I have a number of freshwater planted 10 gallon tanks. I own both the Marineland Single Bright and the Double Bright models. While the double bright is in fact double the brightness, they are narrowly concentrated and the plant growth is affected by the placement of the plants directly below the LEDs. This is also a huge problem if you have any floating plants blocking certain LEDs from reaching the light below.
While a bit less bright, the Single Bright evenly covers the tank with behavior similar to a single T8 light. The plant growth for low light plants such as Java Moss and Java Fern can be kept without worrying about algae problems, especially if you "tape to block" the blue LEDs since there is not a separate switch to turn just the blue LEDs off. Because of the number of LEDs present, the floating plants or placement of the plants are much more forgiving than the Double Bright model.
While the light works fine on black substrate, my recommendation is to go with natural or "whiter" substrate to allow the light reflections to help spread the coverage.
Lastly, the power adapter is detachable at the cord that plugs in right next to the on/off switch. This is very convenient since the light can be quickly unplugged and moved out of the way. The Double Bright has the cord permanently attached, so moving the light is not as easy.
Strongly recommended for anyone looking to lower the cost of electricity.
I have tested the following plants in a 10 gallon tank:
Ludwgia Repens X: This plant turns green to red to indicate light intensity. Under a single T8 6500k bulb, the plants' bottom is usually green while top half of the leaves turn bronze to red. Under this LED light, the red turned to green and maintained slow growth. Therefore, I know that this light provides lower "PAR" and spectrum not as ideal as a single T8 bulb.
Amazon Sword: Don't bother under this light. Mine melted.
Java Fern: Stayed the same size with little to no new growth.
Java Moss: Continued to grow. Perfect for the low LED light.
Dwarf Sag: Don't bother.
Hornwort: Floating hornwort melted slowly melted away.
Pennywort: Leaves continued to grow, but looked very soft bright green.
Duckweed: Well, they are duckweed. They grew.
So, there you have it. Should give you a good reason to stay with T8 bulbs or take chances with this LED light. Looks nice to human eyes, but doesn't translate to plant growth.
Single Bright LED Lighting System (10 Total Watts)
600 Lumens
102 60 mW White LEDs
6 60 mW Blue LEDs
SKU B0045LAS3O
Double Bright LED Lighting System (23.5 Total Watts)
1200 Lumens
16 1 W White LEDs
8 60 mW Blue LEDs
SKU B0032536R4
Reef Capable LED Lighting System (57 Total Watts)
2610 Lumens
36 1 W White LEDs
6 1 W Blue LEDs
SKU B00494JTFU
Buy Marineland Single Bright LED Lighting System Now
This has to be one of the best purchases I've made for my poor fish. Despite some of the reviews, this lit up my tank very nicely. I have a 35-gallon hexagonal tank. I was concerned that the light wouldn't fit on such an odd shape. I took a chance on it because the opening is 17" across and the light looked like the bars would pull out to accommodate the size of the edge lip, which was about 22". It did and it fits perfectly. The entire tank is illuminated evenly and much more pleasant than my old fluorescent light. I actually don't have a negative. The opening of my tank is about 1" wider than the light itself, so it doesn't cover the hole entirely, but there is only 1/2" open on the front and back, so the cat still can't get in. As a matter of fact, the cat used to be able to push off the fluorescent light because it was so big. Since this one is flat, sits right on top of the tank and is held on by the extendable bars, the cat can't move it off. Again, one of the best purchases I've ever made for the fish.
Read Best Reviews of Marineland Single Bright LED Lighting System Here
I've been keeping fish for over thirty five years and these wonderfully innovative double bright LED lighting systems are some of the best advances I've seen aquarium lighting.I was so impressed with the largest sized units the 48-60 I have them on my 55 gallons all the way up to 125 gallons ( you need to Double uo on the units for larger tanks to avoid shadow and ensure uniform lighting)
This size is perfect for tanks up to 36" across, be it a regular or breeder tank the results are absolutely stunning.Gone is the dull white haze of expensive, energy draining full spectrum tubes. Not to mention those awfully shoddy fixtures that haven't changed at least since I was a kid some 40 years ago.
Having looked into alternative lighting in the past, the setups were either too expensive, ran too hot or were difficult to install.One thing is certain Marineland has a hit on their hands. The unit is simplicity itself. A sleek and smart design it's as functional as it is beautiful. Solid build quality, no need for special wiring and installation is a breeze. Simply place it on to your glass canopy, turn it on and get ready to have your jaw drop.
The light from this unit is nothing short of gorgeous, it pours out crystal, pristine and brilliant. The "shimmering effect" is subtle and really quite remarkable the Lunar mode is almost surreal it's that beautiful.I've read on the forums that some folks are using the lights without a versa top. All it takes is one good splash and you'll short the system out not to mention void your warrantee.
The unit itself is so incredibly thin, you'll have no trouble fitting a canopy on top of your tank. The lights rest about 1/4 inch above the glass tops and you'll of course want to place them in the back. The end brackets are fully adjustable and make for a perfect, snap in fit. However, I suggest when using this size on smaller tanks, say up to a 40 gallon ignore the brackets an position the unit without the brackets extended dead center on your glass versa top.
The reason being you'll go nuts trying to get the system perfectly centered. In addition the look without the brackets extended is sensational, clean and high tech.
There's a lot of bang for your buck here :
* The day light LED lights consume only 35 watts as opposed to 80 for a single fluorescent bulb.
* The Lunar LED lights are spectacular and allow you to watch your fish without disturbing their natural sleep/rest cycle.
* Each LED is covered with a Polycarbonate lens this not only protects the bulb, but helps to create the "shimmer effect" hobbyists are raving about.
* Everything you need is controlled by a single side switch. Daylight, Lunar and on and off.
Nothing I've seen re-creates the look of actual sunlight as perfectly as this it's that spectacular.You get an impressive 17,000 lifetime hours, Daylight mode, Lunar mode, an incredible Shimmer effect that's bound to just knock you out and a whopping 1800 Lumens of clear, clean light. The Marineland Double Bright LED lighting system is exceptional.Once you turn it on you'll know immediately that the system is worth every penny. Just a brilliant product that does more than meet your expectations, it exceeds them.
Want Marineland Single Bright LED Lighting System Discount?
If you are looking for a light that will make your fish look their bestthis is it. It's not overly bright (slightly brighter than standard aquarium lighting), but it lights my 29 gallon perfectly. All the colors in the tank pop. Multicolored gravel has never looked so good and goldfish have never looked better. The light itself looks sleek and modern. It puts out almost no heat. And I love that I don't have to worry about changing bulbs. I have a few low light plants in this aquarium. I wouldn't try any plants more demanding than low light (java moss, java fern, hornwort) with this set up, though. The moonlight feature is the icing on the cake. If you have any neon decor or glofish, they will glow under the blue night lights.
I have 5 aquariums, and have tried lighting from florescent to T5s to compact florescent: LED is my favorite look. I love the bright white light. Also LEDs have the same shimmer effect as natural sunlight on the water's surface. If you have aquatic plants you may need stronger light, but otherwise you can't beat this for looks. Also this is the best price I've seen for a full LED hood.
Save 70% Off
Not sturdy enough, it just lies down in the water. Pretty color though. Just wish it would float in the water like it looks in the picture.
