LED for planted tank

[k3nlim]

I'm trying to get the best effect at the lowest cost possible with just one bulb
The spot light effects (like MH lights) is really good, however, the effect diminished when placed further from the water surface.

This create a much more uniform spread of light within the tank (abit weak in my opinion). Hence the need to get a 7 led bulb that have 3 in the centre and 2 at each side to have those spotlight peneration effect but still yet able to get the desired light spread at the sides.

[iewnuj]

I'm trying to get the best effect at the lowest cost possible with just one bulb
The spot light effects (like MH lights) is really good, however, the effect diminished when placed further from the water surface.

This create a much more uniform spread of light within the tank (abit weak in my opinion). Hence the need to get a 7 led bulb that have 3 in the centre and 2 at each side to have those spotlight peneration effect but still yet able to get the desired light spread at the sides.

Do you have a picture of the set up to share?

Im considering trying it out on a 1.5ft tank =)

[k3nlim]

here's the picture..did some minor touch up..but the effects are still the same. Taken with lousy handphone in total darkness.

[iewnuj]

here's the picture..did some minor touch up..but the effects are still the same. Taken with lousy handphone in total darkness.

Thanks. Looks the 60 degree lens isn't enough. The spotlight effect is quite strong.

[Shadow]

how many par38 used on that tank?

[vinz]

Thanks. Looks the 60 degree lens isn't enough. The spotlight effect is quite strong.

Don't forget that what the camera shows and what our see may be different as the camera will adjust exposure to fit the bright area and hence cause the dark areas to be darker.

[k3nlim]

Don't forget that what the camera shows and what our see may be different as the camera will adjust exposure to fit the bright area and hence cause the dark areas to be darker.

I agree..its abit brighter visually when seen with the naked eyes compared through lens.

shadow: I'm using only 1 PAR38

[k3nlim]

bulb died on me just after 1 week usage
burning smell and flickering of lights were observed. Waiting for replacement, hope its just a one off case!

good thing i was at home

[k3nlim]

new bulb arrived..still testing it out. Manage to hang the light set just that bit highter and got a better light spread. Some plants are growing upwards to reach the lights in those darken areas.

[gabes]

new bulb arrived..still testing it out. Manage to hang the light set just that bit highter and got a better light spread. Some plants are growing upwards to reach the lights in those darken areas.

Hi Guys,

Any updates on how PAR38 is working out for the plants? I'm really interested in going the LED route for my planned 60cm x 30cm x 45cm low-tec planted setup.

Wondering if the intensity of the light can be sufficiently moderated with the adjustable stand (raise higher or lower) to suit my needs and concerned about the weight of the unit and whether the clamp to the side of the tank is secure enough and won't damage the tank.

I'm really new to the hobby so really appreciate your patience with my perhaps basic questions.

tks!

[jowy_ham]

Newbie here (so correct me if I'm wrong), read somewhere that "high-light requirement" plants need about 3~5watt/gallon, while "low-light requirement" plants need about 1~3watt/gallon, although this is not a firm rule cos there is parameters that will play a part.

But with LED lights, then how do we "calculate" the watt/gallon since LED lights are usually lower wattage, for example bro k3nlim uses 1 x PAR38 which is only 15watts, assuming the tank size is 2ft x 1.5ft x 1ft (normal off-the-shelf tank) = about 20gallons, 15watts/20gallon = 0.75watt.

Or there is a different formula for LED lights in respect to tank size ?

[jowy_ham]

Newbie here (so correct me if I'm wrong), read somewhere that "high-light requirement" plants need about 3~5watt/gallon, while "low-light requirement" plants need about 1~3watt/gallon, although this is not a firm rule cos there are also other parameters that will play a part.

But with LED lights, then how do we "calculate" the watt/gallon since LED lights are usually lower wattage, for example bro k3nlim uses 1 x PAR38 which is only 15watts, assuming the tank size is 2ft x 1.5ft x 1ft (normal off-the-shelf tank) = about 20gallons, 15watts/20gallon = 0.75watt.

Or there is a different formula for LED lights in respect to tank size ?

[Shadow]

That is why watt per gallon is not the right way to measure light for planted tank. You should look at PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) which unfortunately none of the light manufacturer as for today yet to adopt it.

[k3nlim]

Managed to secure the bulb slightly higher up..if the tank is braceless, the stand plus attachement should be okie. The problem will arise when your tank comes with braces on the sides. The stand is slightly tilted forward and adjustment have to be made to accomandate the lights. The height of the bulb is 20cm from water surface(will measure to confirm) to maximise the spread of lights. I'm still experimenting with the height to get the best effects.

I agree with the PAR theory, which will save us precious resources (cost of lights set, maintainances and electricity cost,etc). Watts per gallons is abit overrated in my opinion.

Certain areas which experienced strong light, have plants that grows really nice and short, so therefore, i speculated that the lights are definitely sufficient in intensity wise. Just have to resolve the light spread issue and i think that it should make a good alternative.

[gabes]

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice guys!

Ordered a set from De Lightings and will keep you posted on developments.

Thanks!

[k3nlim]

Hi gabes,

What's the height that you attached the light onto the tank? I just measure mine, its 23cm from the surface.

[gabes]

Just measured from water surface to the centre of the PAR38, it's 25cm. Will upload a pic of my setup but I dunno how yet.

[cidlyana]

chinese led product is of low price with a acceptable quality i guess, has any one tried?

[ranmasatome]

at $150 a pop.. that would mean what? $450 for a 4feet?

[cidlyana]

how to choose a led for a fish tank, maybe below factors should be considerd:
1. beam angle of the led, it will tell you if the led match your fish tank size or not
2. color ratio: when wave lengh changing, color changes the same time. different wave lengh has different effect on plant or coral reef or else, some color help to grow, some color help to flower, some help to blossom, and others help to fruit.
3. lumens:it decides the led's brightness and efficiency, higher the lumens is,more energy saving.
4. and the last is the dissipation, it decides to a great degree the lifespan of a led.