[griffin_pak]

Here are the two competitors, same price

24" T5 Dual 48W - Plant 6500K version

Features:
Dimensions - 23.50” x 5.00” x 1.70”
Supports 2x 24W T5 HO fluorescent lamps
Standard T5 sockets
Extendable bracket - 30.00" max extend



OR

24" - 36" Freshwater Bright LED by Beamworks
Use the 6500K white LED during the day and the Actinic Blue 460nm LED during the night. Long lasting LEDs with no bulb replacement required.

Extendable brackets - 24"-36".
Dimensions - 23.00” x 5.00” x 1.00”
Brackets add 0.65" in height
Includes 78 LEDs
400 Lumen
Super energy efficient .06 watt LEDs
72x 6500K LEDs
6x Actinic 460nm LEDs
Uses 7 watts

 

[griffin_pak]

Any help will be highly appreciated.
My main concern is: will the LEDs be as bright as the bulbs?


Thank you everyone again

 

[Algae Beater]

leds as low wattage as that have a very low intensity. and will not be all that bright.

 

[Chlorophile]

LED would probably work for a low light tank.

 

[griffin_pak]

Thanks for the advice everyone... I want the LED because it looks sleeker plus it will save money on the bills. But brightness is an issue!


Also My tank is 12 inches high...

 

[tulip55555]

If you plan on having plants go with the T5

 

[Chlorophile]

I doubt it will be too dim to get the job done.
If you want high light, then it definitely wont be that.
But plants can grow pretty quick with low light and co2 once they adapt and make the correct enzymes.
You didn't mention your intentions for the tank either, if its not going to have co2 then I wouldn't bother with 48w of t5ho over a 12 inch deep tank, even one bulb will be a lot of light for a tank that shallow without co2.

 

[kamikazi]

according to Hoppys chart a two bulb t5ho light would have to be a foot above the tank to be high light. Any lower would be too high. Unfortunately his chart doesnt address LEDs.

If you go with the t5ho, 12 inches above the tank CO2 injection will be a must.

I'd problably go with the LED fixture and do a low light tank.

Honestly if I had that tank I would light it with screw in CFLs and a clip light or two.

 

[Sharkfood]

400 lumen is very, very low, if that's the total output of that LED light.

A T8 bulb blows the pants off that.

 

[griffin_pak]

Yup, I wish to go the plant route, high light/co2 and everything

I will purchase the T5HO

Thank you all, thank you especially to kamikazi for that chart, I was actually going to just place the light right over the tank and not hang it!!!

 

[kuni]

A desklamp with a CFL would be better than both of the options you list. Or a nice ceiling pendant.

 

[IWANNAGOFAST]

pick up a par38 bulb

 

[griffin_pak]

thanks for the suggestions everyone, went with the T5HO, always like to "overkill"

you guys should see my diy stand.... diy tank thread coming soon

 

[Hoppy]

thanks for the suggestions everyone, went with the T5HO, always like to "overkill"

you guys should see my diy stand.... diy tank thread coming soon

When you overkill lighting you often kill enthusiasm for planted tanks. Who enjoys constantly battling ugly algae infestations? "High light" is just so 1990's.