What type of lighting do you prefer, whats your stance on LEDs

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
B

bsass588

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 15, 2013
14
0
0
Wisconsin
Hey so I'm looking into doing a custom build on a tank and am considering led lighting, because I can change the colors and they are very efficient. When considering this type of lighting do you think its fine to pick up some LED strips from the local hardware store. To my knowledge freshwater fish will do fine without any special types of UV or intensities of light emitted.
For 80 dollars I can get a 118'' light strip with controller that allows me to use 16 different color variations.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Illume-L...r-and-Remote-Controller-I-RGBTP118/204379802#
 
While i have no real experience with LED's i guess the important question is, do you ever plan on going planted, or is this strictly hardscape + fish at most type of setup?


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
I have no experience with LEDs but I do have a dual t5. I love this light best light I've owned for plants.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Typically hardware-store LEDs are not bright enough to get the "shimmer" effect that is the best part about LED lighting. Typically you want to look for lighting with at least one watt per LED. I have used the Double-bright Marineland LED fixtures and like them a lot, but I think there may be better options available now.
 
LEDs are fantastic. You get the shimmer effect, they do not generate heat, and the cost pennies per month to operate. If the tank is fish only, then LEDs should be your only option. If its plants you are after, then new Plant and Reef capable LEDs are now available, albeit pricey. In other words, if you are buying new lighting, then LEDs are simply the way to go. They may not be the cheapest option, but they pay for themselves (eventually) over their long long long lives.
 
Dan F said:
Typically hardware-store LEDs are not bright enough to get the "shimmer" effect that is the best part about LED lighting. Typically you want to look for lighting with at least one watt per LED. I have used the Double-bright Marineland LED fixtures and like them a lot, but I think there may be better options available now.
Click to expand...

I agree with this, but I have used even single bright Marineland LEDs to great success.
 
I have run both single and double bright on non-planted tanks and have them on all my tanks now (none are really planted) they give good light and are cheap to run. I always use smaller fixtures or multiple small fistures on different timers or to produce a subdued effect. I don't like my tanks overly bright. My 225 has three 18" doubles and a 36" single over the center that goes on one hour before and turns off one hour after the others. The double brights do give a better shimmer. The Reef/plant LEDs are $$$.
 
Aquanero said:
I have run both single and double bright on non-planted tanks and have them on all my tanks now (none are really planted) they give good light and are cheap to run. I always use smaller fixtures or multiple small fistures on different timers or to produce a subdued effect. I don't like my tanks overly bright. My 225 has three 18" doubles and a 36" single over the center that goes on one hour before and turns off one hour after the others. The double brights do give a better shimmer. The Reef/plant LEDs are $$$.
Click to expand...

Very pricey indeed!
 
I've always been intrigued by the idea of weather effect reproduction using LEDs (thunder storms, lightening, sunrise, sunset, clouds passing overhead, etc) I think if these effects were combined/synchronized with sound effects, like though produced by a sound machine that replicates nature sounds, that would be a tank to see.

Also I am intrigues by the use of LED cannons to create columns of shimmering light.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom