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Cultivated Reef

Chaeto sustained by 1 or 2 LEDs?


MR.FEESH

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Much like the display lighting options for my NC6, I'm beginning to get frustrated with the availability of lights that are suitable for one of the back chambers of the tank for chaeto. Because it's so small, I don't want to use the common submersible CF light many others use--the heat issue isn't something I want to deal with. Everything else seems too big to fit in the little 3"x2" area above the middle back chamber and still have the lid close.

 

At this point I'm wondering if just getting one (or two?) LEDs with an individual heatsink would be the best option since the space is so small. Thoughts? Is two what I want or would one be fine for that small a space?

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I think that will be fine. Some people use these. Another option. http://shop.mediabaskets.com/Underwater-10W-Single-Light-WTL10.htm

 

Whoops that's what I meant by the CF one. I guess it's just incandescent? But yeah, heat issues.

 

Let me get you in on a little one of my secrets... And let me tell you it works amazing for chaeto growth.

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magic-3X3W-LED-Grow-Light-bulb-for-plants-flower-plants-vegetables-and-herbs-/121105267910?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c326fbcc6

 

 

 

Literally barely bigger than a chapstick. I use it in a AIO aquarium. Fits with more than ample space

 

How do you have it attached to a fixture with the hood and all getting in the way?

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Well for my sake, I keep the tiny back flip-up compartment open for ventrilation, and well I run my skimmer higher then usual. Im using a Red Sea Max 34g. For the Fixture I use a 9$ fixture I got from walmart that clamps on. Very simple.

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Well for my sake, I keep the tiny back flip-up compartment open for ventrilation, and well I run my skimmer higher then usual. Im using a Red Sea Max 34g. For the Fixture I use a 9$ fixture I got from walmart that clamps on. Very simple.

 

Ah okay. Yeah the rear of my hood doesn't go anywhere. I'd have to cut through the plastic of the hood to achieve your setup, if I understand correctly. Unfortunately I haven't the tools nor desire to mod the hood.

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No worries, the underwater bulb posted above is also a great choice :)

 

I'm worried about the heat! The tank is only 6 gallons...

 

 

Something like this is what I need...this one looks kinda sketchy though...

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jedimasterben

I'm worried about the heat! The tank is only 6 gallons...

.... you probably have a heater in the tank, right? If so, then you need to worry about heat from it, not heat from everything else. For every watt of something else you have in the tank that adds heat (powerheads, pumps, lights, etc), that's less your heater has to turn on.

 

Even if you aren't using a heater, that little three LED light will dissipate around 4-5w of power at the most. Not going to be a drastic change in temperature in 6 gallons, not by a long shot, unless you have a temperate system, in which case you wouldn't be growing chaeto anyway.

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I found this submersible LED from browsing various forums. Also you might want to run it in reverse cycle of your lighting instead of 24/7 for a more stable PH. I really dont think heat would be an issue with your 6g and the light is very compact so you can just drop it in your back chamber. The light has been working great so far for me in 14g biocube.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINILW-large-power-white-LED-Fountain-Aquarium-Lighting-/261248467355?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd39f419b

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I found this submersible LED from browsing various forums. Also you might want to run it in reverse cycle of your lighting instead of 24/7 for a more stable PH. I really dont think heat would be an issue with your 6g and the light is very compact so you can just drop it in your back chamber. The light has been working great so far for me in 14g biocube.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINILW-large-power-white-LED-Fountain-Aquarium-Lighting-/261248467355?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd39f419b

 

 

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much!

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Let me get you in on a little one of my secrets... And let me tell you it works amazing for chaeto growth.

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magic-3X3W-LED-Grow-Light-bulb-for-plants-flower-plants-vegetables-and-herbs-/121105267910?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c326fbcc6

 

 

 

Literally barely bigger than a chapstick. I use it in a AIO aquarium. Fits with more than ample space

 

oooo, this looks neat :) May have to get one to play with.

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