Lighting question

[ineke]

i have an Aqua one 980 with lighting built into the hood. I wanted to replace the hood and get an LED system but my tank measures 99 cm so it's an awkward size. I know there are lights available that cover 90-120 cm - can anyone recommend something- I mainly have mosses and Java fern so don't need plant strength lighting.  The other thing I wondered is there an adapter that would allow me to use my hood but with  LED tubes ? There are 3 tubes in the hood at least 2 different sizes - I need to pull it apart to check out the fluro sizes and haven't done that yet but 2 tubes died this week so perfect time to replace or upgrade.

[fishmosy]

I would recommend the Up AQUA Pro Z or even the U series if you eventually want to grow serious plants. Can't comment on whether they would fit exactly on your tank given its odd size but with my 60cm pro z on my 60cm tank, I have to keep the legs inside the dimensions of the light so it will sit on the tank (hope that makes sense). If not, you could always suspend the light on wire from a frame. I'm pretty sure @NoGi built a cool frame for his lights using box metal from Bunnings.

 

[NoGi]

Can't find my 4' LED write up but I used the same stuff as with my old nano

 

[jayc]

Ineke,

i fit an UP Aqua Pro Z into my AR126 hood. 

So a 90cm  Pro Z would fit your AR980 hood.

but the old light fittings need to be gutted and removed first.

A drill bit and a hack saw might be needed to cut the plastic hood, to fit the power plug through, but its not difficult for a home DIY handyperson.

[ineke]

Thanks guys . I'm not going to grow serious plants - I had beautiful leafy plants growing in that tank but took most out so I could see the shrimp. I Ve been down the home made LED lighting but even with the highest rating I could buy the light didn't get to the bottom of the tank - it's very wide and very deep . I have Aqua one plantglo lights in my shrimp room and I'm happy with them so I might take one of those and see how it looks on the tank. I thought there was an adaptor that would allow LED tubes to be used if I decide to keep the hood. I only have half the hood on as I don't use the overhead filter that came with the tank and would prefer it gone altogether because it holds a lot of heat in on hot days even with the lights off. 

[ineke]

I have order the Aqua u series light from Newbreed aquatics. I have gone for an oversize - 120cm - as the 90 cm isn't quite long enough. I don't want to use the hood so this is the best solution . Thanks for your input.

Edited November 18, 2015 by ineke

[ineke]

I received my light yesterday and WOW it is very bright. I can see bits of my tank I could never see before. Taking the hood of the Aqua one made a big difference in itself but the light is fantastic. I do have good LED plant lights in my shrimp room but they are no where near as good as these. As the tank is very deep and very wide I thought there would still be dark spots but it's great. The shrimp were stunned for a while LOL but they have plenty of hiding places. Funny thing is they are out even more than before.

[jayc]

Of course the mandatory pics is in order.

[ineke]

Here are the before and after shots. I miss the look of the hood but the tank is staying much cooler. I need some better before pictures -will see what I can find.

Here is another before picture but with a different setup

It doesn't really show how much difference there is unfortunately but it's a huge difference

[jayc]

Oh yeah, definitely heaps brighter.

Almost 50% brighter I'd say.

[NoGi]

Very nice

[Foxpuppet]

I'll have to post some pics of mine, same tank but with a maxspect glaive, love the coverage and the adjustability of the LED's mine is the 1m model

[Foxpuppet]

This is my 980 with the glaive.... Get nice pearling with my current custom settings.

Video showing some of my custom presets

https://vimeo.com/151371778

And the general use 60-80% mix with no green channel. This is the most used.

[jc12]

2 hours ago, Foxpuppet said:

 

Is that a crinum? It looks amazing! Some day I'll get one when I can afford it. Haha.

[Foxpuppet]

 

Is that a crinum? It looks amazing! Some day I'll get one when I can afford it. Haha.

What's affordable?

[jc12]

What's affordable?

I think crinums are selling for around $50-$120 depending on size. They are still out of my price range. I think the most expensive plants I have bought are around $20. I'm a poor man. Haha.

Similarly I would love to get a Madagascar lace but they are even more expensive and I don't think they could be propagated.

I used to live in Singapore where Madagascar lace cost me $12 each. That was a while ago though. Still it is ok to dream couldn't I. Haha.