Lighting for vivarium plants

[deranged chipmunk]

i agree with don, for the price, you can't beat odyssea. i have 5 of their units, but my favorite so far has been the 48" 4 tube with built in timer. one plug for everything, and it allows me to run the lights in a sunrise sunset pattern without the need for multiple timers. the reflectors aren't as great for planted tanks, but they are awesome for terrestrials. besides, the price difference between thos and the tek lights (top o the line for fishies) is ridiculous. you could easily pay $500 or more for a 4'/ 2 bulb fixture from Tek

[deranged chipmunk]

I am a fan of LEDs. I've seen some cool differences in brom leaf colors after switching from T8 to LED. I've also noticed that alocasias which are leggy under T8 seem to stay more compact.

what color temp leds are you running? it's difficult to find decent ones in the correct range, unless you make them yourself. most of the commercial led's out there are 10,000k for corals and the reefers. although, admittedly, i haven't searched for led lighting in a few months.

[ToadPaparazzi]

I use the LightYourReptiles LEDs. They have 6500k and a jungle dawn which is a mix of 6500 and lower spectrum diodes. I use both and am very satisfied with plant growth.

-Christian

[deranged chipmunk]

thank for the info Christian. i'm gonna look into those. i have a 40b fbt tank as a next project, and might go that route if they have one large enough and is economical

[ToadPaparazzi]

They're a bit pricey and you'll need multiple lights for a tank that size. I use 2-3 on 36 inch tanks.

[deranged chipmunk]

i just saw that. and yes, i would need 3 for an 18" depth tank. the only downside to led's....pinpoint light, no spread. think i'm gonna stick the T5no i have for that tank.

[ToadPaparazzi]

The spread is pretty good... I have a 24x18x18 ExoTerra that is lit just fine with a single LED. The spotlight LEDs are different though. Here are photos of my racks lit by LEDs:

20 gallon verts 1 light each:


18 cube and 24x18x18 1 light each:


36x24x18 2 lights:


36x18x18 2 lights:

[deranged chipmunk]

ya know what? they are pretty effective. i really have to get used to the lighting differences between planted tanks and vivs. i was thinking 3 36" strip leds. Obviously i don't need that much light because i don't have to penetrate water. one of these days (hopefully, soon) it will stick into my old brain....LOL

[ToadPaparazzi]

Lol! I was hesitant when I spent a chunk of change on my first 4 lights... I am up to 14 now with plans for a few more. Not only are you using less energy for each light, these lights produce less overall heat than 48 inch fixtures which lowers the cooling bill

[deranged chipmunk]

and you'll probably never have to change a bulb. their lifespan is stellar. thanks so much for the info. i am definitely going to do a bit more research on them. you guys are great. i am learning so much on this forum!! now come over to one of my fish forums so i can finally sound smart...LOL

[ToadPaparazzi]

Lol... Once I get into a more permanent place, I plan on setting up a large planted tank... I'll definitely need some schooling!

[Heatheranne]

Thanks guys! I am learning so much. I want to do it right the first time. My husb says I spend too much on my frogs already. I'd like to get what will work best, but reasonably priced if possible. I did find some very expensive aquarium lighting systems which, of course, looked great and have great output.

I'll need the lighting to be adequate for a 48" tall viv. Do you think the T5 will do?

[ToadPaparazzi]

I'll need the lighting to be adequate for a 48" tall viv. Do you think the T5 will do?

I'd recommend LED spotlights... What are the dimensions and any layout ideas?

[Heatheranne]

48" wide x 16" front to back x 48" tall

[Heatheranne]

Foam/grouted waterfall right back corner, great stuff back wall with pothos and few other plants down wall in small pots, then terrestrial plants on bottom. I'll draw a sketch soon.

[Heatheranne]

It would be the top of this cabinet. I will cut the top out and screen it, or block off part of the top with screening. Which ever is easiest. I hate to lose the height, so I think I might cut out the top, screen it and then mount the light above it.

[Heatheranne]

Beautiful viv's, btw!

[ToadPaparazzi]

I'd definitely recommend using LED spotlights! It creates a "sunbeam through the canopy" effect that's pretty sweet

[deranged chipmunk]

After seeing how they provide light. I tend to agree with christian. I think led spotlighting would definitely look cool. You might get a better spread with t5 lighting, but you could use the led's to accentuate certain areas while providing some shade areas as well. Looks like it's gonna be dependent on your budget. Of course, you could always do both.

[Heatheranne]

Haha! I was just thinking that .