Jeff Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 If you don't care about lights with all the 'bells and whistles'...like your lights gradually coming off and on, red-green-blue lights, etc. What characteristics do you look for, in LEDs for your tank? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenFins Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 The number one thing I need in all my lights is a timer. Because I WILL forget to turn them on/ off. I usually like lights that have timers built in, but those that don't I use a wifi plug. Another thing that I think is very important, but not a must is that its waterproof. I have never understand why someone would make a light for water and not make it waterproof. Those two are my musts. However some features that I enjoy in my lights and look out for are: Are the lights customizable Can I use a phone to control the light? how easy is it to program the light? My favorite light is the fluval 3.0. After using that light I have trouble going back to the budget lights. Everything about that light matches my criteria and beyond. I use the nano version, it costed me around $150. Totally worth it IMO. However not everyone can afford that light. Which is why I like some of the Nicrew lights as a budget light. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_ Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 This is what I look for in an LED light for keeping plants: Type of Reflector - Flood light vs. strip light etc. (what do I need this light to do) Build Quality Intensity/Par Color Power Efficiency Water resistance I stick with used Fluval lights on my display tanks because the build quality is excellent. They are not likely to require replacement after 6 mo. to 1 yr and they do not have a cheap DC converter that will break and require replacement. Maybe I will be able to afford a new light one day 🙂. I also use a cheap clamp light with a 75 watt LED floodlight on my 10 gal QT tank. Both types of lights are growing plants. Other Resources: The Blog does a great job describing what to look for in a light: How to Pick the Best Light for Freshwater Planted Aquariums – Aquarium Co-Op (aquariumcoop.com) I find that the lighting guide is also extremely well put together for common tank sizes even if you do not end up using the specified lights: LED Aquarium Lighting – Aquarium Co-Op (aquariumcoop.com) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingFishKeeper Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 I really like my 16in Finnex Stingray it just works well and you don't have to do anything with it beyond plugging it in and attaching the supports. I have it plugged into a timer (not WiFi connected) for 6 hours a day. I'll happily buy and use any LED that works well enough you can forget it after setting it up, and can grow plants reasonably well. I really want to try the app adjustable lights in the future and see how they work as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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