T8 LED Retrofit Bulbs

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ScatMan

ScatMan

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 3, 2010
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can anyone recommend LED bulbs for a 48" T8 fixture? (links would be helpful)

i need it bright enough for low-light plants; anubias and floating hornwort.

i don't mind if it's plug-and-play or if i need to bypass the ballast.
 
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I know the brand Zetlight made LED fictures that fit into a T8 ballast... but the problem is finding the right length, as they all seem quite short...
 
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Fat Homer said:
I know the brand Zetlight made LED fictures that fit into a T8 ballast... but the problem is finding the right length, as they all seem quite short...
Click to expand...

thanks for the tip! if i'm looking at the right thing here, they seem a little pricey. i'm basically trying to upgrade what i have for less money than buying new fixtures.

i am looking at these but i don't know how to tell if they put out enough light to grow plants in an aquarium... any thoughts?
 
I guess i should have asked if you have an open top tank, coz if thats the case then you could probably pick up a set of decent new lights for pretty cheap since you dont seem to keep demanding plants...

Now a days LED's are coming down in price and im sure if you shop around could find something decent???
 
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one tank is open top and one is not... but i could easily ditch the lids.

if those T8 retrofits will grow my plants it will only cost me $70 to take care of both tanks. but if they won't i'm probably looking at $70 to $100 per tank for new fixtures.

so the question now is, how can i tell if the retrofits put out enough light? what am i looking for?
 
Hmmmm... for low light plants i would say they are probably okay (depending on height of the the tank) based on the fact low light plants really arent demanding at all...

Anyhow, since you seem to be after a 48" unit im guessing that means you are lighting a 4-6' tank??? With maybe 18" - 24" off the tank bottom???
 
yes, i'm lighting two standard 55s... about 20" tall, i'm guessing.

i'll try them out. if they're no good i could always use them in the basement.

thanks for your help, Fat Homer!
 
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tiger15 said:
I bought these inexpensive LEDs from Ebay. They give out 5520 lumens, and are only 1.5 inch wide that can fit inside my T8 hood.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-48-LED-L...hash=item41b583dfae:m:m46-cvCC9CIedTMxCgNNmRw

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-48-LED-L...hash=item3d2fb2b5e1:m:mPHvG4uNw2HEPubEFdu-y6Q
Click to expand...

i like those! maybe i'll grab some for my other tanks.

i'm most likely gonna order these T8 retrofits because the price per lumen is better (not 100% sure if that's a good measure of value though, haha) and i'll still be spending less money in total... gives me something to think about though. thanks!
 
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