A *string* of LEDs

[MizTanks]

I've had this idea for a while now. So I'm going to start searching here first. I have an 8g bio cube that offers only 18w cf and 18w atenic. I'd like to add a little more white so I was thinking of adding a *string* of white leds that would directly plug into an outlet or timed surge protector.
Any opinions on my idea?
Any ideas where I could get something like this?
Would it work by adding good pars, enabling me to keep sps?

[creefer]

You could check out the ecoexotic stunner strips. I think current USA had something similar as well.

[MizTanks]

It would actually be a *rope* as I would have to mold it around the lamp protector. Something like this: http://www.del-lighting.com/Pure_white_5000k.jpg

[jimsflies]

Or try some xmas lights...ought to be a sale on them somewhere by now.

[MizTanks]

Or try some xmas lights...ought to be a sale on them somewhere by now.

Jim would they add the extra I would need for keeping sps? Par and Kelvin speaking?

[schminksbro]

It is highly unlikely that they would add much par at all. In addition to lack of par you might find that keeping sps corals in an 8 gallon tank will be very challenging to say the least. At minimum you will need an auto top off because the salinity swings alone will cause you problems. Then there is temperature. Without volume it is difficult to keep temps very stable. I am not saying it can't be done, just that there are considerations to keep in mind.

Jim would they add the extra I would need for keeping sps? Par and Kelvin speaking?

[creefer]

I don't know if you would be able to keep SPS with those lights.....

I thought I saw someplace on the net that had something similar to what you're talking about but for the life of me I can't remember..

[evilc66]

Adding a string of those lights will not gain you anything, other than a little color and shimmer. The LEDs used just don't have the grunt to add anything significant to your lighting. Plus, the average lifetime of the LEDs, especially in a warm, moist environment will be a lot lower than any LED setup that is designed for reef environments. If you want to use something like that, use the blue ones to add a little color to the tank, as well as using them for a dawn/dusk light.

[cg5071]

I was going to say the string wouldnt add to your growing type light. I had a strin of blue behind my tank for color at night and they only lasted 3-4 months. Probably the moisture like evil said. You may be able to find rope light led's that are sealed in a tube. Wouldnt grow anything though. Some of the novelty places on ebay have them. Your digitatas or birdsnest should grow well but as stated it would be harder for some of the harder things(acro's). Poccilopora is very easy to grow as well if you are getting your feet wet with sps.

[MizTanks]

Well **** that shoots my idea in the arse :) was looking for something different to do with my 8g. Seeing I can't start my upgrade til tax return :( would be cool to have something to start a lil grow out.


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[Sir Patrick]

Grow out zoas! That tank- as is- will grow zoas great I am sure!

[MizTanks]

Sir your memory must be waining, lol. You have been following me for a year now and know dang well I can't grow zoas worth the plugs they come on. Yer gonna have to do better then that :)


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[MizTanks]

4x24 t5ho-is this enough lighting for my 26g? Seems to me 96w wouldn't be enough, sps wise. What of this watts per gallon thing? Does this apply when using t5ho's?


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[Sir Patrick]

I used 4x24w t5ho w/ sps on my 34 cube- 18" tall, and kept sps colored and growing on the bottom. Coulda handled 6 for the extreme light lovers, but 4 was plenty. I would recomend a 4 bulb for the new tank.

Watts per gallon is an old school term that is really obsolete these days with all the different lighting systems out these days.

[MizTanks]

I used 4x24w t5ho w/ sps on my 34 cube- 18" tall, and kept sps colored and growing on the bottom. Coulda handled 6 for the extreme light lovers, but 4 was plenty. I would recomend a 4 bulb for the new tank.

Watts per gallon is an old school term that is really obsolete these days with all the different lighting systems out these days.

Thank you Sir. I'm so excited! W2,s already in so I should be able to order my Nova Extremes within a couple of weeks. Now all I need is to find the right over flow box :)


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[steve&mari]

I agree with sir n if ya want led pop look at the stunner strips we have 2 on our 36x18x24 n want to add 2 to the back. Ecoxotic has the panoramas that are better par. Ecoxotic has great customer service aswell. Had a bad power pack and they sent new one right out. David kees also was going the extra mile to help but saved by ecoxotic not needing old one shipped back. We use a aquaticlife 6 x 39 w t5 we love. Kees also has great prices n work with you on bulbs you want if you want ones other then ones shipped with it. Then you don't have buncha bulbs jus waiting to get broke lol. Hope this helps alil.
Steve


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