Advanced guide to lighting a planted tank - Choosing light fixtures
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- Опубліковано 25 вер 2015
- How to choose light fixtures for a planted tank
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Mate this video is excellent.
People trying to explain lighting either make it look so complex that people don't get the message, or make it so simple that theres no useful information in it.
But you manage both, a very complex topic explained in a very simple and understandable way.
+AQUADESIGN by aquamaniac Thanks ! You changed your name but I recognize your tanks ha
+AQUADESIGN by aqua maniac You said it man!
I can't believe I'm just now stumbling across these videos. You must be a teacher of sorts. Very well put together!
Hi Dennis, I have watched all your Videos, am from India and very much love planted tanks. Trust me of all the Videos that i have viewed of all the big players in the business Yours are the Best. Easy to understand and to the point. I am just a beginner and have a tank at home 48"(w) x 11" (d) x 18" (h), will now make it planted with the info you have provided. Thank you very much and God Bless.
Dennis, your grasp of aquarium science is awesome. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a clear and concise manner.
Excellent commentary, I've been doing aquatic plants for 20 years and learnt more in 16mins than throughout those years. Thank you sincerely.
It’s nice to see someone not promoting the most expensive lighting fixtures on the market. What do you look for when you pick an led bulb for an IKEA desk lamp?
Just a novice but this video is great. It's not too technical and clear. Thanks bro! Short and sweet and you move on to your points effortlessly.
Perfect VIDEO
where have your videos been all my life! I wish I could pay you for this information. Thank you so much for this information.
Radical! This is just what the community needs. Explained very well. I just went back to using LEDs, and got a cheap Ray II and combined it with the E-series for better color rendering. Pretty good combo for most shades of green. I can still see pretty good red tips in my Blyxa, and the reds in my fish still look rich. I am actually getting higher light because they are right on top of the tank. My Monte Carlo carpeted in two weeks even though it is shaded by my driftwood! Such an awesome easy plant to use. Awesome info about long internodes with aquatic plants. That is helping to clarify some issues I have seen people having with their stem plants. Can't wait for the next video man! Peace!
+ADU Aquascaping Thanks man, I have a tank with monte carlo as well ! I think that it's one of the most versatile carpet plants out there...
I should have saved my cash. Dude! AquaticLife just reached out to me and they are going to send me a Halo LED fixture. Looks decent. You can change out the lenses between 110 degree and 80, and you can adjust the height of the fixture pretty easily with the goose neck mount. Looks like more plastic than Kessil, but is a little bit cheaper.
+ADU Aquascaping sounds good ~ Yep the kessils are nice, but the price is high and I don't fancy point source lights nowadays, tend to get shaded areas around rock work
Thanks for making this video. Extremely useful and easy to follow!
Excellent vid, actually all your videos are excellent. Well explained and not getting too technical so more people can undestand them.
I have tried compact fluorescent, cfl and led my latest one. My 55 gallon is well planted and keep getting algae down to 2 compact 6500k 7 hours a day split in 2.
You are a very good teacher..thanks
Fantastic information Dennis. Been looking for months. Found it all here. Thank you.
+47Viggen You're welcome ~
Very informative. Thanks Dennis
Dude. This is awesome! Keep up the great work!
Excellent review and information on lighting.
+frrok1 Thanks!
It is so help full to me .
thanks for uploading man. looking forward to more video from you!!!!!
+hans chia Hopefully sooner than later !
Great video!
Thanks for the video!
+AGRO H2O You're welcome~
Ok, you are just the best on youtube. I hope you will get more and more views, you'r a guru!
Haa thanks man
Undoubtedly thought-provoking for the uncertain aquarist.
Awesome Video as normal just one questions - Can't you just paint an LED/light what ever colour you want like red to help the plant grow?. i bought the 6500k Philips 20w and noticed there a many LEDs on it which i could paint blue, red and green. From watching your video this should work as what we see the plants should be able to use for photosynthesis?
For some reason i cannot find the answer to this anywhere.
Great video. I'm going to use a 30" Beamswork EA80 paired with a 24" T8 bulb over my 20 gallon long. Would bump me up to medium light?
Great info, looking forward to the spectrum vid as well. I got a 10000K BML light and it is too blue for my taste. I might invest in a dutch one to supplement ... although the flexibility of T5 and the spread it gives is tempting.
