Led As Extra Light

[s007]

Can i use some wite bright LED stips to add that litle bit of extra light for my plants? Some times you see them on ebay sold as blue light for night light or moon light (causes algae) but i was thinking of getting while LED stips.

Anyone tried that with any success?

Thanks

 

[Mikaila31]

They can be used, but only the big 3 watt ones will have any effect. As far as I am aware you still need the same wattage as if you are using metal halides. These big ones also generate a lot of heat. There are a couple nice DIY threads online on how to build a LED hood for aquarium use. They are still quite expensive as you need lots of LED's along with drivers, usually heat sinks, and lots of time to wire it all together. I know someone on here made one once.... I have yet to do it.

I've never heard about moonlights causing algae, mine don't seem to. They are not on all that much though. Most of my tanks have cold cathode or LED moonlighting...