Juwel Vision Alternative Lighting Query

[the flying graysons]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum, but not to fishkeeping in general, however I have just bought a Juwel Vision 180 on the cheap as it had a lighting fault, which i am in the process of setting up currently.

Having done some digging on the internet, I can see that this is a fairly common occurance, and as a result I am keen at exploring other options for lighting the tank other than buying another light unit, just to have the same problems.

Does anyone know of, or had experience of successfully using an alternative lighting source which could be installed in the place of the original lighting unit? I have seen some generic looking L.E.D type lighting solutions at my LFS, but not sure if they'd be suitable or practical.

Cheers in advance

 

[waterdrop]

Although there may now be some very high intensity LEDs in the rarer and higher expense range, the general take is still, I believe, that there are too many problems still with this sort of setup as the beam type is quite narrow, delivering too few photons to plant leaves and various other bothersome things. I would just think that route is still a ways off in time unless you're really set on it.

There should be other ways to retrofit either tubes or incandescent (tubes preferable.) Or you should also be examining the possibility of cheap strip lights (a whole new or used unit that might not be as expensive as you think.) Other things that should be examined are whether you might really like a different filtration system (if the current is in the tank top housing?) and also figuring out what light level (in watts per US gallon and per type of lamp - as these things set which plant approach you will be locked in to) you will take.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[the flying graysons]

Although there may now be some very high intensity LEDs in the rarer and higher expense range, the general take is still, I believe, that there are too many problems still with this sort of setup as the beam type is quite narrow, delivering too few photons to plant leaves and various other bothersome things. I would just think that route is still a ways off in time unless you're really set on it.

There should be other ways to retrofit either tubes or incandescent (tubes preferable.) Or you should also be examining the possibility of cheap strip lights (a whole new or used unit that might not be as expensive as you think.) Other things that should be examined are whether you might really like a different filtration system (if the current is in the tank top housing?) and also figuring out what light level (in watts per US gallon and per type of lamp - as these things set which plant approach you will be locked in to) you will take.

~~waterdrop~~

Yeah, I was thinking that the LED route would probably be a no go. I've priced the light units up at about £70 ish, but I just don't want to fork that kind of money on what is clearly a flawed product with so many negative reviews floating about.

 

[bricko]

I can only speak for myslef but I have had no issues with my Vision 260 High light unit in over 2 years now although the bulbs are way overdue replacing.

I did have a fauly on my old T8's though so maybe they have rectified it in the T5 lighting system. If you are running a planted setup you will want T5 anyway and they are also more economical.

 

[backtotropical]

I replaced the standard lighting on my Vision 260 with an Arcadia Overtank Luminaire. Excellent piece of kit, but quite expensive.

It takes 4 x 54w T5's so there's no shortage of light, but the unit came in at around £200.

Your tank is smaller, so you could probably get a smaller luminaire (I got the 4ft one), so that would save some cash.

I'd recommend the luminaire time and time again, but it really depends if you want to spend that much.

Regards

BTT