/pd_391750-337-...RL=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

http://www.lowes.com/pd_551931-4607...RL=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

Which do you guys think is my best option. I have also looked at Buildmyled and they are way out of budget for me considering they recommended 2 fixtures at like $400 a pop i just can't justify that expense as compaired to RapidLED that i could add more LEDs to the system as $$ and need arises.

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

Matsnork

· #2 · Mar 10, 2014

If you are on a budget and want powerful led lighting then maybe do a simple multi chip build? It´s fun if you are into building stuff... Just find some old computer heatsinks and ad driver + leds and go from there.

My plants are bubbling away nicely under simple cheap cold white leds.

Edit: Will it be open top?

Save

Topekoms

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 10, 2014

No it will have a canopy

Save

Matsnork

· #4 · Mar 11, 2014

Topekoms said:
No it will have a canopy

That makes electronics/heatsinks easier to hide.

Save

Topekoms

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 11, 2014

Ok do you think that RapidLED fixures will be enough for a Med lighted tank?

Save

Topekoms

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 14, 2014

Bump

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

Save

Rush3737

· #7 · Mar 14, 2014

For medium light I'd say I've had good results with my 48" Diamond Plate T8 fixtures from Home Depot. However you'll want something that goes to the ends of your tank or you'll have highly varying PAR throughout the tank.

While it will be expensive, I think most will say two 72" LED fixtures will end up being your best bet.

Save

exv152

· #8 · Mar 14, 2014

Unfortunately, good LEDs will cost you either way you look at it. Finnex is still a very affordable option but you'll need two (or four 36") fixtures to get med light at a height of 24". Not sure how deep your tank is, assuming it's the standard 72x24x24. But that's still expensive too.

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month