Tony Griffitts
Here is a new Do-It-Yourself LED light system for my 1 meter long 50 gallon tank. It is replacing HO T5 system that had 4 x 39w lights for a total of 156w. The new system uses 3 x 23w 5K spot lights that can be bought at Lowes. The new system uses only 69 watts and looks much brighter. I should know after a few months if this new lighting system helps control nitrate better than HO T5. Parts list is below the photo.
| ITEM DESCRIPTION | Source | Qty | Price Per Unit | Total |
| Major Components | ||||
| 23w PAR38 5K LED Spot Light | Lowes | 3 | $37.98 | $113.94 |
| BAYCO 10 1/2 in Light fixture | Lowes | 3 | $15.67 | $47.01 |
| 1 3/8 x 1 3/8 x 47 11/16" Lumber | Lowes | 3 | $2.97 | $8.91 |
| Brackets (L shape) 4 per pack 6 needed | Lowes | 2 | $3.27 | $6.54 |
| SUBTOTAL | $176.40 | |||
| Minor Components | ||||
| 1" Black Mounting Base for Cable Ties 10px | Home Depot | 1 | $4.36 | $4.36 |
| Wood Screws #6 x 3/4" 1 box | Home Depot | 1 | $3.92 | $3.92 |
| 8 in Black Mounting Tie 100pk | Home Depot | 1 | $8.47 | $8.47 |
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 6 in pot | Home Depot | 1 | $7.98 | $7.98 |
| Spathiphyllum (a.k.a. Peace Lily, Brazilian Sword) | Home Depot | 1 | $9.98 | $9.98 |
| SUBTOTAL | $34.71 | |||
| TOTAL | $211.11 |
Tony Griffitts
Here's a couple new photos of this tank. LED's are doing a very good job. Plant growth has been very good. Even though the tank is heavily stock with livebearers, nitrate accumulation has only been about 5 ppm per week. The corkscrew val has gotten much taller than in any other aquarium I have ever kept it in. The leaves on the Crypto. wendtii (Red) are now about 2 inches wide and are getting near the surface.
Brian Anderson
Tony Griffitts
Tony Griffitts
Brian Anderson
Tony Griffitts
Tony Griffitts
Here are some new pics taken today:
Tony Griffitts
