question on led lighting

[krislewis3]

I am interested in led lighting. I love the idea of the shimmer, but also want to enhance the color of the discus! I have no plants! Can the more experienced help me decide the best way to achive this? My tank is 48x24x12!:confused:

[DiscusBR]

You can find a lot of infor doing a search in the Forum´s archives. See for example a recent thread: http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?98551-Anybody-using-LED-lighting-on-their-tank&highlight=leds+setup

[dprais1]

Kris,

LED systems can be expensive! you could probably do it yourself especially with solderless LEDs

try http://rapidled.com/

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rLFh3Q_FEA&list=UUM9oZkV3tGJuUUhgZaiGZkQ&index=1&feature=plcp

save some money, but still expensive.

[Mike in MD]

I just built an 36x18 led fixture last week. For 36 leds, 2 Meanwell drivers, aluminum for heatsink and controller cost me around $250 with shipping. I am extremely happy with how it turned out :)


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[strawberryblonde]

Hi Kris,

If you don't have plants to worry about, you can get away with using Marineland Single Bright LED's. I actually use the smallest size for my 55g, 48"L tank and it works quite well. Not too much light so I can leave it on for a longer period of time.

You could also buy the 48" long one for well under $100 and that would make the entire tank shimmer. My fish look stunning with the LED lights!

Here's a link so you can have a look a them. MarineLand LED (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+23688&pcatid=23688)

[Discus-n00b]

I DIY'd mine, its fairly close to the size of your tank. Link is in my sig. I'm sure prices have come down since I built mine, so I would DIY. Mike made a good looking one too.

[dpete9]

just curious does the us sell the led from halogen conversion bulbs?
This is a grow out tank that i did a little DIY of a simple household spotlight fixture and switched out the bulbs with led conversion ones. I think including bulbs I probably have 50 euro invested in it. I'm not concerned with pretty so it's pretty pieced together but I think something could be made to look pretty.

Here ----> https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/564202_10151202791186388_798524453_n.jpg

and here is what they look like under the light..

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296513_10151202792966388_2006480751_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426755_10151202794801388_1220333340_n.jpg

[Discus-n00b]

We have stuff like this here http://www.rapidled.com/7-led-par38-bulb-all-white-leds/ Will fit a normal lightbulb socket. I am sure most hardware stores will have something conversion wise like this but not 100% http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/attachments/lights/40513d1190920737-halogen-led-conversion-p4530055_x.jpg

[krislewis3]

Hi Kris,

If you don't have plants to worry about, you can get away with using Marineland Single Bright LED's. I actually use the smallest size for my 55g, 48"L tank and it works quite well. Not too much light so I can leave it on for a longer period of time.

You could also buy the 48" long one for well under $100 and that would make the entire tank shimmer. My fish look stunning with the LED lights!

Here's a link so you can have a look a them. MarineLand LED (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+23688&pcatid=23688)


Thank you for the info.....I'll be ordering either the 36", or the 48". Do you have any photos That show the difference between the LEDs and the fluorescent lights on your set up? I'm trying to focus on aquascaping while I patiently wait for my meds to arrive so I can finally treat my poor silver pigeon! I feel so bad for her!

[krislewis3]

Kris,

LED systems can be expensive! you could probably do it yourself especially with solderless LEDs

try http://rapidled.com/

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rLFh3Q_FEA&list=UUM9oZkV3tGJuUUhgZaiGZkQ&index=1&feature=plcp

save some money, but still expensive.


I can't imagine trying to build it myself!! But...you've motivated me to consider it!!!

[krislewis3]

So I'm assuming that the benifit to your system is the fact that you can use any common light fixture, and use LEDs in it (instead of having to build the fixture for LEDs) ?





just curious does the us sell the led from halogen conversion bulbs?
This is a grow out tank that i did a little DIY of a simple household spotlight fixture and switched out the bulbs with led conversion ones. I think including bulbs I probably have 50 euro invested in it. I'm not concerned with pretty so it's pretty pieced together but I think something could be made to look pretty.

Here ----> https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/564202_10151202791186388_798524453_n.jpg

and here is what they look like under the light..

