I have a 125, planning on a FOWLR because we can't get corals here. Anyone know of some cheap quality LED lights? I've seen Beamswork on Amazon but not sure what is best bet. I currently have florescent tubes that came with the tank, tank was probably bought in the 90s lol. I was wondering should I just use what I have until they die or are LEDs much better? Once again only a FOWLR. Here is a pic I am waiting for tank to cycle....
LED Light question. What should I get?
- Thread starter Dan808z
- Start date
iidylii
Active Member
as im sure others will say if your not going with corals then lighting really isn't a huge issue...I guess its all in your preference in how your tank looks with the tube lights that you have...personally I like my kessil lights because they give the tank a very natural light look...some people really like the more blue light look that make your fish glow a little more
lmforbis
Well-Known Member
There are a number of LED fixtures on eBay. They are often referred to as Chinese black boxes. Mars Aqua is supposed to be pretty good. They work well and you can often get them for around $100 each. You'd need 2 for a 125.
Using your existing fluorescent will work but the spectrum may encourage algae growth.
Using your existing fluorescent will work but the spectrum may encourage algae growth.
You guys think I would see a noticeable difference with LED as opposed to bulbs? At least noticeable enough to make change now rather than waiting for bulbs to die?I have glass covers to help protect lighting but appreciate the info on making sure they are marine grade I will definitely do that!
Any comments on this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Beamswork-Lumen-Aquarium-Marine-Cichlid/dp/B01FVJMFP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492736634&sr=8-1&keywords=marine+led+light+72"
Any comments on this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Beamswork-Lumen-Aquarium-Marine-Cichlid/dp/B01FVJMFP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492736634&sr=8-1&keywords=marine+led+light+72"
jay0705
Well-Known Member
Honestly its all personal choice with fowlr. I have a lower grade led on my fw tank. The out put compared to my orbits is significant. I just turned them off or i could show u a pic. I went with orbit bc if i choose to, they say you can keep softies with them. Finnex i believe makes them too. Idk about price with those
Thank you, I live in Hawaii so will never have option for corals unfortunately. Just want some nice lighting to show off live rock and eventually some beautiful fish! If a florescent does that just as well as a LED I will stick with what I got. A picture would be awesome!
lmforbis
Well-Known Member
LEDs are cheaper to run.
To me, even with a fish only tank, you'd need to change the fluorescent bulbs every year or so. The bulbs are around $20 each. The wavelength in fluorescent bulbs shifts as the bulb ages and you will start to get issues with algae. That may happen to LEDs but not as much and certainly not as fast.
To me, even with a fish only tank, you'd need to change the fluorescent bulbs every year or so. The bulbs are around $20 each. The wavelength in fluorescent bulbs shifts as the bulb ages and you will start to get issues with algae. That may happen to LEDs but not as much and certainly not as fast.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Leds are essentially monochromatic they don't shift in spectrum like fluorescents will. And they only loose a tiny fraction of their efficiency over the course of their life span. Most of which happens very near the end of their rated lifespan.
Agree, they are more energy efficient to run and they add a nice shimmer effect to the tank.
They don't need to be expensive ones for fish only. Just whatever works for your budget is fine.
Agree, they are more energy efficient to run and they add a nice shimmer effect to the tank.
They don't need to be expensive ones for fish only. Just whatever works for your budget is fine.