LED Tubes

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by DarylA, Nov 28, 2011.

  1. DarylA

    DarylA

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    Hey Forum, I have found that LED Tubes are available. You can get various T5 or T8 in standard flourescent lengths at up to 6,500k. It is my understanding that they simply replace existing globes but have a lower wattage. Anybody using these? Any good?
     
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  3. Jagwa

    Jagwa

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    can u post a link
     
  4. OP
    DarylA

    DarylA

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    There are a few, google LED Tubes. They seem to be manufactured in Cape Town.
     
  5. gdt78

    gdt78

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    Hi @DarylA,

    What would the advantages be if one use LED tubes ?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  6. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    You will use much less electricity, and they will last much much longer. It is definitely the way of the future.
     
  7. OP
    DarylA

    DarylA

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    @gdt78, @Zoom is correct about it being far more environmentaly friendly but I am not sure what the advantages or disadvantages - if any - there are for aquarium use.
     
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  8. Wandrag

    Wandrag

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    Is this the link that you're talking about:

    http://www.ledlighting.co.za/index.php?link=news

    I'd love to get some LED lights for my tank.
    For one - my temp on this tank always spikes during the day with the lights on (240w of T5 lights on the tank).
    So using LED's will solve that problem.
     
  9. OP
    DarylA

    DarylA

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    @Wandrag It should help with heat. That link was new to me. It would take me ages to post specific links with my BB but the sites I viewed were www.energysavinglights.co.za, www.electroniclights.co.za, www.lightsavers.co.za, www.futurelight.co.za and www.led-lights.co.za. I hope this helps.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  10. GG13

    GG13

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    Do you think the same wpg rule will apply with led?
     
  11. Blaasie

    Blaasie

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    ACDC Dynamics .. 5 m High powered all weather ip65 strips R1458.

    Just a indication the other leds dont have the penetration.

    But then again also depends on your tank setup
     
  12. GG13

    GG13

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    [h=2]I found this table on www.futurelight.co.za

    8 WATT LED = 20 W FLUORESCENT
    [/h]
    12 WATT LED = 30 W FLUORESCENT
    18 WATT LED = 40 W FLUORESCENT
    24 WATT LED = 56 W FLUORESCENT
    28 WATT LED = 65 W FLUORESCENT
    36 WATT LED = 85W FLUORESCENT
     
  13. OP
    DarylA

    DarylA

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    I also saw that table, I assume you can just factor it into the wpg rule? I can't give any educated comments on light penetration so hopefuly somebody on our forum could help us out.
     
  14. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    The problem with the WPG rule is that it is even outdated and wrong for the current T5's, CFL's and even some of the newer aquarium T8's!!!

    The WPG rule is as old as fishkeeping is itself!
     
  15. Skye01

    Skye01

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    I looked at getting a clamp on LED for my comp tank but I discovered that to replace just one LED globe would have cost more than the original light fitting. About R150 per LED. The light that I saw was a Resun light, so maybe if you can find them on the net you can get an idea of how well it lights in comparison to other lights.

    My 2c worth
     
  16. GG13

    GG13

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    :dontknow: So how do we figure out how much lighting we need then...?
     
  17. OP
    DarylA

    DarylA

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    @Zoom LOL, I tend to agree as reference is made to it in books as old as I am - 30 years! @Skye01 My lighting requirements are not all that great as I am only growing Java Fern/Moss so I think I will get a LED Tube and see how it goes. @GG13 Good question and one I again do not have the answer to.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  18. neilh

    neilh

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    Per globe you mean?

    I'm using LED's on my comp tank, whilst they aren't cheap, they are compact and they have minimal heat transfer. My bigger globe is so bright enough to give you arc eyes
     
  19. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    The WPG rule can still be referrenced as a very basic guide... but if you are putting in 2wpg (Old rule) using today's globes (new technology) you can be sure that you are getting MORE than enough light. The new rule is to actually go through the expense of purchasing a PAR meter and actually getting a proper reading on the amount of light hitting the substrate (or wherver you want it to reach).

    New technology lamps (T5's, LED's and even some of the New T8's) can sometimes be extremely effective if used at even 1wpg. The dynamics of planted tanks has changed so much over the years with research having gone into the relationship between nutrients vs. CO2 vs light. If you put in 2wpg, but don't balance out with CO2 and nutrients, you are going to land up with algae, burnt plants and other problems.

    I think @Altum could give some valuable insight here too. Something he taught me that I believe is one of the best advice given when it comes to lighting. When you plan on bulding a tank, or upgrading lighting, plan it in a staggered format, and don't always go for the longest tube that can fit in your tank. Altum explained to me that it would be better to put a number of smaller globes in, and design them so that they can be moved, or have tubes added. Thus if you find you are lighting up too much hardscape, and not enough light on the plants, you can move the tubes, OR, if you find you are not quite getting enough light, you can add another one. It's often more cost effective to add a smaller tube than to have to redo your entire lighting because you are shy just a little bit of light.

    I am actually a firm believer that 90% of our tanks out there can be sufficiently lit (for a low tech set up, and good viewing) with 2 x T5 tubes (full length of tank), and when you start going more hightech, add smaller tubes in between this. (The other 10% of tanks are the very tall tanks). If you are planning on ENTIRE planted and very little bare hardscape or substrate patches, then go with full length tubes.

    Just my opinion.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  20. OP
    DarylA

    DarylA

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    @Zoom Thank you for that! Your opinion is valued since what we see of your tanks, looks good! I am planning on getting a 600mm 10w T8 LED tube to replace the tube in my 3ft that only has Java Fern and Moss. What is your/others take on this? Whilst on the topic, should I be using Seachem Flourish and Flourish Excel?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  21. OP
    DarylA

    DarylA

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    I forgot to say... According to the LED Tubes spec, it replaces a 25w flourescent and is 5,500k-6,500k.
     

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