need help on new hood lighting

topbottomfeeder · 06/11/2012, 07:13 PM

hi, all,
I built a replacement hood but I'm really stumped with regards to choosing a lighting option. not sure what I'll need, I plan to add soft coral and/or LPS, but that's many months down the road. I heard that LEDs are good for a reef system but I have no idea how to actually make it work, I'm not sure how to start.

the replacement hood for my 110gal tank, is 10 inches tall(from top of tank rim)24in wide and 60in long. I was going to use flurescent bulbs but figured it was much of an improvement and isn't going to be enough for growing coral.

I was looking at the RapidLED site and I was thinking of ordering through there but I just became more confused with all the options.

I have a really important question, I know that coral hate sudden light changes and I definitely need a dimmer, but what about adding in automatic timers to the dimmer? right now I leave for work at 7 and comes home at 6 so I use a timer for my tank but it just cut off power at the end.

if any DIYers that have built LED lightings in their hood can show me how to proceed, that'll be greatly appreciated

reeferheadlouie · 06/11/2012, 07:31 PM

I think you should read the entire Chinese led light post. There are many opinions there and good start for research anyway. I wish I had more for you , but I'm greenhorn myself!

06/11/2012, 07:13 PM	#1
topbottomfeeder Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: South of Boston, MA Posts: 80	need help on new hood lighting hi, all, I built a replacement hood but I'm really stumped with regards to choosing a lighting option. not sure what I'll need, I plan to add soft coral and/or LPS, but that's many months down the road. I heard that LEDs are good for a reef system but I have no idea how to actually make it work, I'm not sure how to start. the replacement hood for my 110gal tank, is 10 inches tall(from top of tank rim)24in wide and 60in long. I was going to use flurescent bulbs but figured it was much of an improvement and isn't going to be enough for growing coral. I was looking at the RapidLED site and I was thinking of ordering through there but I just became more confused with all the options. I have a really important question, I know that coral hate sudden light changes and I definitely need a dimmer, but what about adding in automatic timers to the dimmer? right now I leave for work at 7 and comes home at 6 so I use a timer for my tank but it just cut off power at the end. if any DIYers that have built LED lightings in their hood can show me how to proceed, that'll be greatly appreciated __________________ Saltwater tank - 110gal, Skimmer, 70+lbs Live rock, 80lbs sand, and 8 fish Freshwater tank - 20gal, filter, assorted plants, 1.5" gravel bed, 5 assorted goldfish

06/11/2012, 07:31 PM	#2
reeferheadlouie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bunnell, FLA Posts: 51	I think you should read the entire Chinese led light post. There are many opinions there and good start for research anyway. I wish I had more for you , but I'm greenhorn myself!