LED strip lights

About 2 months ago, I bought a strip of 45 LED lights off of ebay for my 10 gallon tank. I just got around to installing it today and I was just wonder if it will be enough light for my plants. I don't know how many watts they are. Until now, I have just been using a 45 watt fluorescent light bulb pointed down at the tank. I am trying to get a 10 gallon hood right now but I can't find any for a good price.

 

LEDs come in a wide range of wattage per bulb, so it's hard to say if you have enough light or not. Looking at all the shadows in your tank, I'd say that you have a very low light tank.

Make sure those lights are water safe and shouldn't be run with a plate of glass between them and the water. You may find they light the tank better being mounted into a hood too.

I'd try things like java fern and cryptocorynes.

Good luck.

 

ok, i'm saving up money to get a hood, but until then, I will just have to use the fluorescent lights in my room

 

I agree on the low light part, with the LED's I'm about 80% certain that those are water proof for what you have, I would have to see them close up to be sure, the only thing I would worry about is the end that the wires go into and then the wired connection if there is another one. Put a little silicon around where you can't get electrical tape sealed around and they should be fine.

As for placement, It looks like you actually have them in the optimal mounting position. mounted at a 45 degree angle to the water should give you the best light output to the tank, however this might not be true but that all depends on the angle that the LEDs are made on. For now thou I would leave them and get used to seeing the tank with them and see if you have enough light, you can always buy a glass top and mount a strip under there to add a little more light.

 

I know they are water proof. They were made specifically for aquariums. if they do well, I will do like you said and get a glass top and a couple more LED strips.