+madamerosario Yep, I much prefer the Dutch too... unless the tank is very deep/big, the Dutch has more than enough PAR also. (though the 10K has about 20-30% more).
Great info thanks for sharing, you make it easier to understand thank you:)
+jeremiemcd Thanks !
So T5 still rules in price and efficiency and colour and no dead spot ! L.E.D. still need to evolved more not in a remote controlled disco and flashing strobe light but the actual spectrum what plants and fishes needs ! Plus they can't really be put on a timer cause the 3 way switch on the fixture is manual ! OK the night light is new and no need cause in nature there is no moonlight and if there is very pale under water almost nothing and the fishes swims deeper at moonlight ! They don't want to be eaten by bigger fishes ! LOL Again Dennis and excellent video and explanation ! PS: For those who have trouble understanding you just click on the you tube CC (sub title) and you can reed it in English also ! Like I said L.E.D. need to come down on price to offset the energy saving cause it is as expensive who cares the energy consumption if you don't really save ! Also to have separate power circuit so it could be put on a timer and no dead spot in the tank and bigger and wider fixture or built in the hood ! Oh and no need the remote ! Timer is much better unless you using your tank in a night club or set it for disco settings and thunder lightning flashing strobe light ! Nice and cool but not for my breeding pair of discus or for any other fishes nor my plants ! lol
Hi dear am planning to make 36 x18 x24 planted aquarium which is the best light should I use
Thank you for another useful video Dennis Wong!
You have provided a lot of useful information about lighting and you have confirmed some of my experiments I was doing with my custom LED lighting fixtures.
Have you ever tried to make your own LED fixtures, as LEDs or LED COBs can be obtained for really cheap from China (eBay, Aliexpress...) and this way you can choose your own spectrum with different colors of LEDs and intensity by using high power and efficient COB LEDs. Although some basic electronic knowledge is needed and gear for soldering and drilling.
+ZiGa:S I don't have much time to make my own these days, just buy custom fixtures from BML lol But I have seen Diy builds that do pretty well for a low cost
Thanks Dennis! This video is as informative as all your others.. Thanks heaps... I am trying different lights and just changed to a warm white bulb after looking at some of your tanks. There was an explosion of Hair algae on my Christmas moss. Although the flame & Fissidens are doing better than before! Do you know if algae is related to the temperature of the light?
more related to intensity than spectrum
Ok! I'll try raising the height and see if it helps..
Hello Dennis,
Excelente article. I would like to ask you for advice regarding the light spectrum that I am using in my lihgts. Is there a way in wich I could send you a picture of the values I have in my lighting? I am using Led lights from Sanrise
Thanks Dennis very helpful
Question : have you heard of Aquaray grobeam led?
Just wondering what you think before I get it
Thnx.
+Ran Ovs No opinion on that light as I've not seen or used it before
Hello Dennis,
Great video and explanation of lighting. Actually all of your videos are well explained and give lot of knowledge when it comes to lights.
BTW I checked BML to try and do something close to your setup, but seems like they don't have that option anymore.
now they have options like:
PhysioSpec Indoor, PhysioSpec Greenhouse, AnthoSpec ,PfrSpec ,PrSpec & UVSpec. is any of these options viable for a planted tank?! or what light would you suggest for a 120x45x45 cm tank. going for a dutch style. I was thinking of the Finnex + 24/7 SE. I'll have Co2 running full day if required, ferts n all. but I want a good light and to be manageable at the same time. I like the 24/7 feature of the finnex.
Thanks again for all the hard work you put into your videos.
There are a couple of people who use lights from the new company. Haven't tried myself though. Could try SBreef lights, I hear good things about the Fluval fresh and planted 2.0 also
dennis, i really need your help with lights. I have a 55 gallon heavily planted tank. I have a ray2 on it but feel like it is inferior to other lights like sb reef fw edition or the kessil lights. What are your thoughts on sbreef light fw edition vs. kessil a360 vs a180 vs fluval 2.0 pro. Which one is best for HC or dwarf baby tears. You are one of the best!!! thanks!
Don't get the kessil - it doesn't grow/show red plants well. I'd probably choose the sbreef fw edition.
Hi Dennis, what is your opinion on WEEK aqua Raptor light? Is it ok for planted tank?
