lighting system in fowlr tank

[dviper150]

So one of my 36" compact florescent light fixtures broke. I wanted to try out a different lighting system. How are the LED lights? I was thinking of getting a "Marineland LED Double Bright Aquarium Lighting System" 36" to replace the CF that broke. I don't how good these are since I have never tried any LEDS before. I don't want to do MH. I am willing to spend up to 250$. Any suggestion? I know on a fowlr setup you really don't need good lighting but just wanted to give something else a try. Thanks for the help.

 

[namxas]

IME, LED's work fine for FOWLR. I think we may even have one of those LED strips that you mentioned, but in the smaller size.

 

[dviper150]

Are their any other fixtures that will be good for a fowlr setup? I just want something different from CF. I really like the LEDS because of how bright they are and the shimmering effects.

 

[DoubleM 10]

i have T-5 HO on all my tanks accept the QT

great price. timer built in. led night lights. easy to set up and operate. easy to turn on and off with a button on the unit. Aquaticlife. both of mine are the 4 bulb fixtures. these things are a bargin for easy of use and convience

 

[namxas]

We have LED's, T5's, PC's, MH, and NO's on our various FOWLR setups. Your choice should be predicated on personal preference as well as what you'll be keeping in the tank (fish as well as inverts/macro algae/vascular plants).

 

[MrTuskfish]

I have LEDs on one tank and will switch all my tanks soon. The & saved on electric ( the lights themselves and the heat they don't produce) & bulb replacement will pay for them in no time. Why wait for the lightbulb police, who are about to ban much incandescent lighting, to ban all the watts used for a hobby?

 

[dviper150]

What LED fixture would you suggest?

 

[MrTuskfish]

What LED fixture would you suggest?

Two of these (basically) on a 240, 8" FOWLR tank. I could have done well with the smaller version (like the fixture in your original post), not designed for reefs. But got a deal I couldn't refuse.
:http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...617&catid=1497 This used to be a reef tank and I sold the old lighting for almost what these cost, and I have no heat to speak of, great light, no bulb replacement, and much less elec costs.

 

[dviper150]

That link isn't loading.

 

[MrTuskfish]

That link isn't loading.

Try this, I'm using two of the 48-60''. In a FOWLR, I think you'd be fine with the "double bright" fixtures. AT F&S, they'll gladly take it back if you're not happy. (Really!) No, I don't work for them.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+22443&pcatid=22443

 

[dviper150]

Thanks! I will look into that one.

 

[dviper150]

Just ordered the double bright marineland LED. Getting it tomorrow so lets see how that turns out.

 

[stangd1909]

Keeps us updated on how you like it.

 

[AC2020x]

Sorry, not to highjack your post but do you think that the reef capable version is actually reef capable.. I was thinking about the 24-36" version for my 29g Tank. Has anyone tried this or have any opinions.

Also I'm really interested on how your double brights turn out! keep us updated!


http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+22443&pcatid=22443

 

[MrTuskfish]

Sorry, not to highjack your post but do you think that the reef capable version is actually reef capable.. I was thinking about the 24-36" version for my 29g Tank. Has anyone tried this or have any opinions.

Also I'm really interested on how your double brights turn out! keep us updated!


http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+22443&pcatid=22443

I talked to someone at F&S who loves the big LEDs on reefs. F&S will refund your $ if you don't like it.

 

[dviper150]

I just set it up. I don't like the color it gives off. Its more like a pale yellow color. I wanted something that has the bluish hint to it too. It is bright and does give the shimmering effect that I like but the color tone isn't great. Doesn't show off the colors of the fish.

I am going to be looking at other LEDs and going to return this one. Not sure how the reef marineland looks though.

 

[stangd1909]

well that sucks...

 

[dviper150]

Yea it does. I am going to see how the reef version looks compared to the double bright LED. I was really looking to find a bluish hint to the color too. Hopefully the reef version will have that.

 

[AC2020x]

Thats a bummer dude, thanks for the update though... I like bulbs that give a bluish color as well.. It seems much more natural for underwater... I'm using 2 compact florescent Coralife actinic bluelight square pin bulbs on my 125. I really like the color they give off but obviously the cost of replacing bulbs, the heat they give off and the 96w on each bulb is a downside.

Hopefully the reef version will look a little better, keep us updated with what you decide to go for!

 

[MrTuskfish]

Yea it does. I am going to see how the reef version looks compared to the double bright LED. I was really looking to find a bluish hint to the color too. Hopefully the reef version will have that.

I'm using the reef capable fixture. Light is about identical (plus the "shimmer") to another tank with 10,000K and actinic blue T-5 lamps. I think you'll like it.