LED Light Fixture

[crazyhanz]

Hey guys, I'm planning on setting up a new 3ft planted tank soon and would like to get some advice on LED light fixtures. Im wondering if LEDs can have the same effect as metal halides in terms of its ripple/shimmering effect. If so, what are the fixtures that I should look for? Plants that I'm planning on having are HC's, hairgrass or similar carpeting plants. Looking forward to your comments.

[Urban Aquaria]

Yes, both metal halide and LED lights will create the ripple shimmering effect.

For a 3ft tank (assuming the height is the standard 45cm type) and growing low-lying carpet plants with Co2 injection + fert dosing, you can look at those LED light sets that use individual 3W LEDs, here are some links to brands and models that have been tried and tested so far:

Odyssea EVO LED 36" 72W (Plant)
http://www.eastoceansg.com/odyssea-e...ant-p-821.html

or if you have more budget...

MaxSpect Razor 160W
http://delightings.com/index.cfm?GPID=111

[crazyhanz]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I was looking at the Odyssea you recommended too but was hesitant as I've not see the fixtures on a planted tank yet. Are you currently using one of those?

[Urban Aquaria]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I was looking at the Odyssea you recommended too but was hesitant as I've not see the fixtures on a planted tank yet. Are you currently using one of those?

I've used the 2ft version on one of my tanks before, the intensity was abit too strong for my tank setups (my tank height was only 36cm) so i had to raise the height of the lights to reduce its overall intensity. That light intensity would be ideal for 45cm height tanks though.

You can see those lights in use on the display aquascaped tanks at East Ocean, some good examples of how they perform there.

[Suzerolt]

I have both the Maxpect Razor (160W) and Odyssea EVO LED 36" 72W (Plant) for my 3ft 90p tank with HC & monte carlo.

My Maxpect Razor is hung up about 30cm above the water & run maximum at about 80% power, depending on the scape & amount of plants. Plants grew very well & would recommend it.

I also have the Odyssea Evo.
1 set will not be sufficient for this tank as the spread isn't sufficient. I finally got 2 sets. One placed slightly towards the front, one placed slightly towards the back.
For a 3ft, East Ocean normally recommends the Odyssea MHX series. Price is roughly about the same as 2 sets of Odyssea Evo.

[Phillipians]

I too own the Maxspect Razor 120W version for 2ft tanks and it is money well spent

JUst ensure that if you want better coverage, request also for the light diffuser. Gives even better coverage.

[Phillipians]

You can also make comparisons to 2 other brands if you are looking at Maxspect razor

1) East Ocean has a new Sanrise LED fixture
2) Aquatic Avenue has a Zetlight fixture as well

Both these are similar and looks like the spread of LEDs is better. However, they weigh almost 3 times that of Maxspect. Just for you to consider.

[crazyhanz]

Thanks all for the contributions. From the looks of it, I may need to drop by East Ocean to have a better look at the fixtures and intensity of the lights.