This is the most informative video on lighting I can find. Btw with low lighting i.e. ard 20 to 30 par value. Will it be ok to grow plants without CO2 injection?
It depends on the type of plants
I am trying to grow a dutch style tank in a aqueon 40 gallon breeder, what would be the best light
What do you think of he Chinese brand LEDZEAL? I have the S200. Pretty good for the price imo and it comes with high powered 3W LEDs.
Hmm I have not tried/seen them before
Are ista professional led light good for high tech CO2 tanks?
Love your vids! I followed your advice and got an ikea led lamp. I replaced their 6.5w bulb with a philips 14w bulb. For some reason it's not as bright as the aqualighter nano (~5w) I had. Am I missing something? Thank you
Depends on what kind of bulb you got ? is it a 14w LED or 14w CFL? ; the latter isn't that bright though it's usable for small tanks.... 20, 24w CFLs are significantly stronger
I use 14w LED for my 30cm cube. How high would you recommend I keep the fixture? Thanks again!
That should be plenty... you should adjust the height based on how your plants grow and whether there is substantial algae growth ; if lots of algae then raise the light.
what LED lamp would you recommend?
Where did u get the light holder?
hi dennis. i have seen ur videoes but i have some languge problem. i have 72 inch x 24 x 24 inch ie 6 x 2 x 2 feet tank. around 700 lit. i want to grow some carpet plant like hc , monte carlo and also some red plants.
what light would u recommend led strips , led flood light or flouroscent tube light.
how much watts i would require for heavy plantation.
plz guide me dennis.
thanks in advance.
hi dennis. i have some language problem in understanding the videoes. plz guide me with proper lights.
thanks in advance
Hi dennis! Another very informative vid , very nice!
What lights do you use on your planted tank?
I use BML Leds, but the company doesn't make lights for aquarium anymore
Yeah , i saw it on your google page where you gave some people more information.
Sucks that the company doesnt make them anymore :( .
But i am looking to build a 200x50x50 high tech aquarium, but i have no idea where i can get lights that fit on a tank with those proportions.
How many 85cm 58 watts T5 tubes should I get to get my aquascape as amazing and colorfull as yours ?
Hi Dennis. Thanks so much for your awesome well researched videos. They are packed with information yet at the same time accessible. Well structured and well founded information like this is hard to come by. Question: You mention having as low light as possible, as a personal point. Which signs in the plant growth do you, use to decide that you have reached the minimum level of light?
When growth slows down a lot, colored plants don't get optimum color, obvious signs of stretching or thin, rather than full growth. But to isolate the issue to be lighting related, one must be sure the other parameters are on point. That's generally the hard part because often, people may recognize poor growth but find it hard to isolate the reason. People who have used a certain system for a long time get used to knowing what parameters work ; hence many aquarists are stubborn about changing systems if they have had success with. If new, keeping a journal and recording changes and observations is useful. Notes are useful because plant growth tends to be a delayed reaction.
Hi Dennis. Thank you for getting back and for your answer :-)
Do you use measuring kits to monitor the other parameters (ferts) or do you work on experience alone? In case you measure, which kits and brand do you use?
I use the typical aquarium test kits, various common brands. Most of the kits are more accurate if calibrated; meaning testing a known solution concentration (done by mixing with dry ferts) and noting the color outcomes. I monitor more initially, less as the tank matures as I then look to plants for clues. I do measure KH, GH, Nitrates, temp,TDS, . Iron, phosphate , O2 test kits at hobbyist level are unreliable and I don't bother measuring those
Ok. Good input on calibrating with dry ferts. Hadn't though of that :-) Thanks again for your answer.
Can you do a video on all the low tech plant choices , and their requirements etc? Thanks
+IGenesis I need to complete the light series, and then substrate, but yeah the topic needs to be covered
jiayous haha great videos!
hi Dennis, unlike t5 where the bulb has a lifespan, does this theory apply to LED lighting? in short, can i continue to use LED till it spoilt? thank you
yeah, just that LED last much longer
Hi Dennis, Great videos! You said you use LED bulbs now. What do you think about the wattage, meaning is the conversion from incandescent to LED, usually printed on the box, sufficient and applicable to traditional wattage knowledge used for tanks?
