Converting From Fluorescent To Leds

[the_lock_man]

With my two AquaOne tanks, the lights are very nicely held in the hoods. Is there an easy way to convert these to LED lights, and how does you work out whether you are then a low-light setup or a high-light setup - since the wattage is so much lower.

 

[Ruskull]

I'm also interested in converting 2 tanks to LEDs but I want it to work good & look nice. I was checking out the Marineland LED rails that have a "shimmer effect" to the regular light & a "moonlight setting that appears blue. They sit slightly above the top & I wasn't sure, without actually purchasing one, how it would look & work.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm looking to convert a 36 gallon bowfront and a 20 gallon high.

Does anyone know if these lights are okay for plants that require "full spectrum" lighting? My current florescent bulbs both say "daylight" on them.

 

[GrayScale]

The difference between LEDs and t5/t8 is that LEDs are rated with PAR or lumens instead of by wattage. Energy consumption and heat production is far less with LEDs and LEDs last much longer without needing to be replaced.

I've never actually used only LEDs so whether they are beneficial for growrth, I am not too sure. Personally, I would yse them as a shimmer effect but still use the fluorescents for main lighting.

 

[Defiance]

Hiya,

Going led myself (DIY)

Made my T5 4 tube setup, now i want something special for my newest tank

This site is solely for tropical aquarium led lighting, so should help you lots

http/aquariums.seaspraydesigns.biz/

I have a maplins close to me, got a 3w white led and a 3w blue led, just to get my head around the basics

I will buy most parts from hong kong or germany/usa

Germany looks good as you don't get stung for import tax etc like you do from non eu countries, also found a nice romanian led company that do decent priced hp leds

I have most of the layout on paper, thing with leds is i thought they were eye-candy coloured lights, but reading more they not only match but beat most lighting when used correctly

Cheaper electric bills in the long run, some rigs pay for themselves in 2yrs or so, that's what i'm after lol

Sorry to waffle on, but check that guys diy builds, they're informative

Also utube's good but 99% focuses on marine led setups, but not a million miles away from tropical if you get my drift

TT

Tony