Need to buy a light fixture asap.

[Udeservit]

My T5 bulb 6400k 54w fixture bit the dust and I need to order a new fixture. I like the price of this one. My plants that can be seem in my profile pic have been doing well and I was hoping for input into the new led light fixture stats. Should this new fixture be enough?

BeamsWork 48"-52" Single Bright Power LED Aquarium Light Fixture 800

Price: $75.99 + $8.99 shipping

Dimensions: 47.75" x 5.00" x 1.00"
Brackets add 0.65" in height
Includes 174 LEDs
900 Lumen
Super energy efficient .1 watt LEDs
162x 6500K LEDs
12x Actinic 460nm LEDs
Uses 18 watts
Slim and contemporary light design
2 mode on / off function for day and night use
Extendable bracket - 48"-52" max extend

[pcsb23]

I'm not familiar with that fitting (or the company), but the lumens look very low to me, a single T5 lamp of similar length will output around 4,000 lumens. It would be fine for fish only but I think it will struggle with plants.

[Udeservit]

oh, thats too bad. I'm going to look up lumens so I understand more about them. Thanks

[pcsb23]

oh, thats too bad. I'm going to look up lumens so I understand more about them. Thanks
try this :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumen_%28unit%29

I could really start to confuse you with cri's, par etc but will save that for later :evilgrin:

[daffyfish]

Probably only good for low light plants. They also carry a double bright and a plant version.

[Udeservit]

Probably only good for low light plants. They also carry a double bright and a plant version.
I had a look at the double bright and the current USA model as well. I only have low light plants so I should be ok, The lumen on those is around 4400-4800.

[rickztahone]

I've been on the market for an LED fixture and came across THIS ONE (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3Y4YLW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UO4Z3YNWDDIR&coliid=I1A5GQLLANYZ2J) and have read nothing but good things on it. Mind you, I plan on having no plants in my tank so lumens and cri are of no matter to me. I like the shimmer effect these seem to offer as well as the sunrise/sunset setting.

[dragon1974]

Check out the Finnex brand, should be on sale on Amazon and free shipping.

[Sandy Clay]

I just bought this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/301145253606?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[Udeservit]

Ya thats the one I was considering!! I went with the Current Satellite high output. It's supposed to handle low light plants so it should be just fine. Plus it has some cool colour options/features.

I'll have to post after few weeks of use and let others know if my plants thrive or die, lol

[Second Hand Pat]

Kelly, can you provide a link to the one you choose?

[Udeservit]

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397066679&sr=8-1&keywords=current+led+aquarium+lighting

OK. Got cold feet and cancelled the order. Will spend a little more time researching.^^This is the one I would like to purchase.

vvvThis is the other one that I am considering but it doesn't have all the colour mode options. It is also the same one Sandy Clay has ordered I believe.The cost would be $140.
http://www.amazon.com/BeamsWork-Double-Aquarium-Fixture-280x0-2W/dp/B00FGUFHR0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397066842&sr=8-2&keywords=beamswork+led+48

http://www.amazon.com/BeamsWork-Lumen-Aquarium-Fixture-96x0-5W/dp/B00EN2GA9Q/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1397067252&sr=8-12&keywords=beamswork+double+bright+led+fixture

^^The cost of this one is $80 and has 4400 lumen instead of the $140 - 7800 lumen.

I am aiming for the Biotope Scene so I only and needing to have a couple plants for accent, not a fully planted.

[Udeservit]

Check out the Finnex brand, should be on sale on Amazon and free shipping.

This finned brand is a metal/silver look to it. I wouldn't be interested in that colour, but thanks for the suggestion!

[Second Hand Pat]

Kelly, I have the one you also most bought and IMO good call on canceling that one. I love the current fixture for the wilds but do not think it will work for plants.

[sgchick]

Kelly, here's a thread on the beamswork and a gorgeous tank also. I'm thinking about these lights after seeing Dr Nick's tank http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?111494-TANK-FULL-OF-KENNY-S-DISCUS

Hope you will post about whatever you decide on. :-) thanks Melanie

[Udeservit]

Pat,

Oh, :( I really love the colour features. I'm so flustered right now.

