lighting question?

[evil Nick]

Our tank came with a pretty lame LED strip of lights.

I got all low light plants and want to avoid algea blooms as much as possible but REALLY still dont think my plants will get enough light from this thing. Im right accross from a window that gets good sun as well but was simply thinking of getting a regular watt plant bulb and placing it in my pan light mounted outside the glass for a few hours a day while Im at work.

Anyone see any issues that could arise from this. Would it even help?
Im not ready to up the lid just yet.

 

[BBradbury]

Tank Lighting

Our tank came with a pretty lame LED strip of lights.

I got all low light plants and want to avoid algea blooms as much as possible but REALLY still dont think my plants will get enough light from this thing. Im right accross from a window that gets good sun as well but was simply thinking of getting a regular watt plant bulb and placing it in my pan light mounted outside the glass for a few hours a day while Im at work.

Anyone see any issues that could arise from this. Would it even help?
Im not ready to up the lid just yet.

Hello Nick...

Even low light plants won't do well with room light only and direct sun light for even a short time can create water chemistry and temperature problems.

I'm budget minded, so my tanks get just shop lighting, but this works fine for the dark green aquatic plants. If you're looking for low cost, decent lighting, then go to the local chain hardware store and get a shop light that holds two T8 or T12 bulbs. The whole thing will cost less then $20.00 and provide plenty of light for your plants.

B

 

[evil Nick]

Hello Nick...

Even low light plants won't do well with room light only and direct sun light for even a short time can create water chemistry and temperature problems.

I'm budget minded, so my tanks get just shop lighting, but this works fine for the dark green aquatic plants. If you're looking for low cost, decent lighting, then go to the local chain hardware store and get a shop light that holds two T8 or T12 bulbs. The whole thing will cost less then $20.00 and provide plenty of light for your plants.

B

While I would GLADLY do that the tank is in our lower living room and a bit of a center piece (in the making) and I KNOW she would hate that. This is why I was thinking more the pan light directed at the front of the tank while Im at work with one of those plant bulbs in it. Or even hanging it with the lid open, if that would be better due to glass possibly blocking the UV entry.

Philips 75-Watt BR30 Agro Flood Plant Light Bulb-415281 at The Home Depot

Im trying to come up with a decent custom made setup with one of these bulbs on each side of our small stand that would look nice, be functional, and accepted by the other half.

Our LED lid is REALLY bright but I just dont think it gives off any UV nutrients the plants can use. I could be completely wrong tho as I KNOW NOTHING about plants and LESS about water flora.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

What are the specs on this tank, dimensions? What's the LED strip in there? Any info online and watts?

Natural sunlight usually leads to algae growth. Not sure about that pan light.

Is upgrading the lighting on that tank out of the question? Are we talking budget restraints?

If you can squeeze some budget into it, especially as a focal point in your livingroom, I'd get some sexy LED fixtures.. even if it means saving a bit from a few paychecks or what not.

Something like these Current Satellite LED+'s

 

[evil Nick]

What are the specs on this tank, dimensions? What's the LED strip in there? Any info online and watts?

Natural sunlight usually leads to algae growth. Not sure about that pan light.

Is upgrading the lighting on that tank out of the question? Are we talking budget restraints?

If you can squeeze some budget into it, especially as a focal point in your livingroom, I'd get some sexy LED fixtures.. even if it means saving a bit from a few paychecks or what not.

Something like these Current Satellite LED+'s

it was a 29 gallon kit from petco during their sale. It was 50% off.
Its low profile which she loves so you dont see anything when closed.

http://www.amazon.com/Tetra-LED-Natural-Daylight-Hood/dp/B00BQKQ5AM
I beleive this is the lid.

the LED strip snaps in and out but I dont think they make different versions of the LED strip you can swap out.

Its not so much budget reasons but more the fact we got the kit and it would suck to have to swap a piece already.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Brookster uses the Current Satellite LED+ Strips. I believe you can stick them under that hood. Not sure how much extra light you'll get. Probably enough for low light plants.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316395

 

[evil Nick]

Brookster uses the Current Satellite LED+ Strips. I believe you can stick them under that hood. Not sure how much extra light you'll get. Probably enough for low light plants.

Betta build, one more tank? Sure.... - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community

Found this on Amazon, what would you think?

I would put this under my lid with my current LEDs. Sayd it has the red/blue spectrum.

thanks

Amazon.com: How Nice 1M 60 5050 SMD LED Grow Plant Fill Aquarium Strip Light Red: Blue=7:1 12V 15W WP: Home Improvement

or

http://www.amazon.com/Dfunlife-Wate..._sbs_hi_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0XTX4TH1A58T8JQ49MPY


okay OR

http://www.amazon.com/Gled-Hydropon...13554907&sr=1-2&keywords=LED+Grow+Light+strip

lol

 

[Brookster123]

I use the current sat. Strip. Those linked strips would probably be fine, seems they require power supplies though.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[evil Nick]

I use the current sat. Strip. Those linked strips would probably be fine, seems they require power supplies though.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

looked at those but they seemed only to have white light. Do they have the spectrum. I was also thinking I wanted a blue along side the blu/red to use at night.

I would wire them up. I HAVE A MILLION power bricks between my job and house and I would seal and plasti dip all the wires and connection to avoid rot out.
.......

instant update

K after one more google search and then going back to the page after typing this I found these
http://www.thatpetplace.com/satelli...D5KxxoYihdrSWa_KsYgdhxH1OXyS8RsTXMaAo9F8P8HAQ

Seems just a safer easier way to go.

thank a ton!

 

[Brookster123]

That's the one, it's has three rgb's. Only issue is the adhesive let's go after a little while, if you're handy which its sounds like you are.. drill holes in the lids and use small black zip ties to fasten and make the turn if need be.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[evil Nick]

That's the one, it's has three rgb's. Only issue is the adhesive let's go after a little while, if you're handy which its sounds like you are.. drill holes in the lids and use small black zip ties to fasten and make the turn if need be.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

Im super handy and extremely ghetto fab with hooking stuff up.
So these help promote your plant growth fairly well?

Also just wondering now if I should just go full on florescent from what Im reading