I've got a CF fixture for my 160 (work in progress) but would like better lighting for a low-tech heavily planted tank. I've still got to finish the stand, so I'm taking the time to websurf/windowshop fixtures.
I'm looking at LEDs. Hoppy's posts over at TPT forum were a huge help, Milad's LED DIY build as well. Much as I would love to make my own I honestly am not up to the 6' lighting challenge, either in $$ or skill. I admit hoppy's indepth discussion of LED effective involving calculus/charts/saturation and wavelengths left me feeling like I was in college again (and behind on my homework!)
I found this http://www.sunshine-systems.com/AquaPanel-LED-Aquarium-Light-p/ap-26482-aq.htm and am wondering if daisy-chaining 2 or 3 would be effective? For the $$ would it be equivalent to a couple http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Freshwater-Bright-p/56204.htm (have to suspend).
Reason for the LED over T5HO? Heat & power draw. I'd like to light 6' of tank with enough to keep low-tech plants happy without having to run fans for the fixtures and bump the A/C down. I'm also a sucker for shimmer![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Open to suggestions, unfortunately budget IS an issue. The 6" fixture with the tank has 4 CF, I'll be moving the 2 CF from the current 40long and buying 2 more to fill empty sockets if it comes down to that.
Thanks, in advance
I'm looking at LEDs. Hoppy's posts over at TPT forum were a huge help, Milad's LED DIY build as well. Much as I would love to make my own I honestly am not up to the 6' lighting challenge, either in $$ or skill. I admit hoppy's indepth discussion of LED effective involving calculus/charts/saturation and wavelengths left me feeling like I was in college again (and behind on my homework!)
I found this http://www.sunshine-systems.com/AquaPanel-LED-Aquarium-Light-p/ap-26482-aq.htm and am wondering if daisy-chaining 2 or 3 would be effective? For the $$ would it be equivalent to a couple http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Freshwater-Bright-p/56204.htm (have to suspend).
Reason for the LED over T5HO? Heat & power draw. I'd like to light 6' of tank with enough to keep low-tech plants happy without having to run fans for the fixtures and bump the A/C down. I'm also a sucker for shimmer
Open to suggestions, unfortunately budget IS an issue. The 6" fixture with the tank has 4 CF, I'll be moving the 2 CF from the current 40long and buying 2 more to fill empty sockets if it comes down to that.
Thanks, in advance