Need a quick answer about lighting

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A lot to consider with this. If it actually put out the equivalent of 100 fluorescent watts in a correct K rating, then maybe. Depending on the plants (if you say hair grass swords, etc) I wouldn't use DIY co2. Your plants won't necessarily need it unless they are hitting a pretty intense photoperiod (3-5 watts per gallon). Your fish will thank you for not having fluctuating pH in their tank from the co2 changing levels so rapidly.

BTW, if you bought this hairgrass at Petco, it's actually some form of varegated rush (usually japanese) and isn't an aquatic plant. If you want something like it, go to your LFS (not petco/mart) and inquire about microsword.
 
cassharper;1612781; said:
A lot to consider with this. If it actually put out the equivalent of 100 fluorescent watts in a correct K rating, then maybe. Depending on the plants (if you say hair grass swords, etc) I wouldn't use DIY co2. Your plants won't necessarily need it unless they are hitting a pretty intense photoperiod (3-5 watts per gallon). Your fish will thank you for not having fluctuating pH in their tank from the co2 changing levels so rapidly.

BTW, if you bought this hairgrass at Petco, it's actually some form of varegated rush (usually japanese) and isn't an aquatic plant. If you want something like it, go to your LFS (not petco/mart) and inquire about microsword.
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thanks for the info. i will be buying the hair grass online from one of the recommended sites from the sticky at the top of this thread.

does anyone know how it compares to flourescent and if this guys info is true, and would be good for plants and fish:


[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]Specifications ANGLE OF LED 120 DEGREES[/FONT]​
[FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]COLOR[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]BRIGHT WHITE[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]Dimensions:[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]2.83 FEET L X 1.5 INCHES W[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]LEDs:[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]198 [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]GIVES[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]100 WATTS OF LIGHT[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]Watts USING[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]11[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]LUMENS[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]697[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]MCD[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]1200[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]Approvals:[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Geneva, Arial]UL LISTED, CE 110 VOLT[/FONT]
Description:
 
11 watts of LED light will be very bright, and the Kelvin rating is fine for plant growth, but there is no specification to color peaks of the light, which most LEDs do not have the proper color peaks. Now the problems with your questions. First, you don't tell us what size your aquarium is. If you have a tank that is very shallow, but wide, this light won't work. If you tank is very narrow and 30"+ tall, then this light will work well. You gallons also will be needed, as a small water amount with this light (assuming the color peaks are right) may need pressurized co2.
 
WyldFya;1613135; said:
11 watts of LED light will be very bright, and the Kelvin rating is fine for plant growth, but there is no specification to color peaks of the light, which most LEDs do not have the proper color peaks. Now the problems with your questions. First, you don't tell us what size your aquarium is. If you have a tank that is very shallow, but wide, this light won't work. If you tank is very narrow and 30"+ tall, then this light will work well. You gallons also will be needed, as a small water amount with this light (assuming the color peaks are right) may need pressurized co2.
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Thanks Wyldfya, the tank im going to begin with is a 20 gallon long (I believe its a 20g, i found it in my garage). This is the tank:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szH3JCWZR7A

I thought the Kelvin rating was color? What kind of peaks should i be looking for? And is I make a bracket that will hold this light several feet above the tank, will it compensate for is shallowness? thanks!
Here is some more info he listed:

Description:
Model:W-198
Specifacations:
198pcs High bright 5mm LED
LED intensity:Ine LED IV 1200~1400MCD,3.5 lumens,white color,120 degree,
Lamp length:3.1 feet,Diameter:27.4mm;Weight:1 LBS
Cord length:1.65 feet
Variable Voltage:60HZ,110V,AC,
Spot power:198LED=11W
Color temperature:7500K
Operating Temperature:-15 to +65
Life:10 Years,80,000 hours
Water Resistant
2 Brackets and 2 screws for fix
cord length:6.56 feet
110 VOLT
 
Really seems too cheap to me. I spent $150 on retro Tek2 2x54watts kit and bulbs. I could have bought 10 of these instead. If they work so well, I think every one should use them just for cost alone, 90% off lighting is great. Might work well to view fish, but growing plants I dunno.

I just fear it is too good to be true.
 
Spiritwind;1613961; said:
Really seems too cheap to me. I spent $150 on retro Tek2 2x54watts kit and bulbs. I could have bought 10 of these instead. If they work so well, I think every one should use them just for cost alone, 90% off lighting is great. Might work well to view fish, but growing plants I dunno.

I just fear it is too good to be true.
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yeah, thats what it seems. i bought one anyway, cant really go wrong for 16 bucks shipped i guess, so we'll find out.
 
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