DIY Led strip light any good?

[Paul Low]

Hi,

I'm a new hobbist. Just started my 3.5x2x2.5 ft tank. Had lots of help referencing AQ. Now I need to replace my existing light.

I plan to diy led strip light total 4 meters across my tank from the top. Do you think I will have enough lighting for a simple planted tank aquarium?

Appreciate your kind input.

Thank you.

Paul Low

[felix_fx2]

what you mean by simple?
nanas / moss and other low tech maybe ok. but any form of carpet plant answer is no.

led light strip normally power not strong enough & only used for illumination.

Sent from my GT-N7105

[Urban Aquaria]

I noticed your tank is quite tall, maybe consider high powered DIY LED spot lights? Get those that have lenses to focus light down to the substrate, you'll probably need to make a custom light stand and swivel mounts for them, so that you can angle the lights to areas that need more light.

Alternatively, to save all the hassle... you could also just get the EVO48P LED lights (4ft version) for your tank.

Here is the link: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...29-Plant-White

[Paul Low]

Hi felix_fx2 and UA,

Many thanks for your input and suggestions. I have made some research today and found that the output of a single led on a standard led strip is 0.06 watt. This is to low for my tank.

I am looking at alternatives as suggested by UA and others. The link he provided has been useful.

I will update soon. In the meantime, if there are other suggestions, please let me know.

Again thank you.

Cheers,

Paul Low.

[qngwn]

I believe that the wattage of LED cannot be compared to the conventional 'watt per gallon' guide applied to the light tubes some use.

LEDs are fine, but it will depend on what type of LEDs and their wattage for the ones that you are using - just make sure that the light is strong enough for the living things inside your tank, especially the ones in or on the substrate level are more of a concern as your tank seems to be quite deep.

After testing over 10 different LED light sets for my various tanks, from what I have noticed is that the higher the wattage per bulb, the greater the intensity, and thus the greater the depth of penetration. For your tank where the height is 2.5ft, LED of 3W per bulb should be sufficient.

From your posts, requests and preference for FOC stuff, I believe that you are looking to start off this hobby with a low cost while figuring yourself around before investing more in this hobby. However lights are one of the main factors in tanks with plants in my honest opinion, and getting the light right might possibly be a crucial factor in the making or breaking of the tank.

However if you would like to try out this DIY as a weekend project, you could trying buying individual LEDs and drivers to solder them together, connecting them in series. That is if you don’t mind the trouble of sourcing for the right materials, and the risk of failing your DIY. Cost wise, it is almost equivalent to buying a set off the shelf. Another option is to get LED light strips with higher bulb wattage and connect them together. Several forumers have tried and tested out SMD 5050 LEDs with success, perhaps you could do a search under the equipment DIY section for more information.

Good luck!

[Paul Low]

Hi Qngwn,

Thanks for your input and suggestions. Given me a different perspective on the reading I have read.

Yes you are right. I am a new hobbyist trying to minimise cost initially before really investing on the right track. I will take your advise on the lighting. Once my tank is up and running, I will share with you all.

Lots to learn and must have the patience to go through it correctly. QA is the right place for me.

Many thanks again to all.

Cheers,

Paul Low

[Paul Low]

Hi All,

I'm back. I just got a 4x21watt t5 fixture light from a friend. Total wattage will be 84 if I on all 4 tubes. There are 2 switches each controlling 2 tube. Works well.

Since I have a deep tank, I plan to change 2 of the tube to T5HO tube. I plan to use both T5 and T5HO in alternate days.

Questions I have as follows:

A. Since this T5 I have runs total 84 watts, can I get 2 x 36watt T5HO tube as the new 2 tubes I plan?

B. If I switched on 4 tubes at once, will it overdrive my light fixture and blow my tube?

Appreciate your kind assistance and guidance.

Cheers,

Paul Low