Will This Configuration Work? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Boris_yo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2011, 12:06:17 am
content: Afterproblems with fluorescent lamps, i have now found a few LED bulbs that could fit into my aquarium:One person was concerned about LED not having fuse and said he is worried if it could cause fire...But since all of them are E27 screw, i have foundE27-to-E14converters:I have noticed that one converter has 2A which i suppose is amperes?Since my aquarium had its original9W day-light 10,000Kfluorescent bulb, would above configuration be normal and safe for my aquarium?Thanks!

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2011, 01:46:04 am
content: The LED lights will suffer exactly the same problem from water as the fluorescent lights do. They will get as hot, and contain similar electronics. The fluorescent lights have standards approvals, but it looks like the LED ones have none - so who knows how safe they are?Normally low power LEDs last effectively for ever, but lighting LEDs are a different story. They are working near their limits, and have to be well designed to be reliable. Cheap ones can end up having a shorter life then the fluorescent lights.Also does the light fitting have a diffuser in front of the lamp? Without one, the LED lamps are very bright point sources of light and the brightness could easily be enough to affect the eyes particularly if you are looking at them at night. The fluorescent light is a much more even light on the tube surface.Some of the white LEDs I have seen add a definite bluish cast, but you wont know till you try one.And the adapters are probably rated at 2 amps, but for these lamps, you are talking less then 0.1 Amps, so there is no problem.In summary, you may be better sticking to the fluorescent lights. If you are worried by the water, you may want to think about installing your own LEDS in the light fitting with an external supply. See this thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=4813.msg64650#msg64650Richard

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2011, 01:57:27 am
content: Quote from: amspire on November 24, 2011, 01:46:04 amThose are low power LEDs. 588 lumens from 84 emitters? That is only 7 lumens per emitter. It's really not hard to get 200 lumens from a single emitter these days.@Boris: you should really talk to an aquarium specialist. Is the lighting only for humans, or is it to keep the aquarium healthy? You may find that the light quality and light intensity is important for the aquarium. In particular, the plants may not grow well unless you give them the right kind of light.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2011, 02:28:36 am
content: Quote from: IanB on November 24, 2011, 01:57:27 amYes, but when you cram 7 watts worth together, something is going to get warm. They will be built out of the cheapest LED on the market.

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2011, 06:20:55 am
content: try this one:http://www.docklightsforless.com/LED-PORTABLE-FISH-LIGHT-12VOLT-192LEDs-White-or-Green-LED.htmyou can get them in white, green and blue light. :-) But they are quite powerful and are "water cooled" - I have one on my balcony hanging into the water below. Works quite well and the fish likes them.