Congo Killies - PageSuite

The LED strips simply rest
on top of the glass cover.
Fast-growing plants
such as Ceratopteris
and Hygrophila
developed a pleasingly
compact look with
sufficient fertilization.
Natural light effects
Back to the lighting: it is fantastic to see how the combination of strong surface movement
and spotlights create light wave effects known as “glitter lines” that are reflected on the plants
and substrate. The whole display appears very natural. There are, I admit, moments when I pay
more attention to the ever-changing random play of light reflections than to the colors of the
rainbowfishes.
Under the LED lights the plants look different and, I think, more natural. Hygrophila
corymbosa shows pink to reddish shoots. Limnophila sessiliflora keeps a compact growth with
short internodes, even when growing right under the strips. And the Java Fern variety “Windeløv”
is a lush green. In my opinion, which has been reinforced by friends when they see the
system, the overall appearance of the fishes and plants under the LED lighting is really attractive.
Despite my earlier doubts about all the unknowns, I am very happy with it.
This report was written in August 2012, when the last pictures were taken. I set up the
aquarium almost a year ago. I am currently regrouping the plants and replacing some of them
with more red-leaved and decorative species.
A section of Lobelia cardinalis (“Cardinal
Flower”) with its deep purple colors is
planned as well. I hope to report again in
these pages at a later time to document the
results—with more images.
If I were making the decision today,
I would use LEDs again; I like the optical
impression they create better than the one
created by the fluorescent tubes I have used
in the past. I know there are those who favor
the look of fluorescent or metal halide lights,
but I can well imagine switching additional,
smaller tanks to LEDs.
AMAZONAS
Comparison
The aquarium is lit by four 22-watt strips and
three 25-watt LED spots, a total of 163 watts.
To sufficiently illuminate an area of 88 x 32
inches and 24 inches deep (220 x 80 x 60
cm), six or maybe even eight 24-inch (100-
72