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296513_10151202792966388_2006480751_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426755_10151202794801388_1220333340_n.jpg

[dpete9]

yes indeed.. and they give the spotlight effect

[krislewis3]

OK......Ive been researching this topic, and :balloon:my head is swimming!! I do have 1 marineland double bright led. I love everything about it EXCEPT, that it fades the reds and oranges in my fish, to a brownish color! Sooooooo, I thought maby I should use the led along with the flourecent bulbs (these make the reds and oranges in my fish pop!) My idea is to purchase some leds that come on tape strips, and stick them along side of the flourecent bulbs. Would the heat from the bulbs affect the leds? Can anyone out there advise me on this idea????

[dprais1]

I think with LEDs you either do it the right way or you regret it. so i think you either buy a fixture or you build your own the correct way. don't fudge it. maybe you need to look at different LEDs that have the same spectrum as your flourecent.

[krislewis3]

[QUOTE=dprais1;924938]I think with LEDs you either do it the right way or you regret it. so i think you either buy a fixture or you build your own the correct way. don't fudge it. maybe you need to look at different LEDs that have the same spectrum as your flourecent.[


I agree.....but....How does one do that?? Its like comparing apples to oranges!! I was wondering if anyone ever uses led lights as a compliment to flourecent..sort of getting the best of both worlds. Or...does anyone know of a website that compares the two, or does anyone know which led will enhance the reds and oranges in discus??

[Lenin]

What I do is that I have single bright leds from 6:30 to 9:00 PM, gives a shimmering effect but is not really bright, then from 12:00 to 8:00 my double T5's will be working also, great look, great colors and no algae

[krislewis3]

How do you incorporate both? I was thinking of using a led tape roll, and tape it underneath the fluorescent fixture next to the flourecent tube! Would that work, or would the heat from the fluorescent tube be harmful to the LEDs?

[ashtricks]

A DIY LED fixture can be a double edged sword. For the electrically challenged, more money needs to be spent to exploit the LEDs fully. Rapidled sells ready to assemble kits. That would be the best bet. For a more customized approach, I would study specs of commercial LED units available like radion. http://ecotechmarine.com/products/radion/ These guys give all the detailed specs. You can select the parts from rapidled to match the specs of an off the shelf unit. As long as you don't plan to sell the units you make, I guess you are OK from the patents and IP point of view.
As far as bringing up the color of the fish, that is where the flexibility of LEDs comes into picture. You can adjust the intensities of different color LEDs to what looks the best.
Heat is always a concern. (Lesser than other lighting options) But you still need a heat sink for the LEDs.
If you are going for a planted tank, things get more complicated.
HTH

[krislewis3]

I'm not thinking of a DIY fixture...I'm thinking of using the standard fluorescent fixture that I use now, and sit a led fixture next to it!!! I'm not savvy enough to build one myself. I wondered if putting the led so close to a fluorescent fixture would be safe for either fixture! If I could find an led that wouldn't fade the colors orange fish, I would buy that. Do you have that information?

[Lenin]

That's how I have mine the led is more towards the front of the aquarium and the t5 is towards the back


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[krislewis3]

I've seen LEDs on a flexible narrow strip, which has tape on the underside. It has a power source of it's own. I was thinking of sticking this on the underside of my fluorescent fixture, next to the fluorescent bulb.what do you think?

[ashtricks]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=354 This gives a good info about fluorescent lamps. The flora sun will bring up the oranges you want. Usually this is reasonably matched by a warm white LED. (Between 2600K - 3700K according to CREE LEDs)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4479 This is the flora sun fixture. You can check the spectrum in the "More Information" tab.
Here is the CREE LED data sheet. You can see the spectrumm http://www.cree.com/led-components-and-modules/products/xlamp/discrete-directional/~/media/Files/Cree/LED%20Components%20and%20Modules/XLamp/Data%20and%20Binning/XLampXPG.pdf
From a preliminary google search, I found these guys selling direct replacement of T8s. It is available in 3 colors. http://www.gogreensolar.com/products/directled-fl-4-ft-led-fluorescent-replacement-tube

About putting both close to each other, I guess as long as you allow the LEDs to cool properly using air cross flow over them you should be OK.

HTH

[Wjmulder]

I've seen LEDs on a flexible narrow strip, which has tape on the underside. It has a power source of it's own. I was thinking of sticking this on the underside of my fluorescent fixture, next to the fluorescent bulb.what do you think?

If you will have both on at the same time, I think your asking for problems. Jmo

[krislewis3]

Thanks for all the help!!!! Although the flourecent lights that I have now bring out the fish colors beautifully, I am interested in the shimmer effect that LEDs give. When I bought a marineland led, although the beautiful shimmer was there, it faded the colors of my orange and red fish, to a brownish color. This is why I thought about using both! What I'd really like is to find an led that shimmers, and enhances the fish colors. Is this avilable? I'm don't know enough about the lighting terms etc. To get much out of my research! HELP!!!

