Newbie seeking lighting advice

[Unmarked]

Hi guys

I'm new to the aquarium hobby and I would like to ask for lighting advice.

I have a L30cm x W18cm x H23cm tank with one betta in it. I'm planning on growing some java fern on driftwood in the tank. Can someone suggest a particular lighting model that is suitable? I would prefer LED.

I'm currently looking at this light from Dealextreme http://dx.com/p/2-mode-32x3528-led-w...um-lamp-114664 but I'm not sure if it'll be sufficient or if it will fit my tank well. Thank you very much!

[ConcaveLiNkiN]

Java fern is not light intensive, therefore growing them will not require high amount of light output. And if Java fern is the only plant you will plan to grow in your tank, you might not want to introduce too much light into your 1ft tank as you might be welcoming uninvited guest (algae).

Looking at the LED lighting from your link, it seems to be a 32x0.08 watts per SMD which will total to 2.56W of light. I should say, the light is sufficient to light up your tank but not sufficient for other light intensive plants to grow in there. But do note if you are buying any electronic stuffs from US with 110V requirement, you will need a step-down transformer for that appliance to work in Singapore with 240V output. More information can be obtain here regarding the transformer to choose:

http://www.tortech.com.au/auxpage_guide/

[Urban Aquaria]

For around that price, it might be a better idea to just buy a similar LED lightset locally instead (there are lots more LED light selections at most LFS)... at least if it happens to be faulty, you can just do a 1-to-1 exchange with the LFS.

[erwinx]

If you want super cheap, buy one of this, purchase a power supply locally and wire it up:

http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/Waterproo...item7dc7045ec4


Since its 50cm long, no need for mounting equipment, its long enough to just drape over your tank. As its waterproof, no need to worry about water splashing as well.

The LED wattage is 36 x 0.2= 7.2w.

[Unmarked]

Thank you for your replies! Honestly, I didn't think of the voltage and warranty issues. I think I will head over to C328 sometime soon to check out what they have. What wattage would you guys suggest I get? Thanks!

[Urban Aquaria]

You can consider at the Up Aqua Z-Series LED 30cm version... it'll be more than sufficient for a 1ft tank like yours, can grow glosso carpet and most of the easily available aquatic plants from LFS.

Check out this thread posted by chansl : http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...t-Planted-Tank

Good reference on what can be grown with that light in a low-tech setup.

However, if you are really only planning to have just a java fern in the tank and not really focus much on plant growth, then perhaps the clip-on Up Aqua Y-Series LED 25cm version might be suitable, its abit cheaper and uses around half the wattage.

[Unmarked]

You can consider at the Up Aqua Z-Series LED 30cm version... it'll be more than sufficient for a 1ft tank like yours, can grow glosso carpet and most of the easily available aquatic plants from LFS.

Check out this thread posted by chansl : http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...t-Planted-Tank

Good reference on what can be grown with that light in a low-tech setup.

However, if you are really only planning to have just a java fern in the tank and not really focus much on plant growth, then perhaps the clip-on Up Aqua Y-Series LED 25cm version might be suitable, its abit cheaper and uses around half the wattage.

Thanks! I was just looking at this light and have sort of decided on it. Well for now, I'm mainly planning to go for hardy plants to gain experience first. The java fern from what I have read and understood seems to be my best option as a beginner. I will read up on your suggestion a glosso carpet too. I would like to eventually be able to create a nice looking planted tank but I think I should take it slow. Haha.

[milk_vanilla]

if i were you, i'll take low watt PL or T8 light, as low possible.
Especially when you attach your fern on wood. it will probably nearly half of your tank height (23 cm). It's more than enough.