Trying to Decide Between These Two Beamswork LED Fixtures

3666 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Brian Feeder of Fish, Nov 8, 2016

Brian Feeder of Fish

Discussion Starter · Nov 7, 2016

I'm looking to get a light for a 29 gallon tank that gives me some ability to grow plants. I plan to add CO2 to the setup in a month or two, but I don't have any right now.

I'm on a rather tight budget, and after doing a good bit of research, I think I'm going to get a Beamswork LED fixture. I'm trying to decide which of these two I should go for:

ET 6500K 0.50W LED Aquarium Light Freshwater Plant Beamswork 18 24 30 36 48
DHL 36 6500K LED Aquarium Light Timer Freshwater Plant Discus 45x 1W Beamswork

Both can be found by copying and searching on a certain popular auction website with a four letter name which I can't mention. (Not trying to violate forum rules, this is just where I'm looking and what I'm looking at.)

Anyway, what I'm wondering is generally what can anybody say about the quantitative aspects of these lights, and what experience you might have. I couldn't find anything about these particular models, but Beamswork in general looks pretty good, so I thought I'd ask.

Alternatively, if I'm way off on the suitability of these for plants, or if anyone can think of a better fixture in that price range, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks,
Brian

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

jeffkrol

· #2 · Nov 7, 2016

Not sure there are "better" at their price range.. though there are plenty of equivalent Chinese types out there..
Generally speaking any 5 row .5w LED fixtures are suitable for growing some plants..
The DHL 1W ones are a bit newer and AFAICT no real good "independent" testing on them..
The 3 row ET is too weak, in general..
@36" you are looking at 4500 lumens vs 1800...

note the DHL is quite cool in color ...
5 row fspec has the colored diodes for added "pop"

Beamswork DA FSPEC LED

@36" listed as 5000 lumens..
$59.95

Save

Brian Feeder of Fish

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 8, 2016

So the DA would be the best option for me, over the DHL or ET? I do like the colored lights, and price wise it's acceptable.

Just throwing out an idea, would 2 of the ETs be comparable in terms of growing capability, or would I still be better off with the DA? Just thinking, since 2 ETs looks slightly cheaper. I really don't have much experience with all this.

Thanks,
Brian

Save

jeffkrol

· #4 · Nov 8, 2016

If you had a wider tank, 2 ETs would have some benefits. 3600 lumens.
So 2 of those or one of the other 2 are daily equivalent. They may differ more in look than any plant "functionality" .

Save

Brian Feeder of Fish

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 8, 2016

Well, I think I'm going to go ahead and get the DA model. It seems like the best all around option.

Thanks,
Brian

Save

jeffkrol

· #6 · Nov 8, 2016

Brian Feeder of Fish said:
Well, I think I'm going to go ahead and get the DA model. It seems like the best all around option.

Thanks,
Brian

Just make sure it is the 5 row model.. There is a 3 and not as good, believe it is just listed as fspec.. Beamworks can be confusing..

Save

Hilde

· #7 · Nov 8, 2016

How about an Odyssea 30" T5 HO. That is what I have bought for my 29g. You can use just 2 bulbs. Without injecting Co2 will have algae problems. I don't know the cost for I got it 1/2 price for member of aquarium club. Check for aquarium club near you.

You are planning to inject Co2?

Save

Brian Feeder of Fish

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 8, 2016

Yeah, going for the 5 row one you listed.

I'm pretty sure I want LED, so I don't have to worry about changing bulbs every few months. Seems like a hassle/expensive, and the startup initial cost wasn't that much less. LED lighting also tends to look better, in my experience.

Thanks,
Brian

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