[Udeservit]

Kelly, here's a thread on the beamswork and a gorgeous tank also. I'm thinking about these lights after seeing Dr Nick's tank http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?111494-TANK-FULL-OF-KENNY-S-DISCUS

Hope you will post about whatever you decide on. :-) thanks Melanie

Thanks, AND holy cow thats a nice tank!!! I will post my decision. If I can come to my senses. He has 2 fixtures on that tank

[Second Hand Pat]

Kelly, that tank is 30 in tall so you may not need two fixtures.

[Udeservit]

Pat,

This says Can be used to grow plants?
https://www.marineandreef.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RCU04008

[Second Hand Pat]

Kelly, "2,000 total lumens. Can be used to grow freshwater plants" maybe. How tall is your tank?

[Udeservit]

18 inches of water

[Second Hand Pat]

Check with Paul on the fixture and see what he thinks.

[yquefue]

Pat,

This says Can be used to grow plants?
https://www.marineandreef.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RCU04008

kelly i have that one.my honest opinion it is nice overall but to grow plant im havin problems on my 75 gallon tank but will defenitily recomend the aquatic life edge i bought it for my 125 gal you have to see the diference wow and with build in timer go take a look.

Frey

[Udeservit]

kelly i have that one.my honest opinion it is nice overall but to grow plant im havin problems on my 75 gallon tank but will defenitily recomend the aquatic life edge i bought it for my 125 gal you have to see the diference wow and with build in timer go take a look.

Frey

Thank-you, the edge is a nice looking light. A little more expensive. I hope I don't have to go over the $140 mark. Tell me more about the problems with your plants related to the current light!

[rickztahone]

kelly i have that one.my honest opinion it is nice overall but to grow plant im havin problems on my 75 gallon tank but will defenitily recomend the aquatic life edge i bought it for my 125 gal you have to see the diference wow and with build in timer go take a look.

Frey
Op, Sry to derail just a tad, but Frey, would the edge be overkill for a non planted tank? I like all the effects but many mention the very bright fixture

[yquefue]

Thank-you, the edge is a nice looking light. A little more expensive. I hope I don't have to go over the $140 mark. Tell me more about the problems with your plants related to the current light!

i really don't know anything about plants the only ones doing well are the java ferm, maybe i'm not taking good care, lets just don't blame the current ligh but just the diference between them 6500k for the current and 10000k for the edge i think that would talk by it self

[dr.nick73]

My T5 bulb 6400k 54w fixture bit the dust and I need to order a new fixture. I like the price of this one. My plants that can be seem in my profile pic have been doing well and I was hoping for input into the new led light fixture stats. Should this new fixture be enough?

BeamsWork 48"-52" Single Bright Power LED Aquarium Light Fixture 800

Price: $75.99 + $8.99 shipping

Dimensions: 47.75" x 5.00" x 1.00"
Brackets add 0.65" in height
Includes 174 LEDs
900 Lumen
Super energy efficient .1 watt LEDs
162x 6500K LEDs
12x Actinic 460nm LEDs
Uses 18 watts
Slim and contemporary light design
2 mode on / off function for day and night use
Extendable bracket - 48"-52" max extend


hi Kelly
just to let you know beams works makes a 48" led fixture with 3w leds at 10k or 65k you may want to look into those. they are way better than the single bright fixtures
nick

[pcsb23]

Lumens are a useful guide regarding lights in so far as it allows a relative comparison and is one of the most often quoted "qualities" of lamps/fixtures. In very simple terms lumens indicate how bright the lamp appears, but it is a measurement of visible light. In many places (the EU for one) it is law that light fittings show how many lumens they produce.

Unfortunately they don't tell the whole story. Without knowing things like luminous flux and the PAR measurements it is impossible to say. For example in the UK we get some light fixtures made by a company called TMC, and are called GroBeams (they are a small tile like fixture) - these produce 2,000 lumens yet are perfect for plants because they produce high l/flux and PAR measurements.

Lighting itself is an incredibly complex subject. What I can say is that the first fixture Kelly asked about at 900 lumens on her 75 gal 18" high tank won't be up to the job, the 2,000 fixture might well be - but given the price point I suspect that the leds will be be around the 1 watt mark each, if so I'd doubt they have enough punch (l/flux & PAR). If they are around the 3 watt each then they should be ok ...

