Basically, there are two kinds of lights available for ponds, halogen
lights (which have been around for quite a while), and LED, which are more
recent developments. Here are some differences between the two. Note that
here we are addressing 12volt systems only.
Some advantages of LED:
Focused light
Solidly built and hard to break, durable
Last twice as long as best fluorescent bulbs and 20 times longer than
incandescent bulbs LEDs also are more efficient per watt, produce greater
lumens per watt than incandescents or halogen bulbs. LEDs can be built in
a number of colors so do not require a filter, which greatly reduces
efficiency of light. Finally, LEDs run cooler and are less likely to warm
the pond or for their seals to get damaged because of the cooler running
temperatures.
Some Disadvantages:
LED lights are still quite expensive and it is taking a while for the
price to drop. Also, it is difficult to find an LED system that produces
high wattage. Fountain Tech produces the highest pond light wattage we
know of at 8 watts per light fixture. And a total of 130 separate LEDs are
used in the fixture to do this!
Halogen: Some Advantages
These are good lights, not as durable as LEDs but pretty durable all in
all. The most common sizes are 10 watt, 20 watt, 35 and 50, though you can
also find 75 watt lights. You can usually buy lens covers to change the
color of the light, though lens filters do reduce the luminosity a great
deal. In general, it is more efficient to use colored bulbs. Still, you
will find less light from a colored bulb than a clear one. LED is the way
to keep luminosity efficient when using colored light. You can find a good
selection of both at Cheap Pumps.
Some Disadvantages:
These light bulbs don’t last nearly as long as LEDs, though they still
last a long time. They burn quite hot and sometimes the high temperatures
burn the O-rings and the fixtures leak.
About transformers:
Transformers that will be used outside (as almost all will!) really need a
3-prong plug. Beware of the “for indoor use only” transformer as, in order
to find an indoor plug and then run the cable to your fixture outdoors
these are often more trouble than the price savings is worth. Find a
UL-approved transformer that can be used in or out of doors. That’s our
recommendation.