+Matthew R There is no good gauge by wattage as LEDs differ a lot from one manufacturer to the next. Unlike older technology that has stabilized (fluorescent, incandescent lighting) where most brands are on similar level, there can be vast differences in PAR levels between 2 LEDs of the same wattage... so need to check PAR levels on case by case basis
Thanks
Hi Dennis, my tank is 120cm long 50cm wide 50cm depth. How many t5 lights do you recommend for me? I'm looking for buying new fixture and I wonder if I need 4,6 or 8 tubes. Thanks!
I would use 8 tubes, but most folks will probably say that 6 tubes is a more reasonable number
I have purchased a t8 20 watt 2000 lumens led tube light. My questions are:
What does t8 mean?
Is there a standard relation between watt or lumen or something to par? (because, i don't want to buy an expensive par meter)
Check out the link at my new site explaining lighting www.advancedplantedtank.com/light-3pillars.html
More videos we like
+Minik Dam Thanks ! as soon as I have some spare time
i cant find any video of u talking about light spectrums..
That is covered in the previous video, "lighting basics" ; haven't finished the series yet also, more to come
Excellent!!! bigger tax would have been easier. THANK YOU
Does the PAR value change with increasing depth ??...if so how much the light attenuates per feet/merer of depth !!
PAR reading are given for a certain depth. i.e. 60umols of PAR at 18inches depth water. The light sensor used for such readings are submerged at that depth, then the readings are taken
Dennis Wong Thanks for the reply !! :)
Hello Dennis. I am a new subscriber to your channel. i need help on lighting, this is so over my head and i'm getting frustrated to say the least. I will be getting a 180 wide. the dimensions are 72 by 24 by 25 it will be a heavy planted tank with c02 and have a 3 in dirt substrate. what led light do you recomend. will be using the clamp on fixtures and would like to know wattage for each bulbs needed. i hope i have made some sence out of this. thanks, Mark,
At that depth if you're gonna use CFL or LED bulbs in an over-head lamp configuration you should go for the higher wattage bulbs ; 24watts and above per CFL and 14watts and above per LED bulb. You will need quite a few lamps. I think that a hydroponics T5 fixture makes a lot more sense; better spread etc.
Thank you, How many T5 would i need and wattage per bulb if i went that way.
The wattage is fixed depending on the length of tubes you would use for your tank i.e. the length of your tank. You would probably be using a 4 tube fixture
hi.. i have same size tank 72 × 24 ×24 inch. presently im using 30 watts led flood light white × 4 pcs and one 10 watt yellow led. total 130 watts. but not happy with plant growth. my monty carlo carpet is not growing well. i have pressurised co2 and EI dosing.
ahould i go for t5 fluoroscent tubes? plz advice
what kind of screw in led bulbs do you use please
+sirbreakemstuff Bulbs like these www.amazon.com/Philips-433557-100-watt-Twister-4-Pack/dp/B00M6SR1JM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1449670993&sr=8-3&keywords=CFL+bulb
So thankful to find your videos. I just transferred the contents of a 40breeder to a 65 tall and bought LED lights to replace the t5's. I bought the strongest lights I could find that were 'full spectrum' to make up for depth. In natural sunlight the Manzanita I collected is very red- in the tank it loses the red coloration. The whole tank looks 'dull' in color to me. i.imgur.com/EqZm0G7.jpg .
Do you think I should get a couple of plant bulbs for the t5's and replace one of the LEDs with it?
I do think that it is hard to find good LEDs with good color rendition. I've stuck to mostly customized LED arrays with more red, the Twinstar S series is also nice, but very expensive. Using a mix of T5s and LEDs will work. The term "full spectrum" is more marketing speak than anything - it doesn't guarantee you a certain spectrum curve or effectiveness in any form.
I am considering putting a fixture of of my old double T5 on the tank. Need to buy a new plant bulb for it first. The plants are doing well- I am just not happy with the 'washed out' appearance.
Yes, the other impact factor is that some color plants will not have as strong pigementation - having stronger red/blue spectrum can stimulate this. Plants still photosynthesis and can grow healthy though
where can I find a red sun t5? I tried but all say no longer avalible. I got a spectrelux 5000k. is this going to be simmilar
+sirbreakemstuff Not exactly sure on this, I don't use red suns myself
Many people use the term lumens.
