Just got given an LED unit

**aussieant32** · 22nd Nov 2011, 01:36 AM

Hi All

In my line of work I often get the opportunity to get things like light fittings, plumbing etc for free. Today I saw a nice looking LED fitting in one of the offices I look after that was bought to use as a lamp for a work table, they found it too bright and were throwing it out. It was only used for about an hour and has roughly 20 LED's in it. It is also adjustable to 'clamp' on to things so will be perfect for my rimless shrimp tank.

Just curious as to your guys thoughts on LED's vs Fluro is the aquarium? I am constantly changing my buildings fluro's to LED but this is for visible light (and to keep us sustainable), not for light penetration within water.

**Kazuya** · 22nd Nov 2011, 01:22 PM

I use a 10W LED fixture with 10K bulbs. Works good for growing plants and is just as good for shrimp.

**ChiefWalksInSlips** · 15th Dec 2011, 11:27 AM

For my tank i purchased a 12" 12k white LED bar. Everytime i turn it on the shrimp scurry and hide. Is it possible my LED bar is too bright for they're liking?

**Wamboom** · 15th Dec 2011, 01:34 PM

i guess so, but i think they will be alright with that as long as they have hiding places MHO

**ChiefWalksInSlips** · 15th Dec 2011, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Kazuya

I use a 10W LED fixture with 10K bulbs. Works good for growing plants and is just as good for shrimp.

In my opinion your LED fixture should work great!

**ChiefWalksInSlips** · 15th Dec 2011, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Wamboom

i guess so, but i think they will be alright with that as long as they have hiding places MHO

I was lucky enough to find a nice peice of Mopani driftwood with a "dome" type cave in which they hide often. They should be fine I hope!

**aussieant32** · 15th Dec 2011, 09:29 PM

the LED was no where near bright enough for my plants, the bottom 3rd of the tank was still in darkness, I have since sold it.

ChiefWalksInSLips - If they scatter like that every time the light comes on I would say it is too bright, providing caves etc will help but you may want to downgrade.

**Summit MicroFarm** · 16th Dec 2011, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by aussieant32

ChiefWalksInSLips - If they scatter like that every time the light comes on I would say it is too bright, providing caves etc will help but you may want to downgrade.

...or just be patient until all the plants/moss grow and provide their own shade...
I am interested in this topic because as you get upt ot 10+ tanks the electricity becomes a real factor and any way to reduce the total cost is important to me. As aussieant32 stated, it would have to a viable anlternative with lumens being sufficient.

**Yiannis** · 16th Dec 2011, 08:56 AM

Hi,
Led lighting is ok, as long the light produced is not totally white. Warm white is far better for the looks of the Yellow shrimps and all colored shrimps in general. White Leds make them look very pale. Same thing for the red plants in the tank. Look ..sick..

**ChiefWalksInSlips** · 16th Dec 2011, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Yiannis

Hi,
Led lighting is ok, as long the light produced is not totally white. Warm white is far better for the looks of the Yellow shrimps and all colored shrimps in general. White Leds make them look very pale. Same thing for the red plants in the tank. Look ..sick..

I do agree agree that the White LED can make things look a bit pale, but all in all i prefer the look of the white light over fluro.Then again i do not own any yellow shrimp....yet! Plus with LED you can ussually get away with not having a big and bulky hood on the top of your tank which i also like!