rosieposie Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Hi all, I am looking for some advice, I have a 48x18x18 planted aquarium, I would like help with the lighting. I am running a low tech setup, I currently use flourish root tabs and have just started dosing excel for a small bba outbreak. I would like a low light fixture I think. I have anubias, Val's, crypts, java moss and some sad looking swords that I am trying to save. Photo period is 8 hours total, 4 morning and night. Current light fixture us Aqualina Slimline LED 36inch, this came with the tank. What light fixture would you recommend? Thanks for your help. Rosie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhysl Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Aquarium T5 HO Light LED Aluminum Reflector 120cm 4 X 54W Fish Tank Sliver | eBay go full on great unit, comes with bulbs (sub out 1 arctic with a pink grow bulb) and looks pretty nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosieposie Posted July 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Rhysl, would that put me above low light? I really don't want any less photo period and I have no interest ($) for co2.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosieposie Posted July 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Anyone else able to help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilpierre Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Try one of these, I have 1 of these over my 4ft planted tank, blue LEDs add good color enhancement light level is low. 8k wht/453nm blu combo 12" LED's for sale (American Plugs) Must have an adaptor to use these; adaptor costs approx. $9 from Kmart etc, $30 each + $9 freight (from Wauchope NSW) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhysl Posted July 12, 2013 Report Share Posted July 12, 2013 hey sorry, ive been away a few days The lights i linked put out a lot of light, probably a lot of overkill for light light plants. But the more light, the more room you have to upgrade if you ever deceide to go that way - and you can always just remove bulbs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the cichlid kid Posted July 12, 2013 Report Share Posted July 12, 2013 I would recommend one o these. http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=251192406002 Best value for money led fixture abailable dedicated to plant growth for medium to low level plants in tanks 45cm high or less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AQfish Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 My IT 2080 very very very bright! PAR information 30-35CM = 876 PAR 40-45CM = 836 PAR 45-55CM = 501 PAR From Reef Secrets Fish Coral and Hardware 75-80CM = 352 PAR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oromis Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 1 2 3 5 X 10W 20W 30W 50W LED Flood Wash Light Lamp Outdoor 220V Cool Warm White | eBay I haven't tried growing plants under these yet but I have heard good things about them. I have a 10W one and it is much brighter than expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debi Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 (edited) I have purchased 2 x 14w White/Blue LED grow panels, my tank same size as yours heavily planted, instead of CO2 I am going to plant up a chamber in the sump and run it on alternate cycle so have a tank producing CO2 and other O2 at all times; I am going to replace the Fluro tube for my sump with red/blue LED 'tube'- far less wattage and heat and good growth. I used LEDs successfully for corals in same tank (ran 100W plus 1 T5 actinic so am running on about 1/2 the wattage with new lights) link to ebay page below Blue RED Orange White 225 LED Plant Grow Light Panel Hydroponic Garden Lamp 14W | eBay Edited August 3, 2013 by debi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gung-ho1900 Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 Hope I'm not to late I can only say is stick to the basic's this is what I have tried and had success with T8 - 1.5 to 2 watts per gallon T5 - 1 to 1.2 watts per gallon 1+ watt leds emitters (bridgelux or cree brand) 0.5 to 0.7 watts per gallon evenly spread (this does not include smd led/smd led flood light as they have a 0.08 watt led emitter each hence why I put 1+ watt led emitter above totally different kettle of fish) I've tried all these lights and this seems to be about right for the watt per gallon as long as you don't go above 45cm high it will work and also I've never tried led flood lights so I can't comment on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
