[Kerry]

Hi, y'all!

I just decided to switch my marine tank over to fw and make a planted tank with it, and, have to do it on the cheap, lol! I currently have 4 21watt par 38 marine led lamps in the 14000 to 20000 kelvin range over my 37gal and was wondering if I could use these on a planted tank until I can afford to replace them, or, is this spectrum completely useless on fw plants? The tank is 24" deep and I'm hoping to use some high light plants.

 

[Yo-han]

20000 will be a little on the high side. The 14000 is useable but you'll need a low Kelvin to balance the color and add the red spectrum IMO.

 

[Kerry]

I have two of the 20000K and two of the 14000K. If I replace the two 20000K with two 6500K would that correct to spectrum enough? I've been looking at less expensive LED replacements and can get some par 38 or par 30 lamps off ebay with K ratings in the 5000K to 6000K range...or, would it be better to just add red lights to what I have? What would be the best way to augment my lighting without spending a bundle?

 

[Kerry]

I have decided to sell off these marine lamps and just buy a new light for planted tanks. I'm looking at these for a 37g;
http://www.buildmyled.com/dutch-planted-6300k/

They may be a bit much for a 'natural' tank but I want to leave my options open for going with CO2 later if I want, and, I will have this light suspended with retractable hangers that will allow me to raise the light from 2" above the water to just over 4ft. if needed to reduce intensity. Any one see any problem with these?
:cheer2:

 

[Cavan Allen]

If you need to reduce intensity, a dimmer will be much easier to deal with.

 

[Kerry]

I would like the dimmer, but, it will have to wait a bit 4 $$ I'm still dithering over this fixture as it is just over my cost limit for the basic fixture, but, I really want to go with LEDs and this looks like a much better product than the other LED fixtures I've seen online so far.