How many LEDs make enough for me!?!?

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by Jim64123, Jun 16, 2012.

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  1. Jim64123

    Jim64123 Plankton

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    So I been doin some searching through the forum and I am not very good with knowing how much I need for what I want. So I don't have much to spend which is why I only got a 30 gallon. I really love LEDs and how do I know what's enough if my plan is to possibly have fish with some coral? I found a few things on ebay and before i spend $100-$200 i wanna make sure i got the right stuff. Thanks all
     
    Jim64123, Jun 16, 2012
    Jim64123, Jun 16, 2012
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  2. Jim64123

    Jim64123 Plankton

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    Jim64123, Jun 16, 2012
    Jim64123, Jun 16, 2012
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  3. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    I think that would be enough for soft corals and most LPS corals.
     
    Camkha1234, Jun 16, 2012
    Camkha1234, Jun 16, 2012
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  4. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    I'd read up on one of the TaoTronic or Chinese 120w fixture threads on here! I'd also make sure to get the dimmable ones, that way, for a little more money now, you'll be able to grow anything you want in the future and won't have to upgrade your lights;)
     
    cosmo, Jun 16, 2012
    cosmo, Jun 16, 2012
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  5. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    Yeah, listen to what Cosmo says :)
     
    Camkha1234, Jun 16, 2012
    Camkha1234, Jun 16, 2012
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  6. Jim64123

    Jim64123 Plankton

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    Got ya. I'll make sure I check out them posts
     
    Jim64123, Jun 18, 2012
    Jim64123, Jun 18, 2012
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  7. Jim64123

    Jim64123 Plankton

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    I found one fixture that has a 250w metal halide with 4 39w t5 with 4 blue moon LEDs. It would fit on my 30 gallon. Would that be strong enough to keep some soft coral? I was looking into the taotronics and I'm not to crazy about hanging the light from the ceiling.
     
    Jim64123, Jun 18, 2012
    Jim64123, Jun 18, 2012
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  8. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

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    that seems like a lot of light, and a lot of heat directed towards the tank.

    But that would probably keep anything
     
    skurious, Jun 18, 2012
    skurious, Jun 18, 2012
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  9. Jim64123

    Jim64123 Plankton

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    Ha I read in one post they said a 6-8 watt per gallon rule is somewhat good with a few things in mind like depth of tank. With this light I think it could almost be stretched to a 55 gallon I guess
     
    Jim64123, Jun 18, 2012
    Jim64123, Jun 18, 2012
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  10. rescuediver1982

    rescuediver1982 Plankton

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    I think the 6-8 watt per gallon rule is a little overboard anymore, I am looking at going with 2 of the Chinese 120 Watt fixtures over my 75G and I think I should be able to keep anything, I am going to mount it in a hood and just cut out the area where each of the fans are then maybe taking the cover grates and transferring them to the top of the hood for a nice finished look... just a thought to be able to run the Chinese lights in a hood...
     
    rescuediver1982, Jun 19, 2012
    rescuediver1982, Jun 19, 2012
    #10