So we all know that when you use a fluorescent, halide, or halogen bulb that we need to replace them annually for best PAR etc etc. Has there been any study in reference to the basically still new technology of planted and reef LED systems? Companies claim 20,000+ hours of life expectancy but do the LEDs hold their strength over that time? I'm only curious because I'm about to do a planted tank and although LEDs are sweet, plant versions are kinda pricey and I want to know I will still be getting my moneys worth a year from now. Thanks all!
Planted Tank LEDs ?
- Thread starter Red_Man
- Start date
LED's are known for that 1 in 4 will not last as long as the manufacturer states it'll last; When it comes to planted aquariums I prefer to use T5HO dual or quad fixtures because it allows me to focus in on plants 2 chlorophyll stages with each stage peaking at different wavelengths. Yes this can be done with a LED fixture but say I want to change over to saltwater in a year or so, I can just get new bulbs for the T5HO fixture instead of having to buy a new fixture.
But it all depends on tank size ?"x?"x?", low-medium-high light plants, substrate, type of fertilizers, and co2 source. Such as this...
My current planted tank specs...
Tank size - 30 gallon (36"x12"x16")
Lighting - 36" T5HO dual bulb (6500k, wavepoint ultra growth wave)
Mix of low-medium-high light plants
Substrate - 3" Flourite original
Co2 DIY co2 system for now
Fertilizers - Dry fertilizers, with osmocote plus original w/ calcium following EI dosing
So yes what you said is true that T5HO bulbs should be replaced at least once a year to maintain PAR, and that LED fixtures do last longer. With that said there's only a few affordable LED fixtures that won't break the bank that target both stages of chlorophyll in plants. Such as the Finnex Planted+ is one of affordable fixtures for planted tanks that target the chlorophyll peaks.
But it all depends on tank size ?"x?"x?", low-medium-high light plants, substrate, type of fertilizers, and co2 source. Such as this...
My current planted tank specs...
Tank size - 30 gallon (36"x12"x16")
Lighting - 36" T5HO dual bulb (6500k, wavepoint ultra growth wave)
Mix of low-medium-high light plants
Substrate - 3" Flourite original
Co2 DIY co2 system for now
Fertilizers - Dry fertilizers, with osmocote plus original w/ calcium following EI dosing
So yes what you said is true that T5HO bulbs should be replaced at least once a year to maintain PAR, and that LED fixtures do last longer. With that said there's only a few affordable LED fixtures that won't break the bank that target both stages of chlorophyll in plants. Such as the Finnex Planted+ is one of affordable fixtures for planted tanks that target the chlorophyll peaks.
I have a 20x20x20 35g cube. I plan to use Aquadert from Aquariumplants.com
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Freshwater-Aquarium-Plant-Substrate-p/ss.htm
and their tab system when needed. As far as liquids I have no idea yet as this will be my first planted attempt. I do know I want to have dwarf hair grass, giant hair grass, christmas moss walls and some placed on driftwood, and will like the option of adding some red down the road so high lighting requirements will be needed. Co2 will be pieced together from aquatek-california.com.
http://aquatek-california.com/
Lighting is planed to be Marineland Aquatic Plant LED w/ timer.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085TVDUO...lid=2PUHVWEYWFF0F&coliid=I3GT42IU1GAR9B&psc=1
All I know is theory right now. Never actually tried growing anything. Just have a list of stuff I have heard good results about.
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Freshwater-Aquarium-Plant-Substrate-p/ss.htm
and their tab system when needed. As far as liquids I have no idea yet as this will be my first planted attempt. I do know I want to have dwarf hair grass, giant hair grass, christmas moss walls and some placed on driftwood, and will like the option of adding some red down the road so high lighting requirements will be needed. Co2 will be pieced together from aquatek-california.com.
http://aquatek-california.com/
Lighting is planed to be Marineland Aquatic Plant LED w/ timer.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085TVDUO...lid=2PUHVWEYWFF0F&coliid=I3GT42IU1GAR9B&psc=1
All I know is theory right now. Never actually tried growing anything. Just have a list of stuff I have heard good results about.
Ok the Marineland Aquatic Plant LED has low PAR values, so I'd go with a Finnex Ray2 Aquarium LED Daylight is better than the Marineland Aquatic Plant LED at growing dwarf hairgrass. The Finnex Ray2 Aquarium LED has dual rows of 7000k daylight led's, it's the perfect LED fixture for beginners starting their first planted tank.
This will grow just about anything, I would go with the 24" Finnex Ray2 DS!!!
http://www.aquavibrant.com/finnex-ray-ii-ultra-slim-led-ds-dual-7000k.html
This will grow just about anything, I would go with the 24" Finnex Ray2 DS!!!
http://www.aquavibrant.com/finnex-ray-ii-ultra-slim-led-ds-dual-7000k.html
I like the Finnex Planted + & the Finnex Ray 2. I could use one of each since the 18" versions are both sub $100 and I'll just put the Ray 2 on it's own timer! Appreciate your input
xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx
When I get more of the project put together I will post a thread. Just getting started :/
xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx
When I get more of the project put together I will post a thread. Just getting started :/
The handful of videos posted on YouTube that I have seen say good things. The results are mixed as no two people like the same plants but I think they mostly like it just for the color settings and the slim design. The PAR values are weak according to their graph, but the graph states the PAR values where taken while the light was on the "yellow" setting which I think hurt the test results. I did however just purchase the Fluval AquaSky 48" and I like it for a regular stock tank but I doubt it would grow any plants. Plus the storm feature is kinda nifty when I have guests.
