2X 48 Led Moons (Plug And Play) Alternatives

[ian]

have a look here, they sell cheap aquarium LED's in the uk

http/stores.ebay.co.uk/inlife365/Aquarium-/_i.html?_fsub=2353145018&_sid=950746658&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

and if you go to Maplins, they sell the plug converters that are smaller than normal plugs.

 

[shrimply]

What size of tank are you trying to light, I don't think you've said unless its still the Jewel 180. Maybe if we knew we could advice better.

As I said you really can't judge how many LED's you need based on the ones you've used previously, there are many different types. I'm your case Cold Cathodes may also be an option.

 

[200sx]

ib just ordered my leds of amazon used same seller as i used before these ones http/www.amazon.co.uk/6X24-Flexible-Aquarium-Strip-Lights/dp/B004EHT3B2/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1334925854&sr=1-2

 

[Primous]

have a look here, they sell cheap aquarium LED's in the uk

http/stores.ebay.co.uk/inlife365/Aquarium-/_i.html?_fsub=2353145018&_sid=950746658&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

and if you go to Maplins, they sell the plug converters that are smaller than normal plugs.

Thanks ianho, beautiful chocolate gourami in that other thread!

Anyways guys, I have just realized that all/99% of these led light sellers are indeed located in china. Each seller has "UK SELLER" on their listings but crucially they all have the exact same location (London) and the exact same item description, word for word with zero deviation which would indicate a case of copy and paste. Such a shame really but if anyone stumbles across any which fit the description please let me know.

 

[shrimply]

I don't know if this is any help, and these are not waterproof but if you have a condensation plate they'll be fine.

I've just received a set of these

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320824456819

All you need is the plug ( no wiring needed))


http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-100V-240V-Adapter-DC-12V-2A-Power-Supply-extention-/160548401415?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item25616e3107

Now 60 LEDs are more than adequate to provide moonlighting ( though not what I wanted them for) for my 4ft by 18" by 18". I've ran the strip along right at the back and will probably run the LED's at about half brightness.

You can cut the LED strips to the length you want, again literally cut, nothing electrical or anything you just cut them where it says you can. You could even go for a 30LED/m set for cheaper.

The good thing is this way you can dim the light to how you want it, you can also play about you the colour a bit, either using one of the pre-set blues or mixing you're own to get the shade you want.

The controller you receive can actually run two strips, which means if you want you can add another strip (£7) without any soldering etc. I doubt you will need more than one strip though.

As for ebay sellers, they will often be based in China, but if the item location is in the UK and they have decent UK feedback they will have a UK warehouse.

 

[Mikaila31]

Every kit I come across says the following...

" you need a power inverter to convert AC 220V to DC 12v for the strip light; for internal or external car user, no power interter is needed.
The LED strips do not require any resistors. They are ready to work on any 12 volt power source."

Which might as well be a different language to me

You have to find a 12V or universal AC/DC converter and simply splice 2 wires together for each LED strand. Its really easy. I could do it drunk TBH. I personally prefer cold cathodes or I wire component LEDs on smaller tanks. A universal converter will allow you to dim the lights.

 

[Applecart]

Every kit I come across says the following...

" you need a power inverter to convert AC 220V to DC 12v for the strip light; for internal or external car user, no power interter is needed.
The LED strips do not require any resistors. They are ready to work on any 12 volt power source."

Which might as well be a different language to me

You have to find a 12V or universal AC/DC converter and simply splice 2 wires together for each LED strand. Its really easy. I could do it drunk TBH. I personally prefer cold cathodes or I wire component LEDs on smaller tanks. A universal converter will allow you to dim the lights.

Cathodes run at a much higher voltage though ( after the inverter and before the tubes 640v-ish if I recall )
Is there not more risk using cathodes over a strip of LEDS?

 

[Mikaila31]

Every kit I come across says the following...

" you need a power inverter to convert AC 220V to DC 12v for the strip light; for internal or external car user, no power interter is needed.
The LED strips do not require any resistors. They are ready to work on any 12 volt power source."

Which might as well be a different language to me

You have to find a 12V or universal AC/DC converter and simply splice 2 wires together for each LED strand. Its really easy. I could do it drunk TBH. I personally prefer cold cathodes or I wire component LEDs on smaller tanks. A universal converter will allow you to dim the lights.

Cathodes run at a much higher voltage though ( after the inverter and before the tubes 640v-ish if I recall )
Is there not more risk using cathodes over a strip of LEDS?

They cast light better IMO on deep tanks. Any florescent tube T8, T5, power compact runs at a similar high voltage between the ballast and the tubes. I don't think its over 600v though as the wires do not look anywhere near rated for that kinda voltage. We already use these kinda lights on our tanks and I have never had an issue with cold cathodes. Mine have been running for over 4 years on my largest tank right along side some 55 watt power compacts. At the time I got them I spent about $10 for a dual 2x12" set plus a REALLY cheap adjustable AC/DC converter from ebay. I run mine at 12 or 9v normally. I also have 2 sets of the exact same thing lighting the floor of my car. They have also been running for 4 years. I can make LED moonlights as well but I've always used individual LEDs that I wire myself to run off what I want. Usually the source is not 12volts but something less. Typically a old cellphone charger or other type of battery charger and the tank is shallow and less then 2 feet long.