Also don't get hung up on so called Kelvin values of the lights, this is a measure of colour temperature and other than the most abstruse of reasons is virtually meaningless to the plants themselves. Basically get the colour temp you find most pleasing to look at, honestly the plants won't give a hoot about colour temp. They only care if they get enough energy (l/flux & PAR again ;)) so they can photosynthesise.

LEDs can be a really good buy, they stay cooler than other fixtures and cost less to run, they also last much longer before needing replacing! The initial outlay can bite a bit though. The prices have fallen over the last year or two and my guess is they will fall some more, but with energy costs where they are LEDs are the way forward imo.

[Udeservit]

hi Kelly
just to let you know beams works makes a 48" led fixture with 3w leds at 10k or 65k you may want to look into those. they are way better than the single bright fixtures
nick

Nick the 3w less are more than I wanted to invest. For 32 -3w bulbs its around $220, ... I don't think thats enough bulbs for the 75 and I'd need 2 strips so I think that option for me is out.

Your setup is just beautiful!!! But those lights probably cost more than my whole tank setup. :)

[Udeservit]

Paul,

Thank-you for your input and education on this kind of lighting, I'm glad I didn't jump the gun and waited to hear from all you folks to get an understanding of the lighting process. I agree that 3w bulbs are probably the way to go for a planted tank.
Kelly

[Udeservit]

I have a NEW Idea!!!

T5 fixture including bulbs and free shipping for $53 . This would replace my last unit and is sufficient for my tank.
http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=52123P&CartID=1

AND this strip could attach to the bottom edge of the T5 set up!!! $57
http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00DVKLYT2/ref=sr_1_8?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1397135506&sr=1-8&keywords=current+usa+led

Everything I need for $110!!! What do you think?

[pcsb23]

The T5 fixture would be fine for your tank. It contains 2 x 54W T5 lamps and that is more than enough light for most plants.

[Second Hand Pat]

and that LED strip leads heavy on the red so sounds like you are good to go. Yes, I have that particular strip.

[Udeservit]

YAY, Horray!!!! I can get everything I'd like!!!! I'm going to go with that choice then today. Hopefully the plants will survive the wait on shipping :)

Thank-you everyone for keeping with me. Without the dialogue I would have made a poor choice because I wouldn't have been forced to ask questions and research.

[CraigJ]

Not to confuse things, but following Kelly's link at Aquatraders, the "deal of the week" is a 48" LED light with 6800 lumens for $89.97 delivered; http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Aquarium-Lighting-Beamswork-Pent-HI-Lumen-p/56357.htm. Wouldn't that work as well? (for the rest of us still looking for a light)

Craig

[Udeservit]

Not to confuse things, but following Kelly's link at Aquatraders, the "deal of the week" is a 48" LED light with 6800 lumens for $89.97 delivered; http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Aquarium-Lighting-Beamswork-Pent-HI-Lumen-p/56357.htm. Wouldn't that work as well? (for the rest of us still looking for a light)

Craig

This is a great light at a great price but I am not willing to gamble on the .5 Watt lights. They may not be strong enough / provide nutrient for the plants.I just haven't found and conclusive information about .5 watt leds and planted tanks.

Plus I personally was really wanting that remote control with dynamic mode and moonlight settings the Current USA offers. If you look at nicks awesome tank with less he has the 3w led lights and 2 full fixtures. Just for a comparison.http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?111494-TANK-FULL-OF-KENNY-S-DISCUS Isn't that right Nick?

[rickztahone]

I have a NEW Idea!!!

T5 fixture including bulbs and free shipping for $53 . This would replace my last unit and is sufficient for my tank.
http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=52123P&CartID=1

AND this strip could attach to the bottom edge of the T5 set up!!! $57
http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00DVKLYT2/ref=sr_1_8?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1397135506&sr=1-8&keywords=current+usa+led

Everything I need for $110!!! What do you think?

