My LED experiment

[mbuchana]

I have a 30 long that I have had for years. Knowing that my fl-20 bulb was past its six months I decided to try an experiment.
I retrofitted the hood with standard bulb connectors and added two of these LED bulbs(link at the bottom)

65-Watt Equivalent Indoor LED Flood Light Bulb
PAR30 light bulb
Uses 13.5 watts for 600 lumens of brightness
30000 life hours
Medium base, most frequently used for recessed cans, track lighting, and indoor/outdoor floods
Designed for indoor or enclosed outdoor use only
5000K Natural Daylight
Natural Day light gives a cooler shade of color best used to enhance the mood
Light bulb dimensions 3.75"D X 4.6"L

I can tell you that it is 300% visibly brighter to the human eye.
I will follow up in a couple of weeks, however after 2 hours the Willow Hygro is already chasing the light








http://www.lowes.com/pd_321353-75774-LPAR30LDM/5K/LED_0__?productId=3408206&Ntt=utilitech+led&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dutilitech%2Bled&facetInfo=

[stanback]

Did you find the base connectors also at Lowe's? How did you mount them inside the lighting hood?

[mbuchana]

I used this lamp holder but there are several options that may be better for your use
http://www.lowes.com/pd_303632-53911-S500BRE-RL_0__?productId=3419378&Ntt=lampholder&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dlampholder&facetInfo=

[ElectricBlue]

I have been looking into this as well. Most of the DIY LED kits where you buy the bulbs and heat sink are not necessary for freshwater aquariums. This is true even for planted tanks. There are many LED bulbs out there now that can handle growing plants. At some point I am going to be designing a hood for my 55 gallon goldfish tank. I will be using either LED PAR-style bulbs or something else, but I won't be using an LED kit because of the excessive cost.

[mbuchana]

It has been four days now and I am seeing remarkable results.

My Crypt Parva http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/profiles/parva-crypt/ that has been lifeless and dormant for months is standing up and becoming a deeper green.

Anubias is shooting up a stem to flower.

Crypt Wendtii red is happy and growing

The Hygrow Willow is simply out of control

[mbuchana]

Posted pictures taken with the camera flash off in the CAFE facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusfishclub/

[mbuchana]

http://mitchellbuchanan.com/Documents/led%20lights.docx

You can get them here with a parts list

[mbuchana]

Update.

All plants are growing.
The Willow Hygrow has 5 inch leaves on it. The Anubis has a new baby on a stem, the parva looks great, and the fountain grass has a nice deep green color

[mbuchana]

updated pictures here
http://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusfishclub/