Waterproof LEDs for tank in bright room - Orchid Board

a1issa · #1 03-02-2019, 10:41 AM

JANUARY 2020 UPDATE: thanks to everyone who gave input on the project! I went with an HLG Saber light, wired up to a 90-watt driver, and am happy so far. You can see the tank build here: 72-gallon partially planted bowfront aquarium

Hi, after one of our coldest & snowiest winters in the Midwest, I've been itching to start an orchid tank.

I've spent the last week reading about lighting and attended a local class by a hydroponics grower & store owner who hated all LEDs except one $800 fixture he'd tried.

I'd really like to go with LEDs for energy efficiency & light clarity, and I'm having a hard time figuring out what would be best for my situation. I will have bright ambient light and need something waterproof so that I can have a mister.

What I'm trying to grow: Miniature orchids (TBD), bromeliads, tillandsia, and provide a winter home for my oncidium intergenerics & dendrobiums. I suspect I'll have a mix of higher- and mid- light plants so was hoping that I could place the higher light need orchids higher in the tank.

Environment: tank, likely either a 90-gallon or 75-gallon aquarium from Craigslist, in a 48" length. I want to use a MistKing mister to help keep humidity at at least 70%.

Ambient conditions: On the east wall of a southern facing room with a wall of windows on the Southern side; has bright light when the deciduous trees have dropped leaves (mid-Oct. - mid-May). The tank will only get a small ray of sunshine in late afternoon but will be placed within 7' of the windows (perpendicular). I currently have houseplants in the spot where the tank will go - a FLF with slightly etiolated growth & a happy bird of paradise.

Lights I've considered:

PHILLIPS GREEN POWER LED PRODUCTION MODULE - This is waterproof, but not sure one would be enough light? Expensive if you need two ($260). Impressive PPF.
Skylight Blue LED - Pro - Triple (82 CRI) - Not a lot of info on this system and CRI seems low; built for terrarium use
Sunblaster T5 LED Conversion Lamp 4' - I have an existing single SunBlaster T5 fixture circa '09, but it wouldn't be waterproof. Not sure one bulb would be enough light. Also, it sounds like there may be some concerns with compatibility with older SB fixtures?
SUNBLASTER LED STRIP BAR WITH REFLECTOR - Not waterproof
4' Active Grow 40-watt Wide Spectrum LED 2 Tube Light Fixture - Nice CRI, not waterproof
LED 5 Row Strip Plant Grow Light - 120 Volt - High Output (SMD-2835) - Waterproof, but limited info on lighting; also, an electrical project.
Spectral Designs 46" x 8" LED Light Strip Panel - Likely waterproof, but limited info on lights.
HLG 65 V2 4000K Horticulture Lighting Group Quantum Board LED Grow Light Veg & Bloom 4000K - Not waterproof, maybe too much light?
Mars ECO 300W Led Grow Light for Beginner-Mars Hydro - Not waterproof. Might be too bright.
Mars SP-250 LED Full Spectrum Hydroponic LED Grow Light - Not waterproof. Too much light?

Can someone help point me in the right direction as to what my best options are?

Thank you!!!

I really look forward to starting my first tank and growing some new types of orchids.

P.S. I tried to link to all of the referred lighting sources to help others doing the same research, but apparently I am not able to include more than one link as a new user.