Led lightning for deep freshwater aquarium?

Discussion in 'The Planted Tank' started by ch.campos, Mar 16, 2011.

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  1. ch.campos

    ch.campos Plankton

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2011
    Messages:
    4
    Dear all,

    I am very confused about the led lightning information on the internet and would like a help from you. I have a 24” depth freshwater aquarium and would like to add a led system for medium or high lighting plants. I have discus fishes and low lighting plants working fine.

    To my knowledge I have two commercial affordable options:
    1) Marineland Double Bright 36” – that seems to not have enough PAR for medium light plants in such deep aquarium (36 – 48” - (16) 1W 6000K White & (8) .06W Blue LEDs 1200 Lumens) (Our Products)

    2) Marineland Reef capable 36” - that seems to have enough PAR readings for this deep, but 10.000 k white leds (36 – 48” - (36) 10,000K White & (6) 460 nm Blue 1W LEDs - 2610 Lumens) (Our Products)


    a) Can I use the Reef capable for freshwater? Or am I wasting too much kelvins for freshwater plants?
    b) Adding two Marineland Double Bright could I solve the problem of low PAR? http://www.marineland.com/uploadedFiles/Marineland/11078iMLLEDCharts.pdf
    c) Actually how much PAR should I have at the bottom for medium/high lighting plants?
    d) DIY system could save more than 50% or solve problems that these commercial options can’t solve?
    e) Do you have any other recommendations or right questions?

    Thanks very much,
    Chris

    Aquarium specification:
    boyu lh 1000
    40*20*24" lxwxh
    83 gal
    50W T8
    substrate: fondo vivo + fluorite
    freshwater
    low lighting plants
    CO2 system
    discus fishes
     
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  3. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2008
    Messages:
    5,958
    Location:
    Chesterfield, VA
    honestly neither of those are the right spectrum for plants, although they probably will grow some plants.

    I would probably get a 4 bulb t5HO or even a 6 bulb fixture since you have CO2.