If you were going with the T5 you could have stopped at your local hardware store and bought some for cheap. I have a shop light that I would run on my Hi-Tech 10g planted tanks and I actually had to RAISE the fixture a few inches from the tank to cut back on algae. If I remember correctly I paid no more than $24 w/ bulbs.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/ForSale_23_zpsd1f37d14.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/ForSale_23_zpsd1f37d14.jpg.html)
This is the light fixture. It is 48" and I put some blinds material coming down as a form of gobo/flag (sry, photography term) to keep from light spilling. Additionally, I painted the inside of the fixture white to reflect even more light than the original black.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/Planted%20tanks/P3300446.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/Planted%20tanks/P3300446.jpg.html)
You can see when the 2 10g tanks were setup here
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/Planted%20tanks/P3300453.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/Planted%20tanks/P3300453.jpg.html)
You can see the bare light here, eventually I put on the gobo/flag to control light spill.

[pcsb23]

Another point too, too much light is also bad and is a recipe for growing algae! The higher the light value at the plants leaves (remember PAR?) the more nutrients the plant needs and uses. The main one being carbon, but the other macro and micro nutrients are just as important really. Algae on the other hand don't need lots of nutrients, they really just need light! So if the light exceeds the nutrient supply algae will benefit and the plants will suffer.

[Udeservit]

Another point too, too much light is also bad and is a recipe for growing algae! The higher the light value at the plants leaves (remember PAR?) the more nutrients the plant needs and uses. The main one being carbon, but the other macro and micro nutrients are just as important really. Algae on the other hand don't need lots of nutrients, they really just need light! So if the light exceeds the nutrient supply algae will benefit and the plants will suffer.

I figured that out too when I started getting algae. I had changed my lighting routine to less time on and I now get zero algae and thriving plants.

I didn't understand why though until this thread and the informative comments/suggestions!

[Tres]

After researching and corresponding with BuildMyLed, this is definitely what I'd want to go with next - http://www.buildmyled.com/dutch-planted-6300k-xb-series/
They mix an appropriate blend of LED's which achieves a very good Colour Rendering Index. Take a look at the spectrum graph, which is much more even and consistent than for any other fixtures I've seen, and therefore would ensure the colour in your fish is shown off to it's full potential.

[Udeservit]

I have a NEW Idea!!!

T5 fixture including bulbs and free shipping for $53 . This would replace my last unit and is sufficient for my tank.
http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=52123P&CartID=1

AND this strip could attach to the bottom edge of the T5 set up!!! $57
http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00DVKLYT2/ref=sr_1_8?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1397135506&sr=1-8&keywords=current+usa+led

Everything I need for $110!!! What do you think?

K, so Not the best of luck let me tell you, I won't be ordering from aquatraders again. The unit came with a broken bulb. It took 2 attempts to get them to send me a new bulb. I thankfully have one bulb working which has been sufficient but I have to pay an additional 8$ in toll fees and 3$ in postal fees to pick up the replacement bulb thats worth less than 11$ I'm sure. However I can't get the bulbs where I live so boo hooo thats the way it is for me.
It's been 20 days!!!
Anyway, Amazon came through without a hitch and I'm enjoying the current led strip. It is definitely not enough for the plants!! You were correct Pat.There really should be one at the front and back of the tank as well for best lighting and colour conditions.

Thats my update!

[adapted]

I would endorse what Pat said about the Current USA fixture for wilds. You can immediately effect their mood witht heh blue moonlight settings. It relaxes them; sometimes they swim in acrefree way and sometimes they drift off to sleep right away. Mine fight under the daylight settings, but they act like lambs under the blue light. Other settings are very good for photography. Money well spent.

[Codemonkey]

the light i have now is http://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-4-Lunar-Aquarium-48-Inch/dp/B0030VD4OU
Do you think that this is to much for a 55g? its perfectly sized for it at 48inches.
non planted tank but i saw it forsale for 160 locally so snatched it up was running factory (starter kit like) light hoods before figured this would be a good upgrade but is it to much at a max watts of 220 its default timers are from 8am-8pm its running blue spectrum from 9am-7pm white along side the before mentioned blue then lunar leds from 8 to 6 am i am running a discus community tank so dither, discus and one very docile angel

[Andy27012]

It depends on what you want to keep fishwise, all four bulbs will be very bright but you should be able to run it with just one or two bulbs no problems.

[Codemonkey]

it is a discus community tank