LED lights

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by onlyonelikeme, Jul 7, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. onlyonelikeme

    onlyonelikeme Banned

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2012
    Messages:
    68
    When it comes to LED lights does it matter what kind fixture it is and if so how do you know what one to use for a reef tank or fowlr
     
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 7, 2012
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 7, 2012
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. N00ZE

    N00ZE Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    1,258
    Location:
    Gulf Of Mexico
    "LEDs have been tested to show that their PAR values can compete with MH if you use enough of them and use lenses to focus the light down into the water. If you decide to go with LED's make sure you get them from a reputible dealer that can supply you with PAR data."

    And with the certain types of fixtures changes between if or if not your having a Reef or FOWLR. For a FOWLR tank any lighting will do but for growing corals your opt to be getting some LED fixtures that have good PAR ratings.

    PAR stands for parabolic aluminum reflector, which is the primary component of a PAR lamp. Like a household outdoor flood light, a PAR lamp is made up of a reflector, lamp and lens sealed together in a single unit. This unit is placed into a housing, known as a can, that contains a socket the lamp plugs into, a metal cylinder that helps aim the light, and a cord that terminates in a plug that can be used in a dimmable or nondimmable electrical system.
     
    N00ZE, Jul 7, 2012
    N00ZE, Jul 7, 2012
    #2
  3. onlyonelikeme

    onlyonelikeme Banned

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2012
    Messages:
    68
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 19, 2012
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 19, 2012
    #3
  4. skurious

    skurious Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,720
    Location:
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Thats a good par38 bulb. probably up there with the best of that style.
     
    skurious, Jul 19, 2012
    skurious, Jul 19, 2012
    #4
  5. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    If you're looking at Par38 bulbs, this one has violet, red and green incorporated into it: reefbreeders
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 19, 2012
    Kevin_E, Jul 19, 2012
    #5
  6. onlyonelikeme

    onlyonelikeme Banned

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2012
    Messages:
    68
    what kinda fixture would it run on and would it keep sps alive in a 110g tank?
     
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 19, 2012
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 19, 2012
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    You would need several to get the proper coverage on a 110 gallon. What's your budget?
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 19, 2012
    Kevin_E, Jul 19, 2012
    #7
  8. onlyonelikeme

    onlyonelikeme Banned

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2012
    Messages:
    68
    basically i want to see if they out do my metal halide on half of the tank for now basically i dont want to spend more on the cheap route than a name brand fixture. Ive heard so many ppl saying led lose intensity after a yr or 2
     
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 19, 2012
    onlyonelikeme, Jul 19, 2012
    #8
  9. reefermadnes

    reefermadnes Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    May 27, 2012
    Messages:
    133
    Chosing lights all depends on how big your tank is, what you want to keep, and how big your wallet is.lol IMO leds are the best way to go whether you have coral or not because even in a fowlr tank it will help keep down algea. If your just gonna keep fish check out aquatraders.com. If you want corals ai super blues will pretty much grow anything you want to keep. Also if you want corals dont buy cheap lights because you will have to buy more of them or have to replace tem sooner. Spend a little extra on something good your wallet and corals will thank you in the long run
     
    reefermadnes, Jul 19, 2012
    reefermadnes, Jul 19, 2012
    #9
  10. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    Are you saying you do or do not want to go the cheaper route?
     
    Kevin_E, Jul 19, 2012
    Kevin_E, Jul 19, 2012
    #10
Page 1 of 2