Should I be concerned about this when selecting my lighting for a tank?
Lumens measure brightness as seen by human eyes, not what plants can use for photosynthesis, so it is not an accurate gauge. I find it no better than eyeballing the light to see how bright it is. In short - its not very useful gauge for plant growth
Can you explain 6,500k vs 10,000k LED and does it make any different in plants growth or algae ? Thanks
i explain K rating in the other lighting vid; the one on light basics. Algae & plants use the same spectrum for growth - there isn't such a thing as an anti-algae light.
Thanks... I should pay more attention in class.... Skipped your first video on lighting, going back now and watching it in detail. =)
the producers do not suggest in their product so how to know par parameter in my light?
Check with other hobbyists that have PAR meters and take measurement
Please write a book. I am going to comment this on all your videos.
Here are the values I am using to configure the lights:
Channel A=White Cree 7000-8300 5W 6PCS - 100%
Channel B=Royal Blue Cree 450-460nm 5W 6PCS - 100%
Channel C= UV Epiless 405-410nm 3W 1pcs+ Violet Epileds 400-430nm 3W 1pcs - 25%
Channel D= Green Cree 520-530nm 3W 1pcs - 100%
Channel E= Blue Cree 465-485nm 3W 2PCS - 25%
Channel F= Red Cree 620-630nm 3W 1pcs - 25%
What do you think?
White leds are essentially blue leds spiked with a yellow emitting phosphor; and they tend to have quite a lot of blue/green in them. Human eyes are also more sensitive to green than blue/red, between these two factors I think green leds are generally unnecessary in any led setup where there is a good amount of white leds. White leds also generally lack red spectrum. As a matter of ratios; I'd have less blue (because white contains a lot of blue already), no greens (they wash out other colors if overused), and more reds. (to make up for the lack of it in white leds). If you use white as a base, I'd have at least half as many reds as whites, no greens, then depending on how bluish/purplish you like your tank - 1/4 to half as many blues as whites.
Thanks a lot Dennis! I will try that and let you know how it goes. In the mean time, congratulations for your great video blog!
What is the name of the LED bulb you are using in your tank?
+OriginalMindTrick It's a fixture by BuildMyLED.com
Dennis Wong
Thanks, but I'm asking about the bulbs you are using with your IKEA fixture.
I found these:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01515H3OO/ref=ox_sc_imb_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1YLD0IVYP6RQU
Look pretty ideal to me.
+OriginalMindTrick Yep it's those, but I use lower wattages one I think ?
Should have written this comment sooner but don't get the Philips 18W LED light I linked. It gives off some serious light but the colour spectrum is really off. It has that greyish low CRI type light.
Is that iwasaki light hqi?
yeah
you think a 10k and 6700k bulb combined be fine for a planted aquarium?
+Kee Yang K rating has no meaning with regards to plant growth, it's purely a number associated with the bulb's visual hue(color), the long answer is in the other vid, the short answer is that K rating doesn't matter.
+Dennis Wong
The ironic thing is that 3 different t5 tubes around 8000k, just to give one example, can look very different.
The Osram Skylight 880 makes plants look an intense and deep green. The Grolux gives a red, almost pinkish tint to the tank and I tried a cheap who's name escape me who's light was just whitish like a standard 10000k or 12000k tube.
The Kelvin rating is sort of a only a very basic indicator of what the light will look like in the tank. The full spectrum shown in a picture is better but can be hard to translate to a real life situation.
+OriginalMindTrick Exactly... bulbs are best bought when viewed in real life...
+OriginalMindTrick Exactly... bulbs are best bought when viewed in real life...
napisz poradnik co do co2, oświetlenia,nawożenia ,i podaj link dziekuję i Pozdrawia masz wspaniałe zbiorniki
+Grzegorz Jezewski You're welcome ~
r u still use 10000 K BML lighting?
+Can Lale I have the light, but I lent it to a friend temporarily, am using other BMLs now
+Dennis Wong u mean duckt style xd right
+Can Lale I am using the dutch on a ADA90p, but on another tank I have one with custom spectrum, and I have a couple other custom spectrum ones that I use to grow terrestrial plants
the music is it from Sherlock Holmes ? kidding ;)
as a pakistani i can not imagine how is it possible for americans to hate asians , i mean comon , listen to the guy it was so cute lol ...