LED Fixture Life Expectancy

[BenB]

I have an OG Twinstar from 2020. Top of the line then, but sad by today's standard. I will get a new light at some point, but I'm just not feeling spending the $$ right now. It has been on every day for the last 4 years. When I haven't had an aquarium set up, it was growing come carnivorous plants. I know these don't fade like the old fluorescent tubes, but I don't think they keep 100% of their output either.

The plants growing under it right now seem fine but no pearling. (Yes, I know pearling isn't required for good health, but who doesn't love and want it?)

So what's your thoughts? Switching out is a priority, or it should get me through until I decide what I want to do?

 

[Pepere]

I dont think I would be in a huge hurry myself. I would take time to research, and maybe save some pennies…. Yes, I do remember buying pieces of candy for a single penny…

Of course I also have back up lights in the basement that could pinch hit while I waited for a new light to ship if current light on tank suddenly died…. Of course if I didnt, I could run to big box hardware store to get an led shop light for about $25.00 to pinchhit until new light came in…

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

I’d imagine checking the par would answer your question. Brightness isn’t a good evaluation for how much PAR. I’m in a similar boat as you, I have a Version II S series that’s been running since 2020 also. I’ve tried using the “Photone” app to test the par on my light but I haven’t been successful with it yet, I’m sure it’s user error.

 

[Count Krunk]

Par is the only way to tell unless the light has drastically and obviously dimmed.

 

[BenB]

I have an answer to my question. I went to look at my tank today and the light was twice as bright at it had been. It seems some of the LEDs hadn't been working. I hope they will stay on.

I have been enjoying my new set up with no algae and slow growing plants. That might all be about to change.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

I have an answer to my question. I went to look at my tank today and the light was twice as bright at it had been. It seems some of the LEDs hadn't been working. I hope they will stay on.

I have been enjoying my new set up with no algae and slow growing plants. That might all be about to change.

Do you have a dimmer? If not I can tell you two types that work great

 

[BenB]

Do you have a dimmer? If not I can tell you two types that work great

No, it's an older model. No dimmer. I'm planning on getting a new light. I just have been to stingy to want to spend the money. This light doesn't have the best color rendition.

I'll take your dimmer suggestions though.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

Is it an S model? I got mine in 2020 as well and it’s V. II and still kicking.

This is what I’m currently using and I love it. I couldn’t get the WiFi to work because I think my router isn’t compatible but I just have it working locally via Bluetooth and it runs smoothly with the app.

Amazon.com

 

[BenB]

Is it an S model? I got mine in 2020 as well and it’s V. II and still kicking.

This is what I’m currently using and I love it. I couldn’t get the WiFi to work because I think my router isn’t compatible but I just have it working locally via Bluetooth and it runs smoothly with the app.

Amazon.com

Yeah, it's an S model version 2. The color rendition isn't bad, but just a bit yellow. Would like a touch more red and green.
Thanks for the dimmer suggestion. I put it in my Amazon cart.
Because of the lower light, the tank hasn't really been pearling. I love pearling, and it is going crazy now. It makes it magical, but I've been hesitant to add more light because I know the plants are going to go nuts and algae is going to start popping up everywhere. I need to learn to grow better under the bright light though. So I'm diving in. If it gets crazy, I'll back the light off a bit.