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Unread 10/26/2015, 02:09 PM   #1
loveaddressbox
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Changing to LED...? Help please!

Hi guys!
I got questions!
How many LED? What kind of LED? How many Watts? What I need to buy? What does the box with holes on the front where the wires from the LED strip goes in is?

This is the 30 gallons tank... Pics:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2533058

Well is about 23" wide by 31" height... Not sure about the distance from the back to the front... About 15"

I just want a bubble tip anemone and I have some soft corals (Mushroom corals? (Actinodiscus?)) and a... Star? Polip?* (Clavularia)
There's no other corals available on the city anyway...

So my objective is to keep the anemone happy! (Entacmaea?)

I'm totally unaware of light instalation, please tell me if it is possible and how should I do it... If someone would assist me over a video call would be amazing.
By now... I got youtube lol
Thanks a lot for reading and double thanks to anyone who reply!


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Unread 10/26/2015, 02:16 PM   #2
Taahirs
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Radion xr30w G3 Pro if you got cash


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Unread 10/26/2015, 02:31 PM   #3
loveaddressbox
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Quote:
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Radion xr30w G3 Pro if you got cash
Well... I need to fit it on the lamp... And I'm not very well... Economically speaking right now... But thanks for reply!


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Unread 10/26/2015, 02:43 PM   #4
loveaddressbox
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I wanted to add that... I was thinking to buy normal LED like the ones at Lowes...
They work?


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Unread 10/26/2015, 02:52 PM   #5
skp
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loveaddressbox View Post
I wanted to add that... I was thinking to buy normal LED like the ones at Lowes...
They work?
I don't think so. I've never tried but I think there's a reason there are lights designed for fish tanks. Also, the led light bulbs that fit into normal light bulb sockets tend to lose their output very fast like 50% in a few months.

if you're on a budget, look into the AI prime. It should be ok to keep more light demanding things on the upper half of your tank.


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Unread 10/26/2015, 03:06 PM   #6
ReefWreak
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If you get an LED like they sell at the hardware store, you'll have the same issue as buying an MH/HPS light from the hardware store, or any other light. Usually a lot less output, and definitely in the wrong spectrum for growing corals.

Hardware store lights generally are designed to mimic sunlight, and if you apply those spectrums to an aquarium, it will promote algae growth over coral growth. It's not cut and dry like I'm making it out to be, but it's a general rule.


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Unread 10/26/2015, 03:20 PM   #7
loveaddressbox
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Okay guys... So...
What about Hamilton Technology 30 LED stip?


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Unread 10/27/2015, 06:53 AM   #8
Taahirs
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Led strips are useless


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Unread 10/27/2015, 07:27 AM   #9
Webmanny
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First... What is your budget for this light? There are hundreds of options out there, but without knowing what your range is, this will take a very long time.

Here are some recommendations I can make based on my budget and taking into account what you are looking to keep in your tank.

Full-Spectrum-Dimmable-165w-LED-Aquarium-Grow-Lights-55x3w

WIFI-Dimmable-Full-Spectrum-165W-LED-Aquarium-Light

120W-LED-Aquarium-Light-Dimmable-Full-Spectrum

Kessil-A150W-10000K-Special-Blend-LED-Aquarium-Light

Kessil-led-A350-Aquarium-light


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Unread 10/28/2015, 04:01 AM   #10
loveaddressbox
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Well... I guess then LED strips are not a good idea...

I have some sort of budget for it, the ones you post are on range!
Thanks for the recommendations I will check them out, I hope they ship to Mexico.


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Unread 10/28/2015, 07:18 AM   #11
Webmanny
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loveaddressbox View Post
Well... I guess then LED strips are not a good idea...

I have some sort of budget for it, the ones you post are on range!
Thanks for the recommendations I will check them out, I hope they ship to Mexico.
The issue with those LED strips is penetration. Some are RGB so you can achieve almost any spectrum you need. The issue is that they don't reach any decent depth under the surface of your tank.

Good luck. I hope you get something that works for your budget and your corals.


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Unread 10/28/2015, 07:25 AM   #12
Wazzel
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RGB LED units are not suitable for reef aquariums. You get white light, but there are lots of gaps in the spectrum. What ever LED unit you choose make sure it has a broad spectrum white included.

You might want to consider something like a reef breeders photon or the mars aqua. They are full spectrum with some control. They have gotten good reviews.


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Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train.

Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS
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Unread 10/29/2015, 11:43 AM   #13
loveaddressbox
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Hey guys! Thanks a lot for the replies, I will look for those ASAP!


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Unread 10/29/2015, 11:48 AM   #14
nuttyd
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Look for manufacturers recommendations on depth of water vs what can grow.


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Unread 10/30/2015, 03:08 AM   #15
loveaddressbox
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nuttyd View Post
Look for manufacturers recommendations on depth of water vs what can grow.
Thanks for reply! I will!


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