Needing help With LED selection.

[iguess150]

Hey guys, I have a 150 G 60x24x24 glass aquarium. It's been up and running for about 2 years now and have had constant problems with red slime and the occasional bubble here and there. So iv upgraded my sump, skimmer and pumps and am now working on the lights. I have a 60" T5 4 bulb fixture now with 2 blues and 2 10,000 bulbs. The color it gives off is pretty decent. But everyone thinks that is cause my algea problems too. So I'd like to upgrade to LED's. but for my tank how many panels or what size fixtures, or what wattage am I looking for? Iv never had LED's and I wouldn't mind doing a DIY project out of this to save some $$$. So can y'all help me out or point me in the right direction. Iv searched and searched but wanted a few more opinions on my particular set up. Or is there something I could do to my T5 to help? Maybe better bulbs and add an LED strip?? Who knows. Please help me out, Thanks.

 

[mikeatjac]

How much flow do you have in your DT and what do you have for filtration.

 

[iguess150]

I just upgraded everything, now I have a 55 gallon 3 compartment sump, with skimmer and refuge. Eheim 5000+ return pump and 2 1300 GPh power heads, but I have 2 more on the way.

 

[mikeatjac]

Flow helps in the DT and you are lacking IMO. Try to get to 50 times turn over, more if you are in to SPS.

 

[ghostman]

I struggled with red slime for a while when I first started. What helped me get it resolved was:
1. Use good quality RO/DI water with TDS of 0. What do you use for water now?
2. Increase flow, especially directed near the sand bed.
3. Increase skimming and skim wet.
4. Cut photo period for a few days.
5. Feed less and vacuum up any unbeaten food. Rinse frozen food in RODI water prior to feeding.
6. Vacuum the sandbed a portion at a time to remove detritus.
7. Clean filter pads daily.
8. Change T5 bulbs often, not more than a year. I've always liked more blue light, and would do 3 Blue+ and 1 daylight bulb. That is personal preference.

Bottom line is that LEDs shouldn't fix your problem IMO. Hope that helps.

 

[iguess150]

I do have a very good RO/DI system. I guess I'll end up changing my bulbs and put my power heads in there and see how it works for a while. Thanks guys.