[ashtricks]

If you will have both on at the same time, I think your asking for problems. Jmo Any particular reason Bill? I am still learning. So any info would be awesome :)



What I'd really like is to find an led that shimmers, and enhances the fish colors. Is this avilable?
The third link I gave in my previous post:
From a preliminary google search, I found these guys selling direct replacement of T8s. It is available in 3 colors. http://www.gogreensolar.com/products...placement-tube

If you are looking for flexible strips http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-strips-and-bars/filter/Color,Warm_White,3,2:
I recommend you get one set of "warm whites" and one set of "cool whites". That way both the ends of the spectrum (Blue and Red) will be covered.

HTH

Disclaimer: I am not promoting any seller. These are just links which I have researched over time.

[Wjmulder]

Sounds like Kris is thinking of using adhesive tape to stick led strips to the underside of a fluorescent tube hood, right next to the tube? Just seems like the heat could cause issues. Led's next to the fluorescent fixture may be a better plan. Then again, it may work and she'll patent the idea and be rich. If she does all the testing and provides the capital for initial start-up, I'm in!

[Lenin]

Sounds like Kris is thinking of using adhesive tape to stick led strips to the underside of a fluorescent tube hood, right next to the tube? Just seems like the heat could cause issues. Led's next to the fluorescent fixture may be a better plan. Then again, it may work and she'll patent the idea and be rich. If she does all the testing and provides the capital for initial start-up, I'm in!

Nope, it is a bad idea.

[dprais1]

Sounds like Kris is thinking of using adhesive tape to stick led strips to the underside of a fluorescent tube hood, right next to the tube? Just seems like the heat could cause issues. Led's next to the fluorescent fixture may be a better plan. Then again, it may work and she'll patent the idea and be rich. If she does all the testing and provides the capital for initial start-up, I'm in!

This is what I was getting at. you can't just stick it all together and plug it in.

-maybe I'm missing something, but if you already have a flourecent fixture, and you already have a LED fixture. and you want both then why not just put them both on the tank and be done with it.

[krislewis3]

Misunderstanding........the LEDs I'm interested in are in a fixture. It is thin, flexible, and is sticky on the underside. It has it's own power source . I'm not thinking of taping it myself, it comes in a fixture that has the ability to stick to any site.

[krislewis3]

The problem hear is that my tank (60 gallons) has two fluorescent fixtures, that each hold 18" bulbs. Just try to find an 18" fluorescent bulb that has enough power to accommodate 24" depth....they don't exist. Soooooo, my options are to either get a new flourecent fixture, or go with some really cool LEDs!





http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=354 This gives a good info about fluorescent lamps. The flora sun will bring up the oranges you want. Usually this is reasonably matched by a warm white LED. (Between 2600K - 3700K according to CREE LEDs)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4479 This is the flora sun fixture. You can check the spectrum in the "More Information" tab.
Here is the CREE LED data sheet. You can see the spectrumm http://www.cree.com/led-components-and-modules/products/xlamp/discrete-directional/~/media/Files/Cree/LED%20Components%20and%20Modules/XLamp/Data%20and%20Binning/XLampXPG.pdf
From a preliminary google search, I found these guys selling direct replacement of T8s. It is available in 3 colors. http://www.gogreensolar.com/products/directled-fl-4-ft-led-fluorescent-replacement-tube

About putting both close to each other, I guess as long as you allow the LEDs to cool properly using air cross flow over them you should be OK.

HTH

[krislewis3]

No...I'm not planning to use adhesive tape at all. The led fixture I'm interested in comes with sticky on the underside. It's made to stick!




Sounds like Kris is thinking of using adhesive tape to stick led strips to the underside of a fluorescent tube hood, right next to the tube? Just seems like the heat could cause issues. Led's next to the fluorescent fixture may be a better plan. Then again, it may work and she'll patent the idea and be rich. If she does all the testing and provides the capital for initial start-up, I'm in!

[krislewis3]

Thank you...this is great information. I was misinformed,p when I was told that the warm white would cast a yellow glow that would wash out my fish. I now know that I can get a fixture with warm white, and cool white!! Again...thank you!!




