Aquaticlife LED Light Fixtures

Hi,

I realize that this site is mostly dedicated to reef building (and I definitely look forward to getting in to that in the future) ... but I just started out with a freshwater tank and wanted to get some LED lighting for it. There is such a tremendous amount of knowledge here among the community, that I thought I'd see if anybody here has any experience using the Aquaticlife LED light fixtures.

They just recently released a 0.5W freshwater version a couple of months ago and was thinking of picking up 2 x 36" for my 38g planted tank. Since they are fairly new to the market, I haven't been able to find many reviews on them and was wondering if anybody has any experience with them and maybe some recommendations.

Thanks!
Jarred

 

I haven't personally had experience with LEDs But from what I have read around and heard from others when it comes to LEDs and the reef you want 3W fixtures. And I know Freshwater doesn't need nearly as much unless your keeping live plants and such.

I have a freshwater tank with a few easy live plants and they are happily growing under a single t5 bulb so Lighting isn't nearly as huge as it is with Corals. I've heard mixed things about aquaticlife lights, some say their timers go out but the company is often willing to send a replacement or fix it somehow but I've also heard that you'd be without a light for the 2+ weeks. Now a single case here and there doesn't mean the company is useless but if it's in the right price range for you and you get more results that you like from others then go for it!

LEDs are the future, but I don't believe Freshwater tanks require them... If your looking for color or just a nice appearance you might be better off with a cheap LED strip and a plug in timer... Now if your looking to eventually use this light to jump in to reef keeping then you run in to issues... Reef lights are Very powerful and often Too strong for freshwater plants. If your just going to go with a fish only tank and not a reef then they might work... But I'd look around and ask others first.

 

I was initially going to go with a T5 setup as well, but then I was sold on the benefits of LED... (ie: long term costs, bulb life, heat, energy use, appearance, size, etc...) It seems like they are relatively new to the freshwater scene and looks like they are here to stay. I was also pointed towards the TMC GroBeam 500s... but AquaticLife's product line has been recommended by quite a number of people. I'm pretty sure it will be dedicated to just my freshwater planted tank and I would like it for both appearance and health of the tank... I was just hoping to compile a little more information on their latest product before pulling the trigger to make sure it is appropriate for my aquarium.

 

I would contact reefbreeders and have them build you one. They could do a custom ratio for the freshwater. Would be a lot cheaper than buying the AquaticLife fixture.

 

Not sure about their LED's but the company itself is a stand up company that stands behind their product and have great customer service.

 

1w bulbs would be plenty for FW. Check out Coralife. They have some very nice FW LED units for a good price. Plus great customer service.

 

I spoke with AquaticLife today and it turns out that the 0.5W Freshwater LED is intended for fish only, but added that some people have reported some success with plants. They also indicated that they do have a 3W LED light fixture which would work for me, but it's considerably more than I wanted to spend.

I'm currently taking a look at the TMC Aquaray GroBeam 500s. I contacted a reseller here in the states and they said that getting 2 would work with my setup. Has anybody used these before or know anything about them?

I'm gonna do some research in to Coralife and Reefbreeders tonight too...

Thanks!