lighting advice

[revolutionhope]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get some feedback and opinions about what are suitable and importantly best value for money (think low-end) LED lights for 2 foot tanks. I potentially might have a few slightly larger tanks but for now I only have 2 foot tanks and one 2 1/2 foot.

I don't need anything intense for plant growth I just want to be able to grow moss, algae and biofilm effectively.

Showing shrimp at their best is not important for me either, Currently in my breeding tanks I'm using old T8 lights and a bit sick of them. I am very happy with the built-in LED lights on my cull tank in the lounge and that is only a cheap aqua-one eco? 20ish litre tank so obviously I'm not too fussy.

The key thing is I just want something more efficient that will be efficient and provide good coverage for my tanks.

love n peace

will

[jc12]

I think the Worx LEDs from our sponsors are pretty suitable for what you have described. They are relatively cheap and would do what you want i.e. grow moss, algae and biofilm.

As for efficient I think it depends if you are after a low energy LED light or a cheap value for money + good output light. I don't think Worx LEDs are necessary low energy lights but again it depends on what you are comparing them with.

Alternatively I would suggest 5050 or 5630 DIY strip LEDs.

[revolutionhope]

Cheers jc12, i have looked into the pet worx led now and i am surprised at the cost of them, i expected led lighting would have become much cheaper by now! I think I'm going to have to be patient until I have the time to put together the strip LED's :-) I was wondering if I could use one of the smaller led setups and fit it on to a larger tank but I guess it's not such a good idea.

From my quick research the overall cost is several times less than the cost of purchasing a built system. It will take a lot of time for me to do given my lack of practical ability but there are definitely lots of good how-tos on youtube and the experience and knowledge I'll gain will be great.

Thanks again :-)

love n peace

will

[jc12]

Another idea came to mind. Perhaps get T8 LED tubes and replace your current T8 normal tubes. I think you can get them from eBay but I don't know much about them to give you any other info. Cheers.

[FMuscle]

I saw those LED tubes at Bunning a while back, but if I recall correctly, they were only available in 4ft. If I see them in 6ft I might try them.

[revolutionhope]

ebay has them in 6 foot (and 2 foot) ive been reading up on them tonight and they have on average 30% better efficiency than old t8 fluro but of course it depends on which brand/model of fluro and led you are comparing. one obvious benefit is that fluros are omni directional and waste a lot of light which has to bounce off the reflector above

[FMuscle]

Still expensive, the cheapest one in stock (most 6ft are sold out) had to come from uk at around $60-70...

[revolutionhope]

bummer. guessing you already have a 6ft t8 fixture?

[FMuscle]

Yep, one came with the original tank, not sure of all the specs, but I know for sure it's a 6ft tube,