Any particular reason Bill? I am still learning. So any info would be awesome :)



The third link I gave in my previous post:

If you are looking for flexible strips http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-strips-and-bars/filter/Color,Warm_White,3,2:
I recommend you get one set of "warm whites" and one set of "cool whites". That way both the ends of the spectrum (Blue and Red) will be covered.

HTH

Disclaimer: I am not promoting any seller. These are just links which I have researched over time.

[dprais1]

Misunderstanding........the LEDs I'm interested in are in a fixture. It is thin, flexible, and is sticky on the underside. It has it's own power source . I'm not thinking of taping it myself, it comes in a fixture that has the ability to stick to any site.

send a link or a pic. never heard of that

[Wjmulder]

No...I'm not planning to use adhesive tape at all. The led fixture I'm interested in comes with sticky on the underside. It's made to stick!

I know what you mean, that "sticky" is usually foam backed adhesive tape.

I thought in an earlier thread you decided to get a new t5 fixture and glass lids?

[krislewis3]

No....I already have those flourecents. I am considering using the led along side of the t5.

[krislewis3]

If you look under flexible led, or flexible led strips, you can see a variety of them!!





send a link or a pic. never heard of that

[dprais1]

Okay, I looked em up. Why not call the maker and see what they suggest. If you do it you should definetly post your results. I'm interested at least

[krislewis3]

I did find, that in order to get what I'm looking for, I need an led with cool white, warm white, and blue lights on it! I'm having trouble finding this at a price I can afford. I did see a nice one for 759.00!!! Yes!!!! Can't afford that one!

[Cullymoto]

Hello all, I have been reading up here and I have noticed a few reviews on the sites many people have linked. Some say that these LED systems cannot support a planted acquarium. Any thoughts on a setup, either store bought or DIY that would put off the required lumens AND spectrum to support a planted discus tank?
First time i've posted on this forum, so a general info drop; 7 discus (red turquiose, ocean green, albino red melon, albino blue diamond, marlboro yellow, pigeon blood, and the ugliest orange and black patterned fish you ever saw(loves him)) 6 GBR's, 12 neons, 1 clown placo, 1 BN placo 125g planted tank.

[ashtricks]

@Cullymoto: Welcome to SD.

Some say that these LED systems cannot support a planted acquarium.
It is the wattage that is important. For planted setups, it is recommended to use atleast a 3W LED to get desired wattage and penetration. It is a delicate balance to match lighting for plants and discus as discus are not fond of bright lights. There are a lot of guys who have built DIY LED fixtures for discus on SD. A search would give you a bunch of threads and ideas with different levels of detail.
As far as off the shelf products, I would go for fixtures (usually designed for reefs) which offer a lot of flexibility of choosing a spectrum and dim them down for planted tanks.

[nc0gnet0]

FWIW,

I have purchased a few of these and plan on getting a bunch more. Every bit as good (if not better) than the marineland version at a fraction of the cost. I cannot yet however comment on longevity of the product as I have only had them about 6 weeks whereas the marineland ones I have had 2+ years.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/380447736481?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Rick

[ashtricks]

Every bit as good (if not better) than the marineland version
I did a comparison study a few months back. I had 2 tanks a 10g and a 20g. The 20g (H) came with marineland LEDs. The plants that I kept there lived but did not do very well. I replaced them with CFLs and the same plants, same water chemistry started to flourish. On the other hand, I have a 10g with marineland LEDs and the plants are doing well in it. The only reason I think for this marinelands could not provide enough light deeper.

[krislewis3]

I have a marine land double bright on my 40 gallon community tank. My plants are doing well, however, it's probably because that tank is 18"tall. I'm not sure it would work in a taller tank. I just ordered a skyled led for my discus tank, but since it's not a planted tank, I'm just hoping for the shimmer and color enhancement it should give. Can't wait to get it. Has anyone else tried a skyled?

[krislewis3]

Hello all, I have been reading up here and I have noticed a few reviews on the sites many people have linked. Some say that these LED systems cannot support a planted acquarium. Any thoughts on a setup, either store bought or DIY that would put off the required lumens AND spectrum to support a planted discus tank?
First time i've posted on this forum, so a general info drop; 7 discus (red turquiose, ocean green, albino red melon, albino blue diamond, marlboro yellow, pigeon blood, and the ugliest orange and black patterned fish you ever saw(loves him)) 6 GBR's, 12 neons, 1 clown placo, 1 BN placo 125g planted tank.


I'd love to see a photo of your tank....especially that adorable sounding orange and black patterned discus!!!:p