LEDs over Mushrooms and Leathers

JEBrown2 · 12/15/2015, 02:49 PM

I'm converting a freshwater tank to a reef tank. I recently purchased a Current LED Plus for my 90 gallon. Can I use that light to grow soft corals and mushrooms?

Thank you.

C3hutson · 12/15/2015, 02:56 PM

Maybe. What's the height on that tank? If it's the standard 26" you might have issues at the sand bed.

JEBrown2 · 12/15/2015, 03:01 PM

It is 24".

jayball · 12/15/2015, 03:46 PM

If you are talking about this http://current-usa.com/aquarium-led-...ater-led-plus/ Than I am going to go with not really, I would wait on coral.

That is not a good spectrum for marine both from an asthetic point and from the spectrum perspective. I very much doubt it will provide sufficient par for many soft corals. You should be able to grow the more undemanding mushrooms under it however that will probably be higher in the tank than you would otherwise want and have to move them after you get real (reef capable) lights.

JEBrown2 · 12/15/2015, 05:40 PM

Thanks. Great answer.

JEBrown2 · 12/15/2015, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayball

If you are talking about this http://current-usa.com/aquarium-led-...ater-led-plus/ Than I am going to go with not really, I would wait on coral.

That is not a good spectrum for marine both from an asthetic point and from the spectrum perspective. I very much doubt it will provide sufficient par for many soft corals. You should be able to grow the more undemanding mushrooms under it however that will probably be higher in the tank than you would otherwise want and have to move them after you get real (reef capable) lights.

Will the cheaper light (which is a bluer light) do a better job?

jayball · 12/15/2015, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEBrown2

Will the cheaper light (which is a bluer light) do a better job?

No, that is even less power. If you are trying to go super low budget grab a pair of black box style led's off of eBay or start checking your local craigslist for a descent used light.

JEBrown2 · 12/16/2015, 12:23 AM

Not trying to go cheap but trying to use what I already have.

vette.tech · 12/16/2015, 07:26 AM

I have some shrooms growing in my fuge that's lit by a cfl bulb 24 hours a day. I think you'll be fine

jayball · 12/16/2015, 07:38 AM

I see. Any leftover t-5 fixtures?
You may be able to use one or two of those led's you have and add something for actinic (violet/blue) light but trying to cludge together a solution is often more expensive in the long run. My advice would to go ahead and use what you have to illuminate the tank for now and save the coral for later, IMO.

12/15/2015, 02:49 PM	#1
JEBrown2 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 61	LEDs over Mushrooms and Leathers I'm converting a freshwater tank to a reef tank. I recently purchased a Current LED Plus for my 90 gallon. Can I use that light to grow soft corals and mushrooms? Thank you.

12/15/2015, 02:56 PM	#2
C3hutson Moved On Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 358	Maybe. What's the height on that tank? If it's the standard 26" you might have issues at the sand bed.

12/15/2015, 03:01 PM	#3
JEBrown2 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 61	It is 24".

12/15/2015, 03:46 PM	#4
jayball Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,671	If you are talking about this http://current-usa.com/aquarium-led-...ater-led-plus/ Than I am going to go with not really, I would wait on coral. That is not a good spectrum for marine both from an asthetic point and from the spectrum perspective. I very much doubt it will provide sufficient par for many soft corals. You should be able to grow the more undemanding mushrooms under it however that will probably be higher in the tank than you would otherwise want and have to move them after you get real (reef capable) lights.

12/15/2015, 05:40 PM	#5
JEBrown2 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 61	Thanks. Great answer.

12/16/2015, 12:23 AM	#8
JEBrown2 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 61	Not trying to go cheap but trying to use what I already have.

12/16/2015, 07:26 AM	#9
vette.tech Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Lansdale, PA Posts: 367	I have some shrooms growing in my fuge that's lit by a cfl bulb 24 hours a day. I think you'll be fine

12/16/2015, 07:38 AM	#10
jayball Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,671	I see. Any leftover t-5 fixtures? You may be able to use one or two of those led's you have and add something for actinic (violet/blue) light but trying to cludge together a solution is often more expensive in the long run. My advice would to go ahead and use what you have to illuminate the tank for now and save the coral for later, IMO.