LED gurus color advice needed.

Ok lets start at the beginning..for around 5 months I've been running a 48 led 1:1 CW/RB dim combo( mw eln 48d). I would like to add more broad spectrum like the others have done here,but not to sure what to buy with out wasting money and time..I spoke to rapid and they suggested to add ~4 blue and ~4 green on a constant current ballast(mw eln 700 i already have) but I'm not sure..should I remove some CW and add NW ,remove some RB and add Blue, maybe some violet(uv) cyan..ugh to many choices..I know a few of you have done this but I forgot who..also since you have done this what would you change or keep..TIA for your input and time.

 

I would remove 6 of the CW and add NW. That should bring out some reds. I would do the same with RB/Blues. I would not suggest adding any greens or cyans as of yet. I don't believe they will provide anything the CW/NW's do not. I would add 4-6 of the UV 420 LEDs as they add more fluorescence.

 

Yep definately add more color to your build. Im also using the eln 700ma constant current driver for my added colors and it works great. I have to disagree with Faceofdeceit, i was using the rb, cw, and nw, and red before. And saw outstanding colors. It was after adding the uv they became even better and when i added to turquiose 495nm they just made the last of the colors pop. With all these colors i have all the bright flouresancts of the corals really come out. I have seen great oranges and red come out more after adding the green. Many users who use the radion have also noticed great color rendition and that fixture also utilizes green leds. A while ago many people never added uv to their builds, after time we realized it was very vital to the mix for sps and now i see the green also becoming as popular.

 

The reason I suggested not to add the Green/Cyan yet is due to no long term results with it. Adding a spectrum will provide immediate results, but keeping lasting color will be the true indicator of that spectrum's vitality. I have been using UV supplementation for over a year and have been a supporter ever since.

 

Thanks guys for the input. Its for the above reasons why I was asking these questions,LED technology is changing by the day and with all the color choices/combos available its hard to get the right answers,only time/experimenting will get us closer.I think the radian is going to be a front runner,but the price is a bit high right now,so its DIY for me..

 

Hey jkat, Im glad you're getting around to this!

I think it was FoD as well who said this, but keep it simple as possible even tho I know youd want cover as much spectrum as you can.

Here is my suggestion:
Keep all the RB.
Add 6 Blues and run at 700mA
Add 4 Rebel Cyans and run at 700mA (I wish I had this option when I was building! I might swap them to replace the turquoise tho)
Add a lot of UVs (how many is depends on what kind they are )
Swap out some CW with NW (not too many) like 6 maybe?
(now I read what FoD said and pretty much the same thing lol )

Im sure you're familiar with my build, and I started to see the UV effect on SPSs after almost 2 months. Purple is more purple, green is greener. Gotta love the UVs!

 

I agree with adding uvs. I also love my greens but have just 2 above my 55 gallon

 

Thanks guys for the help. between what you and Faceofdeceit recommend I should be placing my order once rapid gets some blues back in stock..as of the uv`s I'm prob going to go with 6, I could always add more later..

 

Thanks for the input..

 

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