grow lights

MAK1992 · #1 12-29-2016, 08:26 AM

hey,

so basically ive been looking for many possible alternatives to "Grow lights/leds" for corals. Again im a bit new to this hobby so i have these two types of light sources available, although im not quite sure if these will work but i need help as much as possible.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-compute...ationFlag=true

DKoKoMan · #2 12-30-2016, 07:43 PM

What are you planning to have as far as corals?

MAK1992 · #3 12-30-2016, 08:00 PM

Mostly zoanthinids and maybe blue sympodium

DKoKoMan · #4 12-31-2016, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAK1992

Mostly zoanthinids and maybe blue sympodium

Zoas are pretty easy along with other soft corals. The need for the higher power light par is far less.

MAK1992 · #5 12-31-2016, 06:52 AM

Meaning...the pictures i shared (light strips and a light bulb) are a possibility????

DKoKoMan · #6 12-31-2016, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAK1992

Meaning...the pictures i shared (light strips and a light bulb) are a possibility????

The pictures would not open for me.

mike31154 · #7 12-31-2016, 04:01 PM

The LED strip lights shown in your link to the Kijiji listing are inadequate for anything but a dawn/dusk supplement. Don't think any coral, even softies will do well under those as a primary light source. I use two 4 foot lengths to supplement the 10 watt multi-chip LEDs that are my main light source. Check my build link below for more info.

The strip lights may be had on eBay for about $15 in 5 meter lengths. I would recommend the water proof version if you're going that way. You can cut them to pretty well any length you need off the reel, in 3 LED increments. You'll need connectors and/or some soldering skills. Snap on connectors are available to link them together without soldering.

WarDog · #8 12-31-2016, 06:43 PM

Any particular reason you don't want to go with a trusted fixture like an AI, Kessil, Ecotech, Evergrow, or Maxspect?

At 3000 kelvin, all this bulb is going to do is grow you a lot of very healthy algae.

Compact fluorescent are probably the worst choice of bulb for reefkeeping and should be avoided at all costs (IMO).

This fixture is great, I use one myself, but you should be using one of these with it.