The Puffer Forum

I am looking into getting a LED lighting system for my 36" 45 gallon tank. I would eventually like to try my hand at some corals but for now it's just FOWLR. I found this on marine depot, http://www.marinedepot.com/Current_USA_ ... TN-vi.html . Do you think it would work? 200 is about my max price range any other suggestions

wagner7123 wrote:I am looking into getting a LED lighting system for my 36" 45 gallon tank. I would eventually like to try my hand at some corals but for now it's just FOWLR. I found this on marine depot, http://www.marinedepot.com/Current_USA_ ... TN-vi.html . Do you think it would work? 200 is about my max price range any other suggestions

Please let me know what you decide because I was actually looking at getting: http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Double ... upplies_17
Depending on how Yoshi reacts, I was thinking of trying out corals in the future as well.

I don't think the double bright works for reefs, not enough light maybe? they do have a reef capable one but the reviews I've read haven't been as positive as those for the true lumen

wagner7123 wrote:I don't think the double bright works for reefs, not enough light maybe? they do have a reef capable one but the reviews I've read haven't been as positive as those for the true lumen

Yeah I just saw = / and they are like, way more expensive than I thought.

I ordered a led wholesalers par 38. It's pretty dim and for $65 plus shipping I think its a bit over priced and under powered for my tank. However, it is remote controlled and can dim between blue and white. the whites are cool and the blues are very nice. the beam is pretty narrow(i.e. narrow enough to call a beam) so it illuminates about 12" square very well but the rest of the tank is left dim. I like the par 30/38 design because each bulb is cheaper than a hood system, so I can buy it in installments. I think I am going to try the Boost led next, its $20 more but the leds are 3 watt as opposed to the 1 watt leds in this one.

There is a guy not far from me that got the AI SOL units ... OMG those are sexy!

Hey guys, just my 2 cents, anything other than cree leds is outdated technology!! Get the 11w cree xpg i think was the one, or more wattage. Each led is about $10 on ebay but, @ 900lumens per diode, well worth it. I had one diode i bought for a flashlight, but it was so bright, i had to use the led as a tank light. I've seen $120ish kit setups on a website that looked very nice. Sorry. Forgot the site...just look for the name cree! They put out light. U can FEEl the light's heat on your hand at over 12" away from the 'bulb' And, no yellow color like florecent bulb "provide"
Will post updates when i get a real led setup, but been waitin on new tank first...
P.s. Since i have no canopy, mine dies from salt creep...so, keep them out of the reach of that...and cree has an abundance of lens angle options from like 120-20 degrees... Hope it helps...i'll link the site if interest is presented. Just don't remember on hand.

http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-59/ ... LED/Detail
I will be getting one soon, and prolly a second one later for my 45gallon long.
Well, most of you guys like diy, and if so, here is a nice setup that has everythink besides a heatsink, which IS NEEDED!!! A piece of aluminum from home depot should work, idk how much heat they would put off or if a fan is needed, but i say it's a nice kit for the price...btw, research!!!!!!!!! Helps u know what the heck the # mean and how an led differs from a "bulb" and, guess what, let's see you try to dim those mh or power compact bulbs... and, the shimmer effect is so beautiful and i am pretty sure led is only way to get that...try shining a bright led flashlight on the surface and look at the water...looks awesome...And it'll keep your mind off of the micro bubbles pouring out of you cpr bak pak. Haha

there's no heatsink in that kit. I'd have major concerns about lifespan with out one.

heat sink is just a piece of aluminum. with those being 3watt leds, the cheap aluminum @home depot/home improvement store should suffice...and, with a fan, u'd be golden!!

Hey wagner, what do you mean by a "boost" that is $20 more? I was looking at that site and now seriously considering getting some lighting from there since leds are more efficient and would allow me to try some corals...also, if I bought say, 4 of those eventually, would that be more than sufficient lighting for a 48 inch long tank? I think you said it only covered a good 12 inches or so, but I wanted to know what you thought. =) Thanks!

actually the boost led's are 65 until tomorrow. I bought 3 and they are amazing. 210 shipped.

wagner7123 wrote:actually the boost led's are 65 until tomorrow. I bought 3 and they are amazing. 210 shipped.

Would you mind linking them for me please? I can't find them on the site = /

http://www.boostled.com/products/par30-reef-lamps I got the 3 royal blue 1 cool white 1 neutral white

wagner7123 wrote:http://www.boostled.com/products/par30-reef-lamps I got the 3 royal blue 1 cool white 1 neutral white

No wonder why I couldn't find them, I was looking at a totally different site LOL. I am glad that I asked, thank you so much! =D

How do you use those? They look light a light bulb that you screw into a fixture. What are you planning on doing? If you don't mind me asking of course =)

This was the site that I went to when I googled the Par30 leds haha: http://www.ledwholesalers.com/store/ind ... ductId=702