l e d lighting

hI all I saw a tank in a p/s I use which looked really neat I was wondering if anyone had them and did it affect the tanks nature because of the different colour spectrum please respond if this has been experienced by anyone or they have had bad luck with them

 

Gilly, I saw this post the other day, and thought about answering it, but I don't understand your post. I am an old fuddy duddy, and don't follow abbreviations very well. If you are asking if LED lights affect the way plants grow, I would have to say that they cannot be the only light for your tank.

There has been some discussion on this forum about adding lunar lights on timers to wake your fish up gently, and let you enjoy being able to see your tank in the evening without lighting your tank so long it stimulates algae growth, so for these uses, I feel they would be beneficial. However if you are attempting to keep plants, or breed fish, you will need lighting that will simulate the appropriate light spectrums, on for at least 10 hours a day.
Hope this helps. Sorry no one answered, I know how it feels, and I didn't intentionally ignore you, just thought someone else would be better qualified to answer.

Fish in the Frozen North 8)

 

thanks for advice April let me tell you though I don't want to breed fish at all I don't think I could manage that at the moment lol got 3 kids already don't need more lol , the lights I have seen are coloured spots that you place at bottom of tank in the gravel and the light shines upwards so I didn't know what affect it may have on fish .... Gilly

 

I've been wondering about these lights too. If they aren't very bright, and don't interfere with the fish resting at night, I thought one or two might be nice to have to make turning on the tank lights in the morning a little less stressful on the fish. I leave for work in the dark, and turn on a room light for a while before turning on the tank lights, but even that is probably stressful to them. Anyone use these - are they bright or just enough to faintly illuminate a tank in the dark?

 

Direct LED lighting is very bright... Almost as bright as staring into the sun..

Although... Indirect LED light has a nice glow to it. I would recommend using an old style incandescent Christmas light instead. Cheaper and not so shockingly focused.

Just my 2 cents on this one... ;D

 

Direct LED lighting is very bright... Almost as bright as staring into the sun..

Although... Indirect LED light has a nice glow to it. I would recommend using an old style incandescent Christmas light instead. Cheaper and not so shockingly focused.

Just my 2 cents on this one... ;D

I kinda figured that - I know how bright my led flashlights are. I might try one sometime & point it at the black back of the tank I was thinking of. The christmas bulb was a good idea too. Not the highest thing on my priority list at this time anyway.

 

Ya know I just thought of this but wouldn't a nice section of rope light work just as well ??

If you really like the LED lights maybe check on E-bay for them... EVERYTHING can be found on e-bay.. LOL!!

 

LEDs will tend to be very expensive in comparison to fluorescent or incandescent lighting....They do not give off heat like the others do, but they also offer very little with respect to UV value.

 

LEDs will tend to be very expensive in comparison to fluorescent or incandescent lighting....They do not give off heat like the others do, but they also offer very little with respect to UV value.

The point of the LED lights are that they do not contribute to the UV value. That is suppose to simulate moonlight. It won't promote algae growth, but lets you still enjoy your fish. They are becoming increasingly available at online stores.

Land of the Midnight Sun 8)

 

LEDs will tend to be very expensive in comparison to fluorescent or incandescent lighting....They do not give off heat like the others do, but they also offer very little with respect to UV value.

  The point of the LED lights are that they do not contribute to the UV value.   That is suppose to simulate moonlight.  It won't promote algae growth, but lets you still enjoy your fish.   They are becoming increasingly available at online stores.

Land of the Midnight Sun  8)

True, however UV helps contribute to plant and fish growth.....

 

I did end up getting a couple LED's for my tank... It's very cool to look at while laying in bed trying to fall asleep... ;D

 

True, however UV helps contribute to plant and fish growth.....

  I am well aware of specific lighting needs for plant growth as I am a nursery owner, and have grown plants in Alaska for many years, (lighting required),  What I was suggesting the LED lights are designed to give you viewing pleasure during the hours your plant lights are turned off!    You can have the 10 or so hours for your plants, turn them off, and still enjoy your tank.   By shutting off lights except the LEDs after 10 hours you cut down on the algae growth.    I have not found LED lights expensive at all.   Usually enough for say a 55 gal tank are less than $30. 

Land of the Midnight Sun  8)

 

True, however UV helps contribute to plant and fish growth.....

  I am well aware of specific lighting needs for plant growth as I am a nursery owner, and have grown plants in Alaska for many years, (lighting required),  What I was suggesting the LED lights are designed to give you viewing pleasure during the hours your plant lights are turned off!    You can have the 10 or so hours for your plants, turn them off, and still enjoy your tank.   By shutting off lights except the LEDs after 10 hours you cut down on the algae growth.    I have not found LED lights expensive at all.   Usually enough for say a 55 gal tank are less than $30. 

Land of the Midnight Sun  8)

I wasn't implying that you weren't aware.....But some folks here see a low heat source of light and may not realize that UV light provides health benefit for their plants and fish....Therefore the comment. But I then ask when do the fish rest if you have lights on for more than 10hrs?

 

The LED's mentioned here are not meant to light up the entire tank like your fluorescents do. They are meant to be mood lighting and (as susitna-flower mentioned) provide a soft glow in the tank at night to simulate the moonlight on the water. They are not an effective way to actually see great detail in your tank and won't effect the day/night cycle for your fish. . I've considered the blue ones for a more subdued light as my tank is in my dinning room and the lights are off once we are done eating. With the open view I have of the tank from adjoining rooms, it would be nice to see a night time scene rather then a pitch black tank. I would probably still put it on a timer though so it would turn off after everyone goes to bed, but with the big shadows it creates over all the plants it's not necessary to do that.

 

I see. That makes more sense....

 

led lighting is cool, but how do people assume it's a good simulation of moonlight? ??? This is strictly an aesthetic for people, not fish yes? and in reference to a previous comment, LED's are a very expensive choice in lighting when you examine the light production for the money. However, when it comes down to just looking cool - the yay's have it. LEDs are excellent.

has anyone seen this led table?

 

The LED's mentioned here are not meant to light up the entire tank like your fluorescents do. They are meant to be mood lighting and (as susitna-flower mentioned) provide a soft glow in the tank at night to simulate the moonlight on the water. They are not an effective way to actually see great detail in your tank and won't effect the day/night cycle for your fish. . I've considered the blue ones for a more subdued light as my tank is in my dinning room and the lights are off once we are done eating. With the open view I have of the tank from adjoining rooms, it would be nice to see a night time scene rather then a pitch black tank. I would probably still put it on a timer though so it would turn off after everyone goes to bed, but with the big shadows it creates over all the plants it's not necessary to do that.

That sounds lovely (esthaetics-wise). Are they annoying to set up/attach?

 

We haven't sprung for led's yet - but they will be mine, oh yes, they will be mine.

Who can resist such a useless (but pretty) techie gadget?

 

ME!!!!